Do you need some helpful expert advice with your T-Mobile cell tower lease or rooftop agreement? Have you been contacted about a new T-Mobile cell site lease, or to extend your existing T-Mobile agreement?
Tower Advantage is here to provide you with the answers you require to make the best decision for your particular situation.
The History of T-Mobile
T-Mobile is now the third largest wireless service provider in the United States with over 80 million customers. T-Mobile began as VoiceStream Wireless PCS in 1994, a subsidiary of Western Wireless Corporation. In 2001, Deutsche Telekom purchased the company and later renamed it T-Mobile USA, Inc.
AT&T previously tried to purchase T-Mobile in 2011, but AT&T later withdrew the offer. In 2013, T-Mobile merged with MetroPCS Communications, Inc. T-Mobile completed its $26 billion merger with Sprint in April 2020.
In addition, Crown Castle acquired the rights to approximately 7,200 towers of T-Mobile in 2012 for over $2 billion. As a result, some T-Mobile landlords are often contacted by agents of Crown Castle regarding their lease.
T-Mobile Cell Site Lease Provisions
A site lease agreement by T-Mobile normally has over 20 separate sections. Without the right help, landlords can create future problems for themselves by not obtaining the expertise of a cell tower consultant with the proper credentials.
The following are some provisions that are commonly found in a T-Mobile cell site lease:
(i) Option Period; (ii) Permitted Uses; (iii) Term; (iv) Rent; (v) Interference; (vi) Utility Services; (vii) Access; (viii) Termination; (ix) Casualty and Condemnation; (x) Default and Right to Cure; (xi) Taxes; (x) Insurance; and (xi) Assignment and Sublease.
Although every one of the provisions in a cell site lease is important; unfortunately, we find that most property owners only focus on the rent and term. Even then, they do not possess the proper data and expertise to negotiate those sections effectively. Do not make that mistake – contact Tower Advantage for a complimentary initial consultation anytime.
Never Give Too Long Of An Option Period For Too Low Of $$$
Most new T-Mobile cell tower lease agreements have an option period where the rent will not commence until T-Mobile is satisfied that the property meets its needs. They will perform due diligence such as soil and environmental tests, make sure they can get the proper permits, obtain a survey, etc. In exchange, the company will pay an option fee for the “option” to exercise the lease.
However, we recommend only allowing a 12- to 18-month option period, including any renewals. In addition, we suggest not accepting anything less than $1,000 for an option fee, and preferably much more.
Do Not Give Too Much Land
Too many times we see property owners that give away more land to the cell tower tenant than is needed for the tenant’s use.
Since these leases are often in excess of 20 years, there can be unforeseen changes in which the owner may require additional land that T-Mobile will not want to give up. In addition, the landowner forgoes the opportunity to charge more if the cell tower tenant wants to expand its lease premises in the future.
Tower Advantage reviews your specific situation in detail to make sure you maximize your opportunity without giving up more than you have to.
Consider A Relocation Provision
As mentioned above, your – or a future owner’s – intentions for the property may change in the coming years.
Consequently, we recommend including a provision for the relocation of the access easement, and potentially, a provision to relocate the leased premises, if necessary. Tower Advantage provides recommendations for these, and other situations you may not have even considered. That way, you don’t have to experience the pitfalls that so many others have faced when they did not have the proper representation.
Get The Best Advice For Your T-Mobile Lease
Tower Advantage was founded by an attorney, and our experts have reviewed and negotiated thousands of leases. If you want to find out more about how we can help you achieve more income, while also protecting yourself for years to come, contact us anytime. We will be happy to not only provide you with signed testimonials from our our alumni of clients, we will provide you with contact information if you would like to discuss their experience with us.
Contact Tower Advantage today for your free consultation
regarding your T-Mobile cell site lease agreement.
(833) MY-TOWER
(833) 698-6937
