If you have an open plot or space on the terrace of your property, you can rent it out to a Telecom Service Provider (TSP) for the mobile tower installation and create a stable income source. However, before applying for it, know that there are several advantages and disadvantages to doing so. Also, your neighbours can object to the installation citing health concerns. There are other criteria as well that TSPs follow to shortlist a property or a location for mobile towers installation. Know all about it here.
Benefits of installing a mobile tower on your property
A consistent source of revenue
Monthly rentals from cell tower installation can range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 60,000, contingent upon whether the property is in a rural, semi-rural, or urban region. For example, woodland regions and public places distant from residential structures are chosen by cellular providers and hence command higher rents. The sum may also vary depending on the property’s height, size, and region.
The leasing arrangement with the TSP might last anything from a few months to several years. fortunately the owner may decide to prolong the lease in order to capitalise on a long-term gain. Furthermore, the built tower may increase the value of the property. According to trends, properties with a mobile tower have an additional 10-15% increase in average capital values when compared to other comparable real estate in the region.
Optional services
“Mobile towers on residential buildings may occasionally help the property owner by providing free calls and internet access.” “Improved network service with fewer interruptions is also a supplementary advantage, assuming the property owner uses the same mobile network,” says Rishabh Jain, Realty Expert, Wisteria Real Vision Pvt Ltd.
Disadvantages of having a mobile tower on your property
Health issues
As per the American Cancer Society, cell towers increase the risk of health hazards, such as headaches, memory loss, congenital disabilities, and cardiovascular stress. Many studies also report that cell towers may lead to cancer as they emit non-ionising, high Radio Frequency (RF) waves. Although several oncologists have reported that RF waves are not carcinogenic (cancer-causing), long-term exposure to such waves is detrimental to the health of residents.
Impacts the aesthetic value of the property
Tall cell towers on your terrace or plot may reduce the aesthetic appeal of the property, particularly in scenic areas. Though cellular companies have made several attempts to camouflage the towers or install smaller towers, the structure does not seem to blend in well with its surroundings.
How can tower installation fraud be avoided?
Visit their official websites if you are looking for Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) on the internet. On the internet, there are hundreds of bogus websites promising to provide tower installation services. These will often imitate the logo or name of a well-known TSP. Do not submit your phone number or email address into any application form on such websites. If you do, you will begin receiving calls or texts from shady characters. To move the procedure along, such a person will want an application/processing fee or purported governmental costs. When you complete the payment, the individual will discontinue all communication with you. It is important to remember that a mobile tower can only be placed by a TSP or an Infrastructure Provider (IP1) in accordance with their licencing rules. The latest list of TSPs and IP1 firms may be found on the DoT’s official website.
Overall, if you’re thinking of installing a cell tower, examine the advantages and downsides. Also, before approaching mobile carriers and negotiating a deal, obtain expert advice and properly study the proposal.
Is it permissible to put up mobile towers in residential areas?
It is critical to realise that no legislation prohibits corporations from erecting mobile towers in residential areas, provided the building has a structural safety certificate or inhabitants object to the installation. Mobile tower installation firms, on the other hand, must guarantee that the tower does not fall within a 100-metre radius of hospitals and schools/colleges. Although the rules recommend that these towers be erected in forests, no restriction precludes their placement in densely populated areas.
What details to provide while applying to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)?
You have to provide details, such as your name, contact number, email ID, and exact address of the property, and mention whether it is an open plot or a building. Also, note whether or not you are the owner of the property. If the concerned site is a building, you should mention the number of floors, the structure’s age, and whether it is an independent building or part of a multi-tower project. You must also clarify whether or not there is a mobile tower already installed on your property.
What documents will be required from the property owner?
The documents required are as follows:
- Site/building plan
- Title deed
- Consent of the property owner. If the property is part of a cooperative housing society, then a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the same is needed. Also, in the case of an occupied residential building, the consent of 70 percent of the residents is required
- A structural stability certificate from a licensed structural engineer
- Owner undertaking stating that the telecommunications cabin to be developed alongside the mobile tower shall not be used for personal purposes
- No-Objection Certificate from the concerned civil aviation authority, if the property is situated near an airport/airbase
How to avoid fraud pertaining to tower installation?
If you are searching for Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) on the internet, visit their official websites. There are hundreds of fraudulent websites on the internet claiming to offer tower installation services. These will usually mimic the logo or the name of a prominent TSP. Do not enter your mobile number or email ID in any application form present on such websites. If you do so, you will start receiving calls or messages from dubious operatives. Such an individual will ask you for an application/processing fee or alleged governmental charges to take the process forward. Once you make the payment, the person will eliminate all contact.
You should note that a mobile tower can only be installed by either a TSP or an Infrastructure Provider (IP1) according to their licensing conditions. You can view the updated list of TSPs and IP1 companies on the official website of DoT.
Overall, if you are considering a cell tower installation, weigh both the pros and cons. Also, before you reach out to mobile companies and negotiate a deal, seek out professional consultation and thoroughly review the plan.