Cell Tower Lease Rates 2015 | What Are Today’s Rates?

By Nick G. Foster

April 20, 2015

Cell Tower Lease Rates In 2015 Are Rising

The cell tower market is quickly shifting in favor of the property owner. Cell tower lease landlords, like you, are becoming savvier as to what they should actually be receiving as a fair cell tower lease rate in 2015. The change in tide is a reason to celebrate! For far too long we have received calls from landlords who share with us that they are only receiving $500.00 per month for their cell tower lease, or that they previously signed a rent-reduction lease amendment with MD7 or Blackdot Wireless. If you watch the TV show Shark Tank on ABC, in the words of Mr. Wonderful, “Stop The Madness!”.

As a cell tower landlord advocate, Airwave Advisors® is on a mission. We have created a proprietary database that tracks cell tower locations, rents, and buyout prices. To empower property owners like you with market information, thereby contributing to the wealth of the landlord community as a whole. Here are five things to look out for with cell tower lease rates in 2015:

 1. Your Cell Tower Lease Is Worth More Than You Know

Cell tower lease rates are rising, lease renewals are common, and your cell tower lease is worth more now than ever. We are able to achieve significant gains with the property owner’s cell tower lease rates. Don’t leave money on the table, have your cell tower lease reviewed by a cell tower lease expert such as Airwave Advisors today.

2. 10% and 15% Term Escalators Are Out – Annual Escalators Are In!

Each year we see the cell tower companies and carriers try to get better and better deals for themselves. The introduction of the 10% or 15% term escalator is creative on the side of the tenant, however, a bad business move on the side of the landlord. Does US inflation wait five years for you, or is it on-going? If inflation doesn’t wait for you, why should your rent escalator? Don’t let the double-digit rent increase numbers fool you, waiting five years for your next rent increase is for the birds.

3. Lease Renewals Present An Opportunity To Significantly Increase Rents!

Much of the cell tower networks were constructed in the 1990’s. Those leases are now coming up for renewal and we see proposals, provided to our clients, to continue with no increase, or even to reduce the rent. Often, I think the carriers just want to take advantage of property owners, after all, they are looking out for their bottom line. Make sure you are looking out for your bottom line and have your lease renewal opportunity reviewed by Airwave Advisors.

4. Rooftop Cell Site Upgrades Are Time-Sensitive Opportunities

All major US carriers are upgrading their networks and in many urban markets, that means rooftop cell sites. We often see the carriers present their upgrade projects with a vague “consent letter” and no plans attached. Don’t sign a document that you don’t fully understand. Request drawings showing exactly what the carrier plans to install on your property and have those drawings reviewed by cell tower lease experts such as Airwave Advisors. You likely have a time-sensitive opportunity to increase your rooftop cell site rent!.

5. If You Are In Talks With A Cell Tower Company, Hire An Expert

Airwave Advisors combines over 25 years of industry experience in order to help cell tower landlords like you to maximize their wireless leases. We assist private landowners, commercial real estate ownersmunicipalities, and anyone else who either has a cell tower, or has been contacted for a cell tower. The cell tower companies have experts on their side, shouldn’t you?

Have You Been Contacted By A Cell Tower Company?

Call Us Today

(888) 443-5101

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20 Comments

  1. Janie grant on September 23, 2018 at 11:57 am

    I was thinking of having a tower put on my property and just want a little information on how it works

  2. James Whitney on September 22, 2018 at 5:33 pm

    To whom it may concern in have a half acre of wooded an in area in Washington nc in which a cell tower is need please contact me on my option as well as what needs to be done

  3. Jacob Calanno on July 2, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    to whom it may concern
    Hi may name is Jacob and I’m looking for a tower advisor to renew a lease, but first I would like to discuss is what are your rates.I will leave my contact information below.

    Thank you
    Jacob

    • Nick Foster on July 5, 2018 at 9:48 am

      Hi Jacob,

      It was good speaking with you regarding your cell tower lease. Should you have any further questions, please give us a call at (888) 443-5101.

      All the best,

      Nick G. Foster

  4. Joann Darlene Perkins on March 5, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    I have 3.5 acres in Grass Valley Ca. Was interested in having a cell tower on my property for lease.

    • Nick Foster on March 6, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Hi Joann,

      Thank you for your comment. Please check out our article “Cell Tower Locations” to learn how to submit your property for consideration for a cell tower.

      All the best,

      Nick G. Foster

  5. Freeman Pliler on January 9, 2017 at 8:27 am

    I have been contacted about maybe a cell tower being put on my property. I know nothing about the in or outs of this.How much do i ask in rent to charge ? What can i expect them to do on my property? This is just a couple of questions that come to mind. Where can i find out what i need to know.

    • Nick Foster on January 9, 2018 at 10:16 am

      Hi Freeman,

      When contacted with a new cell tower lease opportunity there are many questions to ask. Typically you can expect property inspections, tests (such as soil samples), and then construction. After the tower is constructed, on-going maintenance is required (at least a monthly site visit). Please give us a call at (888) 443-5101 if you would like to discuss further.

      All the best,

      Nick G. Foster

  6. Kenny on October 24, 2016 at 6:11 pm

    Hello, I have been contacted by a 3rd party with Verizon. The 3rd party has been out to look at land, I was at work, he also has been to my local county permit bldg. He calls everyday and I finally took the call. He gave me his terms and asked, are you interested. I quickly replied no to 25yr lease and it needed to be less before I’ll think about it,had thoughts of developing my commercial land. After a few days he came back with a 15yr lease.Since thursay 10/20/2016 I started looking online to gain some knowledge.My first thought now is they must need or want my spot if there willing to do 15yrs? Your thought? I live in vancouver washington Thank you

  7. Rich Henry on May 10, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    I have tow (2) acres in Short Gap WV where the signal is low, what am I looking at to lease this property for a tower.

  8. Roger Emerick on April 7, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Can you give me a range of $/mo for a cell tower lease? Thanks

    • Nick Foster on April 8, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Roger,

      By providing you a range I would be doing you a disservice, as every specific area, tenant, installation, etc. is different. Feel free to give me a call if you would like to discuss.

      All the best,

      Nick G. Foster

  9. Thomas Mullins on September 24, 2015 at 3:16 am

    Hi Nick,

    I am an appraiser preparing a valuation on an existing cell tower in WV. I was looking for information on comparable cell tower leases, sales and any proposed towers. Is this information you can provide or for which I can obtain a subscription?

    Thanks,

    Tom Mullins

    • Nick Foster on September 24, 2015 at 8:08 am

      Hi Tom,

      Thank you for the message. Unfortunately, at this time we do not share our proprietary information on a subscription basis. If your client is interested in selling their cell tower lease, we can certainly add value to you and your client.

      All the best,

      Nick Foster

  10. Denver Burdette on May 24, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    not sure if this is w/in your niche, but I have a vacant lot that
    I think may be a candidate as a site for a cell tower.

    If you have questions, feel free to contact me at 561-798-5559
    thx,

    • Nick Foster on May 26, 2015 at 8:21 am

      Hi Denver,

      Thank you for the comment on our blog. We only work on existing or proposed cell tower opportunities. If you would like to explore “How Do I Get A Cell Tower?“, please check out our blog post by clicking on the link here.

      All the best,

      Nick Foster

  11. Burt Polson on April 28, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    Nick, good article. Good to know leases are moving in favor of the landlord.

    Burt Polson
    ACRES Real Estate Services, Inc
    burtpolson.com

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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).