SBA Communications Leases, 4 Tips For You

By Nick G. Foster

April 30, 2014

(article updated February 20, 2020)

What You Need To Know

With approximately 32,000 cell towers SBA Communications (“SBA”) comes in as the third largest cell tower operator in the United States. As one of the top three largest cell tower operators in the United States, SBA knows how to get the most out of their cell tower leases.

It is therefore a good idea to seek professional representation from leading cell tower consultants such as Airwave Advisors when speaking with SBA.

As a landlord, we want to help you put more money in your pocket. One of our missions is to empower property owners to get the most amount of money out of their cell tower lease.

To better assist you in working with SBA we want to share with you 3 quick tips:

1. SBA Is Making Cell Tower Lease Buyout Offers

We have sold over $50,000,000.00 of cell tower leases for the benefit of property owners like you. We pride ourselves in ensuring our clients receive the top purchase price in the market at all times. SBA is making unsolicited offers to purchase our clients leases. In our experience we have never received a top of the market offer from SBA. When working with clients who have been offered a lump sum buyout from SBA we always help our clients to shop around.  We have found better deals out there and we will help you secure the better deal putting more money in your pocket.

2. Beware Memorandums With SBA Lease Extensions

We also have represented multiple property owners who have entered into lease extension discussions with SBA. A few times we received SBA’s lease extension agreement and it was a “Memorandum and Amendment” agreement.

What Does That Mean?

It means what should be a lease amendment  between two parties with business terms that are confidential is instead going to be recorded and put on record for the entire world to see. That means your neighbor, family member, anyone who wants to view this agreement can do so.

Do You Want Your Neighbor Or The Public To Know How Much You Receive In Rent From SBA?

Of course not. Airwave Advisors can help you secure a lease amendment with business terms in your favor that will NOT be recorded. This allows you to keep your deal points confidential as they should be.

3. Secure Fair Market Rent With New Cell Tower Leases

Too often we encounter below market lease terms presented to a property owner from SBA and/or their representative. SBA like AT&T and Verizon hires cell tower lease experts to look out for SBA’s best interest. The use of experts provides positive results for SBA to ensure they get long term leases on properties with low lease rates.

4. Conclusion

Shouldn’t you have a cell tower lease expert looking out for your best interest? Airwave Advisors has represented property owners like you in cell tower lease negotiations with SBA and we always look out for your best interest to get you the best deal

If you would like to review our abstract of their Q4 2019 earnings check out our review here. For a complete list of the Top 10 Cell Tower Companies check out our article here.

I met with Nick at my property and engaged his services to assist us with our lease renewal. Nick was very professional, timely, and obtained results that greatly exceeded his fees. I would highly recommend Nick’s services to any landlords that have cell tower leases coming up for renewal.

Kenny M., Managing Partner, MAR Investments

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*** Airwave Advisors is not affiliated with SBA Communications. The blog post above is offered strictly as an opinion. If you would like to learn more about SBA you can visit their website at www.sbasite.com ***

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2 Comments

  1. Jason Schwink on November 7, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    For study purposes, at what range of costs does SBA Communications spend to construct one individual tower? Once constructed, what is average monthly or annual charge to the tenant?

    Thank you.

    • Nick Foster on December 7, 2017 at 8:44 am

      Hi Jason,

      Please contact SBA Communications directly in regards to your question of their constructions costs. In regards to monthly rent there is no average, every area and situation is unique and what would be average in say Austin, TX, will not be average in Kansas City, MO.

      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).