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Just got offered a cell tower in my backyard

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Shamrock92, Aug 9, 2022.

  1. Aug 9, 2022 at 1:39 PM
    #1
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    So just got offered the opportunity to lease space for a cell tower in my backyard.

    Not sure I really want the cancer tower hovering over me - but it is at my farm property - so not like I live their 365 - just a few days a year and it’s not right in top of me (well one proposal feels like it - others put it further away at opposite side of the property).

    Opening terms were decent - always negotiable too. Basically would cover a very nice new truck payment. Term is long (of course no one wants to build one of these things and tear it down 3-5 years later). Got to admit - it’s tempting though - a lot of cash. Maybe I’m just too paranoid that the govt is using this as a front to spy on me and see what you I am really up to these days.

    Anyone ever deal with these things ? Profitable or a bigger pain than they seem. I mean as tenants go - seems pretty easy - corporate payer, no maintenance calls at 11p on a Saturday and never need to worry about chasing down dead beat renters.

    Really hoping to get them to build an oil derrick on the property - but till then this might keep me happy financially.
     
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  2. Aug 9, 2022 at 1:50 PM
    #2
    Oey12

    Oey12 New Member

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    How close would it be to the actual house?

    Cancer is my first thought too. Don’t really know if it’s worth it in all honesty because exposure is exposure…
     
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  3. Aug 9, 2022 at 1:52 PM
    #3
    BTBAKER

    BTBAKER DIFFERENT NAME. SAME JUNK.

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    Do it. Just wear tin foil on your head when you stay on the farm.
     
  4. Aug 9, 2022 at 1:55 PM
    #4
    truckit

    truckit New Member

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    I've not dealt with a cell tower opportunity, however I'm dealing now with and have a formal complaint with Verizon and the FCC for the carrier and their responsibility for creating a public health risk to my community as a result of VZ service that has deteriorated to the point emergency services are not reachable by cell. My journey through this problem has informed me that carriers are NOT maintaining minimum requirements in other communities as well. The public is getting screwed and the FCC is failing the public especially in rural communities.
     
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  5. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM
    #5
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

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    If you don't live there but a few days per year, and if you plan to hold onto that property, I would definitely consider it. I would have a lawyer read through the contract to make sure you are fully protected in case of anything bad happening, and I would definitely negotiate for some non-monetary benefit, like free top end cell service for the life of the tower, and maybe free internet service from their internet feed. It's much harder to tax those types of benefits.
     
  6. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:09 PM
    #6
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    1 site - maybe 200 yards from house

    Another 1/4 mile away

    1st site also near neighbors house too - like 40 yards. Hate to subject them to that - eyesore and all at best.

    Then again - who knows if they didn’t get the same offer and asked too much sending tower operator to me. They could have well built it next to me and I get nothing.

    No free wireless/internet- towers are often owned by 3rd parties and leased to the various operators- not uncommon to have 2 operators on same tower.

    You can also “sell” the lease for a lump sum - personally don’t think it’s a good idea - minimum term is usually like 20 years - that’s 20 years of steady checks coming in every quarter/6 months or yearly - while settle for a lump sum of like 6 years worth of payments - take it over time unless your older or plan to sell shortly - even then it’s a great way to boost values showing someone they can get a portion of a mortgage paid.
     
  7. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:21 PM
    #7
    Double DC

    Double DC New Member

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    I would be specific on access road location if you think it might be an issue. A neighbor of mine agreed to allow a cell tower on his property, which is a sloped property. First, they punched in a road that was too steep. Then they did a switchback road. He wasn't too pleased having two access roads across his property - one of which was pretty much immediately abandoned. And he didn't like the location of the switchback road either.

    In terms of health risks, I personally wouldn't be concerned with increased risk related to a tower unless it's really close to your house. We are surrounded by RF/cell signals. I know not everyone will agree. In terms of paranoia, I don't see that a cell tower on your property would be a game changer if the govt was interested in what you're up to. Your cell phone probably already pings plenty of cell towers.
     
  8. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:26 PM
    #8
    Windsor

    Windsor New Member

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    Make sure to have a lawyer look over the contract. Make sure the contract gives very detailed specifications on where the tower and support structures will be located, and VERY detailed on how the site will be accessed and any limits on vehicle numbers and sizes. Also make note of any compensation for breach of contract or damage to the property.

