Smart Phones are just about everywhere. One of the biggest inventions and innovations of the 21st century, these phones are in the hands of people of all ages, and across all states and wireless usage statistics are staggering. Just about every middle school kid and high school student has one. With exponential demand for data – the need grows daily – it’s no wonder they’re good for cell tower leases. Let’s take a closer look at why.
Growing Capacity
- As we become more reliant on smartphones, the need to increase the capacity of wireless networks has grown. Many studies agree, noting wireless data traffic is increasing at an upwards of 120% per year. The number of wireless devices is currently scheduled to exceed over seven billion devices by 2018. That number is more than the amount of people on this earth.
- With the rise of smartphones comes increased data being transferred over wireless networks. Wireless carriers are making available larger or even unlimited data plans. This has resulted in not only the need to construct/install new cell sites of all types, but also a need to retain the existing cell tower, rooftop and other established cell sites.
Gap Sites
- Companies like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint are constantly improving existing cell tower and rooftop sites. They do so by upgrading or adding additional equipment to the current leased area. The wireless carriers are required to build out “gap” sites. Gap sites are cell sites that handle the overflow of data being used by customers. They serve wireless carriers’ need to provide coverage, and to increase the data capacity in locations that have exceeded their limits.
Opportunity Arises
- The problem for cell tower companies and wireless carriers, and the opportunity that exists for property owners, is that these companies are in need of sites to meet the growing demand. They are being forced to explore “out of bounds” areas that were previously outside the parameters of what was previously normal. These new sites include, but are not limited to, schools, churches and residential areas. These areas pose several challenges for wirelss carriers. On the flip side, they provide opportunities for property owners to maximize the value of a new or existing cell site agreement.
- Cell site companies are being forced to find new areas to serve their customers. They must also find new and different solutions (including camouflage or stealth sites). These sites are constructed in areas of your community that would have, years ago, never been considered for a cell tower or rooftop site. Property owners are now able to focus on how much money they can make from a cell site lease, and how to lessen the impact to their property.
Contact us today if you have been contacted regarding a proposed cell site or your existing cell site. We review your proposed or existing cell tower lease free of charge and provide you options you may not otherwise thought were available.
