Will changing landscape of cell towers hurt leases? It’s the question that needs evaluation of the beginnings of wireless technology and its ever-changing evolution.
Cellular Networks: Then, Now and Future
“JOEL, I’M CALLING YOU FROM A REAL CELLULAR TELEPHONE! A PORTABLE HANDHELD TELEPHONE!”
The melodramatic exchange between Motorola’s Marty Cooper and competitor AT&T’s Joel Engel stopped the latter company’s development of a car phone in its tracks. While the exciting debut of a real cell phone that would evolve in sophistication as time went on goes to the credit of what was once a small company, AT&T can take well-deserved acclaim for its role in developing the vast cellular networks of today.
Without the intricacy of cellular networks, cell phones and cellular devices would not be able to operate in full capacity.
Networks are made up of cell sites. Coming in various configurations, a cell site can be in the form of a tower or cellular base station that houses antennas and electronic equipment facilitating signal reception of wireless telecommunications.
Landlords aware of the value of placement of a cell tower or site upon property often aspire to be among the fortunate to enter an associated lease agreement. What they may not realize is that bold advancements in cellular telecommunications may transform the network platforms, possibly impacting the current status of lease agreements.
Take a look at a brief history of the marvelous evolution of cell networks below.
Timeline of Cell Tower Network Innovations
- Late 1970s
First generation of mobile network, also known as 1G is built
- 1983
1G network becomes publicly accessible - 1987
Japan begins using 1G - 1990s
2G network is introduced, with integrated digital signals - Mid-2000
3G arrives with standardized mobile broadband data that places heavy demand on network
- 2009
4G networks with about 10X data bandwidth as 3G expands cellular Internet browsing - 2019 and on
5G requiring smaller cells unfolds as the forerunning successor to 4G, with far greater bandwidth to supersede current speed and expand applications, including Internet of Things and the creation of comprehensive Smart Cities
Objective professional cell tower consultants can evaluate 5G risks to individual landlord lease agreements.
Nexus Towers offers transparent guidance and professional services to empower property owners to leverage the highest value from their wireless assets. Our supportive services include PIGEON PATROL (oversight and management), LEASE CONSULTING, LEASE EVALUATION and LUMP SUM LEASE BUYOUTS.
Summary: From the very beginnings of wireless communications networks until today, the exciting changes have made a remarkable impact on the way we interact. As 5G moves more and more into the picture, cell tower landlords wonder: will the changing landscape of cell towers hurt leases?