    Personally, I wouldn't mind doing it at 1/4 mile away if the payment was right. I would do a long term lease rather than a buyout, as that should give more strength for you to tell them to get lost in the event of a breach of contract without fear of a court saying you have to give a percentage of $ back.
     
  9. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:27 PM
    #9
    EmergencyMaximum

    EmergencyMaximum New Member

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    Hmm, perhaps it's like pick your poison. You either have it on your property or decline it and they ask neighbor to build it on theirs, right next to you?

    Radiation levels dissipate exponentially, so unless it's right next to you, perhaps it isn't such a big deal? Maybe 1/4 mile is better?

    Look at the bright side, if they'll be carrying your cell service, you get like :101010:bars signal!

    @truckit, re:Verizon, my phone service is solid, but 4g LTE is ridiculous slow where even 144p would be buffering.
     
  10. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:39 PM
    #10
    Black@Blue19

    Black@Blue19 Old Salt

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    To much to list:)
    Had an uncle that was paid for electrical poles and with the money (lump sum) he bought himself a couple of nice guns that he wanted. More recently a friend out in the country getting payments for a concrete slab and small cell tower erected on his property,, and he gets a payment on time which he spends on what ever. Neither one had any complaints. Best of luck!:)
     
    Shamrock92[OP] likes this.
  11. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:45 PM
    #11
    Boerseun

    Boerseun MGM XP-Series

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    A co-worker has one on his property and he has been laughing all the way to the bank for many years now. He calls it his retirement plan.

    Regarding the cancer concern; those same waves are all around you wherever you are, even where you are sitting now reading this...
     
  12. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:57 PM
    #12
    EmergencyMaximum

    EmergencyMaximum New Member

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    Where do I sign up?!
     
  13. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:58 PM
    #13
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    The cancer paranoia is on par with flat earth theories. It's radio waves. They've been bombarding the majority of civilization for decades. The high concentration that would be dangerous is focused at the antenna and the cables feeding it. Stay off the tower and you won't get any more of it hitting you with the tower in your yard than you are getting right now.

    I work in telecom, and the sheer hilarity of public panic over this kind d of thing is... hilarious. You'll be fine and paid well. I'd do it in a heartbeat.
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2022
  14. Aug 9, 2022 at 2:59 PM
    #14
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    As the OP types his message from an AT&T phone service….


    :rofl:
     
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  15. Aug 9, 2022 at 3:03 PM
    #15
    Outbound

    Outbound SSEM #2.5, Token AmeriCanadian

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    You work for big telecom. Clearly you're just parroting the corporate line.

     
  16. Aug 9, 2022 at 3:05 PM
    #16
    EmergencyMaximum

    EmergencyMaximum New Member

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    Maybe OP can try throwing sausages in front of his new antenna when they install it. If the sausage is cooked when it lands, that means good power!

    :violent:
     
  17. Aug 9, 2022 at 3:08 PM
    #17
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    Lower power or propane bills too! Win-win!
     
  18. Aug 9, 2022 at 3:11 PM
    #18
    Geezer

    Geezer New Member

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    When Verizon was looking to place a tower in my town the politically connected were fighting with each other about who would get it on their property. After years of arguing the town decided to sight the tower on town property. By then Verizon had given up and we finally got AT&T on our local tower while all around us there is Verizon. It sounds like a lucrative proposition. It probably depends on your specific deal, but I believe the fees paid to the landowner depend on the amount of traffic on the tower.
     
    Shamrock92[OP] likes this.
  19. Aug 9, 2022 at 3:20 PM
    #19
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Haha! I work for small telecom. That's why I have any knowledge at all. Big telecom workers are siloed off into their little groups and don't know anything outside of that area. I'm not as specialized, but much more broadly experienced.


    Don't make me focus the radio waves on you.

    toastycoon.jpg
     
  20. Aug 9, 2022 at 4:09 PM
    #20
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Of course they say “nothing” officially - but it’s not to hard to piece together with Google.

    Company who wants to build the tower is a relative newcomer to the scene. They are also working with AT&T quite a bit and also Verizon some.

    Immediately across the road from me is a tower - owned by a much bigger operator and leased to Verizon. That tower was built about 5 years ago - so guess what - it likely has a lease expiring soon.

