patch antenna also known as semi-directional antenna.

technically it is still a directional type, but with much wider horizontal/vertical angle than pure directional antenna.

it is ideal for signal broadcasting job.

just like what u saw those antennas sit at base station - rectangle size white color antenna. let say using a patch antenna with 90degree horizontal beamwidth, using 4 patch antenna will be covering full 360 degree. if a patch antenna with 120degree, 3 patch antenna enough. these are expensive professional antenna, always be the target of scrap metal thief.

let say a patch antenna go down, only partial direction out of function. not full area.

patch antenna for 3g is much more expensive than for wifi.