Cell Phone Demand Means More Towers
It’s no secret cell phones are just about everywhere these days. In fact, more Americans than ever have ditched home phones and use cell phones as their primary means of communication. With more people than ever utilizing them, cell phone companies are scrambling to meet demand.
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Increased use means increased desire for wide-ranging, reliable networks. That’s led to many cell phone companies reaching out to property owners (as well as schools, churches and local municipalities) about placing cell towers on their land. These cell sites come in an array of sizes, from a traditional tower large enough to scale to smaller antennas quietly tucked away on a rooftop.
There are certain pros and cons to cell tower lease agreements and allowing towers on property. Here’s a look at both the positives and negatives.
Pros
- Immediate profit – Additional income is the biggest benefit for property owners when structuring a cell cites agreement. They will certainly experience an immediate revenue stream through rent paid by the cell service provider. This amount can very greatly and will depend on the individual value of the tower as well as the negotiating strategies employed. Another option is for the property owner to receive a lump sum payment for the revenues generated. This can be particularly beneficial for HOA Associations, municipalities schools and/or churches that can use the lump sums to fund projects.
- Long-term profit – It’s also possible for the income stream to result in long-term financial benefit should the tower lease be extended over a long period of time. Additionally, it’s possible that the value of the property itself rises due to the cell tower company’s use. This could mean even stronger future lease negotiations or increased property value when sold to another party.
- Improved service – Naturally, an immediate and noticeable benefit for the area is improved service. All who subscribe to that cell provider will experience better service with less downtime. This can be an enormous perk for local businesses or people who from home.
Cons
- Health concerns – According to the American Cancer Society there is little evidence to support that cell towers increase the risk for cancer or other health issues. However, many people still protest cell towers within their neighborhood or community. It is imperative that the RF field strength near the tower meets acceptable measurement.
- Visual concerns – Scenic areas are obviously sensitive to any intrusions to aesthetic. This is true for college campuses, churches, rolling fields, and even just residential communities. Traditional cell towers are tall and rather hard to disguise, causing many to consider them eyesores. Though many attempts have been made by cell phone providers to camouflage the towers, even small towers can fall short on “blending in.”
If you are considering a cell tower lease agreement, be sure to weigh both pros and cons. The benefits could help your community, but the downsides should be considered too. Before any negotiations begin, it’s essential to seek out professional consultation to review all of your options.