    New operator comes in - says “I can build you a tower and lease for 30% off with no disruption in service” to Verizon - all the while also having AT&T in their back pocket as they begin the rural build out of their fiber and high speed internet. Worst case - they can’t flip Verizon and only make a small fortune - if they manage to get both and make a double profit - it goes really well for them.

    All the damn money in build back better being dumped into things like bringing high speed internet to a bunch of backwards ass county folk whose only other real choice is dial up - there is a desire to build and do it fast.

    Amazes me the number of “experts” out there willing to help “negotiate” your contract for you when you google cell tower leasing - they will do it all - all that is except get a tower operator interested in your property that is - that’s on you.

    Really reminds me of the great shale gas boom a decade ago - all the “attorneys” suddenly passing themselves off as contract experts on the topic - courtesy of a 10 hour continuing Ed course at a holiday inn somewhere in Houston.

    Absolutely plan on getting everything in writing and clearly spelled out - but the hard work is done - getting someone interested. Other factor playing right into my hands is - there are 2 large land owners next to me - 1 owns the land where the tower sets now - so they are out (why bid against yourself for a lower rent and obviously new operator isn’t going to tip their hand to existing operator) and the other has a history of shooting them selves in the foot by making stupid demands up front. So leaves me and a couple of small land owners to choose from. Remaining contenders all have some issues (too small of parcel to give multiple site options or multiple owners meaning need to get 3 or 4 people to all agree and divide the check).

    I mean it’s not “life altering” money - right at 4 figures monthly - but adds up pretty damn quick - especially when it cost you nothing and is just “found money” - throw it back into a retirement and hope for 10 good years.
     
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  21. Aug 9, 2022 at 4:11 PM
    #21
    Outbound

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  22. Aug 9, 2022 at 4:25 PM
    #22
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

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    Couple of things. Will these payments extend into your retirement years? If so, in the amount enough your SS will be reduced?

    Something I learned from oil and gas leases. You're better of signing their contract than you own. If it ever goes to court the judge usually sides with the person not writing the contract. All things being equal that is.

    You may be able to negotiate some improvements to your driveway since they will be using it. Don't be like my Uncle and negotiate himself right out of the deal. He was being a PITA telling them how to construct the tower and where to put his HAM antenna.
     
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  23. Aug 9, 2022 at 4:45 PM
    #23
    ScenicRoute

    ScenicRoute New Member

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    I can certainly understand your frustration. But I’d imagine you’re always free to go with another carrier. Pick up a landline or get a satellite phone. I mean after all we did manage to survive in a world pre cell phone.
     
  24. Aug 9, 2022 at 5:01 PM
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    Tripleconpanna

    Tripleconpanna Just an X who bought Bud Light from Target

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    Are you saying the earth isn't flat???? :eek2:
     
  25. Aug 9, 2022 at 5:07 PM
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    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

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  26. Aug 9, 2022 at 5:08 PM
    #26
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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  27. Aug 9, 2022 at 5:16 PM
    #27
    Randy Morton

    Randy Morton Life takes its toll, please have exact change.

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    I wouldn't worry about the RF emissions from a cell tower. Most in urban and suburban areas only emit about 100 watts ERP. That's an actual radiated power of only 5 to 10 watts, and that's from an antenna 50 to 200 feet in the air. You get more exposure than that from a CB in your truck. My opinion is to take the money and enjoy the new truck.
     
  28. Aug 9, 2022 at 5:18 PM
    #28
    Randy Morton

    Randy Morton Life takes its toll, please have exact change.

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  29. Aug 9, 2022 at 5:37 PM
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    Tripleconpanna

    Tripleconpanna Just an X who bought Bud Light from Target

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    Isn't this the same dude that was rattlin' on about what job option to pursue... Now it's whether or not to opt in on a cell tower!!

    :spam:
     
  30. Aug 10, 2022 at 3:36 AM
    #30
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    It is - and your point? Simply seeking an opinion from a bunch of people - some of whole may have some valuable input from experience to add - most of whom who are just going to share support or meaningless but funny smart assed commentary and the occasional person who is going to complain that they had to read a post on something that didn’t interest them and respond in kind.

    Bottom line is it’s in the appropriate forum and if it doesn’t interest you - move on as always.There are a few dozen sub forums and many asking more specific Tundra related questions without any answer or without a good answer. I post in those forums too occasionally and encourage you to as well. It’s a community that the least we can do is support with our contributions.
     

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