Higher Education=Higher Rents: In order for telecom companies (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint) to provide effective wireless services, communications equipment must be placed in densely populated areas. Your college campus “makes the grade” as an ideal cell site location. The sum is truly greater than its parts. The value of the total campus population—students, faculty and staff— to the wireless carrier can be leveraged by the university for any cell tower lease negotiation. This leverage can also be utilized to ensure higher rental income and more flexibility within agreement provisions. Equipped with more information and better understanding about the value of your property to a wireless carrier, you are more likely to secure a lease agreement that meets the unique needs of your campus while increased opportunities to collect maximum rental revenue.
- Beauty: In the Eye of the Beholder: The words “cell tower” can often evoke images of telecom companies unabashedly installing massive steel structures, chain-link fences, and obtrusive equipment on residence hall rooftops, academic buildings or student centers, particularly in the minds of college administrators, alumni, donors, and governing boards. Fortunately, there is an alternative to the older cell tower configurations. Telecom companies can preserve the original landscape by incorporating communications equipment into an existing campus structure such as a stadium, amphitheater, campus radio station antenna or by constructing a cell tower specifically designed to resemble a palm tree, bell tower, or even modern art.
- Ahead of the Curve: In order to remain competitive, college and universities must plan for future campus developments. The average term of a cell site lease is 25 years or more. For example, it may be necessary to relocate an existing cell tower to make space for a new, state of the art fitness complex as a result of a generous 3 million-dollar contribution to your campus from an anonymous donor. With advancements in mobile technology, the future is bright for college and universities so make sure you are ahead and not behind the curve.
In 2022, Vertical Consultants averaged an immediate 302% increase in rents being received by its clients. Call today for a free consultation and more information on how we can assist your school with a new or existing cell site lease.
