Can I Put Up My Own Cell Phone Tower?
Yes, it is legal to install mobile towers in residential areas. New norms are being put in place to push more robust mobile infrastructure. Telecom companies no longer require permission from authorities for installing mobile towers on private property.
Zoning Regulations and Costs
- You may be directed to a zoning map, which shows zoning codes for the city or county.
- A small tower and 5G cell site costs $30,000–$50,000.
- The cell site will require commercial power and batteries for the wireless network to work during a power outage.
- For a new site, it takes 45 days to set up a ground tower and 15–30 days for a rooftop structure.
Building and Costs of Cell Phone Towers
Land and Construction Costs
- A cell tower company typically needs 500-5,000 square feet of ground area.
- It can take 6-24 months and $250,000 to $1 million to build one cell site.
- Monthly rentals from mobile tower installation range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 60,000 per month.
- Towers are not generally allowed in residential zones. They are zoned for commercial or industrial areas.
Property Ownership and Leasing
- If you own a property and are considering a cell phone tower, you can earn money by leasing to telecommunication companies.
- Having a tower can increase your property value.
- Before deciding, consider long term implications and possible liability exposure.
Cell Tower Range and Technology
- A typical cellphone can reach a tower up to 45 miles away.
- 5G signals reach up to 1,500 feet without obstructions.
- Verizon leverages small cell technology to increase 5G coverage.
FAQ – Cell Phone Towers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it dangerous to live near a cell tower? So far, there is no evidence cell phone towers cause any health problems.
- How much does a 5G small cell cost? Small cells cost under $10,000.
- What is small cell deployment? Building small cells to supplement the larger cellular network.