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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.