Though real estate has been negatively impacted by Covid-19, cell tower landlords have cause to rejoice.
Other landlords suffer from rent non-payment and/or vacancies. Yet, the cell tower industry is booming at remarkable rates. In fact, cell tower REITs have increased by a whopping twenty percent!
There’s another angle, as well.
The Coronavirus pandemic created a home-based workforce. This resulted in an overload on Internet connection. Network expansion needs were highlighted. And the demand for cell sites on which to place more antennas and equipment was underscored.
While this placed a sense of euphoria among landlords about tower rental earnings, concerns about the future remain.
Beyond Covid-19: 5G Cell Tower Changes
There is a degree of uncertainty in relation to 5G and the changing landscape of cell towers. Some landlords temper this with optimism related to anticipated 5G requirements. As much as 10X greater demand of antennas atop each tower translates into more income for the REITs. That, along with rent increases for every enhancement is good news. It may also indicate upgraded value of lump sum buyout deals.
Will Satellites Take Over Cell Towers?
Elon Musk’s SpaceX and the accompanying Starlink plans for low-orbit satellite add to industry’s worries. Cell tower REIT experts, however, play it down. They say it’s unlikely that a feasible amount of satellites in orbit will replace tower space needs. Though there will be some changes, technological and financial restrictions will ensure current status quo in the foreseeable future.
For more on the present and future of cell tower leases, you’ll want to speak to the professionals involved in deals on behalf of landlords.
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: Surprisingly, cell tower landlords were not negatively impacted from the Covid-19 pandemic! Learn about related findings; learn about 5G and the future of satellites – all in this short read.
