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How to select a good cellular site? Establishing a new communications site is not an easy task. There are many things that, if not done properly, can result in a site that can become costly and require lots of attention over time. The things that are likely to require decisions are: site selection, tower type, tower manufacturer, foundation, contractor selection and tower/site maintenance.
Site Selection Most operators have a property management department that has the responsibility of acquiring telecom tower sites. They are specialists in this field, and are very familiar with the hurdles that must be dealt with effectively to obtain a site. The main issues that have to be dealt with are: • Is the site relatively flat? Good drainage is important to protect the tower structure and buildings from pooling water and erosion. • Is the site located in a flood risk area? just because there has been recent flooding in the area does not mean you are good for the next 50 or so years. • Is the site leasable? Is the landowner willing to sign a long-term lease? • Does the site require significant clearing? The cost of clearing a site could be significant, or even prohibited if the site is in a swamp area. • Is commercial power and telecommunications access reasonable? Some utilities require the customer to pay for the installation of the services from their nearest access point. • Is there enough ground available to install the type of site planned? Besides the tower – fences, landscaping, buildings, generators, fuel tanks all require space. A guyed tower requires a relatively large parcel of land (see later discussion).
• Is the access road practical? Long roads or restrictive local codes can significantly increase the cost of access. • Is there a problem obtaining all the necessary approvals or permits? A building permit is typically the last document received before beginning construction.
Common Site Acquisition Terms Building Permit (BP) – A building permit is the document issued by the governing authority which authorizes the permitee to commence construction. Lease – A legal document signed by both parties which defines the terms, conditions and obligations required by both parties. Most lease agreements are negotiated on a per site basis. NTP – “Notice to Proceed” A checklist confirming that activities required by the Client in the site acquisition process have been completed. The NTP is generally completed and sent to the Client with the building permit. Search Ring – A two/three mile radius ring overlaid on a street map, used by wireless (non-directional) carriers, which defines the area for the site acquisition field agent to begin searching for a site candidate.A Search Ring is typically not used by microwave (directional) carriers because their needs are specifically determined by path design being point A to point B, thus a search ring may or may not be applicable. SOW – “Scope of Work.” A negotiable contract, signed by both parties, which defines the parameters of the work to be done. Zoning – Where applicable, zoning is generally the first step in the process of acquiring a permit necessary to construct a site. The need for zoning resolution varies by county, city, state and type of site, the conditions of which are bylaws of the municipality having jurisdiction. Geotech Analysis ( Soils report) – A ground boring extraction of soil that is analyzed to determine what type of material exists at each depth. This report is used in preparation of the structural and foundation calculations of the proposed structure. Site Plan – A comprehensive and detailed multi-page drawing of a site’s construction requirements, including, but not limited too; mechanical, electrical, grounding, site compound, shelter foundation, structure elevation and survey details. The site plans are prepared by a licensed Architectural & Engineering firm. Once sealed & stamped by the preparing architect, the plans are used for filing with zoning and permitting entities. Once approved for permit, the site plans are stamped “Approved for Construction” and issued to the field. Structural Analysis – An evaluation of any existing structure to determine whether or not the structure and foundation, coupled with existing loading, is able to accommodate additionally proposed loading from a carrier wanting to collocate.
Survey - A licensed land surveyor performs a survey. The surveyor measures the land and where any existing structures are located on that land. These measurements guarantee that structures not belonging to the property are properly identified. Structures such as fences, driveways, and storage sheds are also identified and more importantly depicted as not encroaching into any public areas such as utility easements and any other adjoining properties. Tower Mapping – An evaluation performed on an existing structure to determine existing antenna quantity and type, mounting heights, and number of coaxial runs installed on the structure. Tower mapping is typically used if no existing information exists or can be obtained about the structure or what’s installed on it. Raw Land Site (AKA Greenfield site) - A site built from the ground up wherein the search results in no existing structure being identified capable of accommodating Client’s needs. Collocation – In a search ring wherein the site candidate approved by Client’s RF team is an existing structure. Existing structures shall be designated as existing towers, buildings, water tanks or other structures having the capacity and compatibility of collocation.
