Tillman Infrastructure Cell Tower Lease | 4 Things You Need To Know

By Nick G. Foster

July 12, 2018

We have received many calls from property owners who have been contacted by a representative of Tillman Infrastructure over the years. Below are some frequently asked questions.

Who Is Tillman Infrastructure?

From our research Tillman Infrastructure appears to be founded by Suruchi Ahuja and headquartered in New York City. Tillman Infrastructure first appeared on our radar in 2017 with a press release that stated Tillman have been awarded built-to-suit tower contracts by AT&T and Verizon.

Typically, we have been contacted by property owners who own land near existing Crown Castle, SBA, and American Tower Corporation towers.

The assumption is that the tower company will construct a tower nearby and then move AT&T, or Verizon, from the existing tower onto the new tower at a lower rental rate.

A smart move by wireless carriers to align themselves with a newer player in the industry. The threat to move then applies pressure on the tower companies to reduce rental rates.

What Business Terms Are You Seeing For Landlords?

Often, we receive leases from property owners with below-market business terms.

I think the worst we have seen so far is a proposal to lease 10,000 square feet of land for $300.00 per month, with a 6% rent increase every five years, and the lease is for a total of 99 years.

The lease term is of course unreasonable. The property owner would be basically selling the land to the tower company, however, the tower company would be making monthly payments at an extremely bargain price of an interest rate.

If you are ever offered a proposal such as this, it would typically make more business sense to sub-divide and sell the land. Receive a one-time lump sum payment, wash your hands of ever having to pay property taxes on the land again, and call it a day.

How Is the Cell Tower Industry Responding?

Not well.

In June of 2018 American Tower Corporation sent a non-compete letter to all their contractors stating, contractors are “…to not participate in the development of any new towers that are within a half mile of an existing American Tower Corporation site.

Within less than a week of the letter going out, American Tower Corporation retracted the requirement on their vendors stating they have received input from their vendors and their customers. It sounds like AT&T and Verizon flexed their muscle on American Tower Corporation.

What Should I Do If I Am Contacted By Tillman Infrastructure?

Have the project reviewed by a cell tower lease expert such as Airwave Advisors.

Business terms need to be fair for all parties and signing a 25 or a 99 year agreement has a tremendous impact on your property! Don’t go up against cell tower companies alone. They have experts on their side, shouldn’t you?

Have A Cell Tower Lease Question?

Call Us Today

(888) 443-5101

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6 Comments

  1. Michael Lorenzo on December 21, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    I have some extra land on my property and it’s doing nothing! 21085 Joppa Maryland

    • Nick Foster on January 4, 2019 at 8:27 am

      Hi Michael,

      Check out our article “Cell Tower Locations” with links to contact the carriers directly.

      Good luck,

      Nick G. Foster

  2. Don Wilcox on September 30, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    I’m interested in leasing land to cell tower contractors

  3. Bobby Bloodsworth on August 19, 2018 at 6:17 am

    We bought a home and 20 acres
    We are interested in leasing to cell phone tower companies for AT&T.
    Our own service here is horrible. We would like to know what would be a good rate to accept and also how many years should we consider. We are wanting to do this for own service needs. And also as a income and to help us pay on the principal of our house .

    • Nick Foster on August 20, 2018 at 7:27 am

      Hi Bobby,

      Thank you for reaching out. If you are interested in getting a cell tower on your property, please check out our article “Cell Tower Locations“.

      All the best,

      Nick G. Foster

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Nick Foster Airwave Advisors

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).