11.04.08
Making Money By Leasing Cell Towers
Here’s the deal. If you own a cell tower, or a really tall building, cellphone companies may want to lease out space on said tower to add an antennae. Cell companies pay about $20,000 a year for antennae rent. Totally sweet money, right?
My brother and I discussed what, if any, opportunity exists for the enterprising to make money from cell towers. After some research, my opinion is that there is very little opportunity - in terms of buying/building a cell tower.
Here’s why. Cell companies already know where they need have a cell site. You don’t. If that’s lands open to buy, they can buy without you. If you happen to own it, they’ll contact you to work something out. IF you’ve already been contacted (or own a cell tower and your cell tenants are seeking a re-negotiation) you need professional advice. I’d suggest www.steelintheair.com.
If you own a cell tower, maybe you can go to cell carriers and try to get them to put up an antennae. This is not a walk in the park.
Becoming a cell tower owner is also not so easy. People who have towers up with leases may sell out of the leases early for a lump sum, if you’ve got the capital you could go that route. Still, you’ve got to find someone who wants out. Not that likely. Due to the prohibitive cost of building a cell tower ($100,000 - $150,000), it’s not an easy “investment” to try on faith and hopes. The “if you build it, they will come” maxim doesn’t work here. The demand has to be there.
However - here’s an angle you can try. If you are in charge of university buildings, construction of high rises, etc … you may have a potential cell cite. Contact corporate cell provider’s unit that is in charge of that sort of thing and see.
Just thought you should know.
Resources:
http://www.privateline.com/Cellbasics/leasinginfo.htm
http://www.privateline.com/Cellbasics/cellsiteleaseprocess.htm