Do you have cell tower questions? You are not alone. Cell towers may be one of the most misunderstood parts of our American infrastructure. We want our cell phones to work at all times but do we really understand how cell towers work? We wrote this article for people like you searching for answers. We want to share with you seven common cell tower questions and answers.
1. How Many Cell Towers Are There In The US?
According to CTIA as of December 2013, there were approximately 305,000 cell towers in the US. With US carriers projected to spend over $30 billion in the 2015 cell tower construction forecast. We anticipate the number of cell towers to grow significantly higher this year and next.
2. Do Cell Towers Decrease Nearby Property Values?
This is debatable question that has been around since the birth of the cell tower industry. Here in Southern California, home to Airwave Advisors, our local jurisdictions have some of the toughest planning criteria in the nation. Vertical towers such as mono-poles or lattice towers are banned and the ones still standing are “grandfathered in” to new planning criteria. The ideal design for every community is to have the cell tower companies build a “stealth design”. Something that hides the antennas from public view, is aesthetically pleasing, and not an eye sore.
3. How Long Will We Need Cell Towers?
In November we wrote an article titled, “Will Your Cell Tower Be Needed In The Future?” and we received a positive response. We work hard to provide our clients the most up to date industry information we can so they can make fully informed business decisions with their towers. While we don’t have a crystal ball we anticipate they will be needed for at least the next 20 years. At present there is not a cost efficient replacement technology.
4. How Do I Get A Cell Tower On My Property?
We receive the question of how do I get a cell tower on my property everyday. The answer is if they are interested they will come to you, not the other way around. It is an easy exercise in supply and demand. The demand of property owners who want cell towers is high and the supply of new towers being built is limited. Demand outweighs supply and thus the cell tower companies typically have their pick of properties when it comes to developing a new tower. Check out our article here if you would like to learn more on, “How Do I Get A Cell Tower?“.
5. Where Can I Get Help With My Cell Tower Lease?
Airwave Advisors are the full service cell tower lease experts you are looking for. No matter what you need help with we have done it all and our experts are your best asset. To discuss your cell tower lease in more detail call our cell tower lease experts today at (888) 443-5101.
6. How Much Does It Cost To Build A Cell Tower?
Costs to build a cell tower vary greatly from $100,000 all the way up to hundreds of thousands. It depends on the cell tower structure they want to build: monopole, lattice tower, guyed tower, stealth tower, etc. Monopoles typically come in at the lowest cost for construction around approximately $100,000, while stealth towers constructed as elaborate clock towers with incorporated art can come in at some of the most expensive in the hundreds of thousands. Land options, planning restrictions, and budget will typically lead a cell tower company to construct one type of tower over another.
7. How Do I Get Cell Tower Lease Experts On My Side?
Make sure you have experienced representation on your side to avoid common pitfalls. Airwave Advisors has worked with many property owners in millions of dollars in sales transactions. Contact us today to discuss your opportunity.
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About Nick G. Foster
Since founding Airwave Advisors® in 2014, Mr. Foster has added value to over 400 clients ranging from the State of Nevada, City of Beverly Hills, to Habitat For Humanity. Mr. Foster focuses on cell tower lease renewals, buyouts, new lease negotiation, and cell site lease management. Prior to starting Airwave Advisors® Mr. Foster founded and led the Cell Site Services Group within nationwide commercial real estate services leader Cassidy Turley (now known as Cushman & Wakefield).
How long does it take to repair a down tower
Hi Finn,
You have a good question. I would think it would depend on why the tower is down in the first place. Is it antennas going offline, or is there structural damage to the tower caused by a fallen tree? If it is just antennas offline, that can typically be resolved in 24-72 hours. If it is structural damage, that could take weeks if not months to fix.
All the best,
Nick G. Foster