T-MOBILE 4G UPGRADES
T-Mobile has been very busy this year upgrading it's network to 4G. Many landlords are receiving letters from T-Mobile announcing that it will be making changes to the cell site equipment and/or antennas and requesting approval from the landlord. Interestingly, T-Mobile also states in the letter that if the landlord does not respond within 30 days, T-Mobile will assume the landlord has granted approval.
Landlords must be aware that all 4G upgrades are not the same. Landlords must first review their lease to determine whether a site upgrade is permitted. Second, T-Mobile must disclose the details of its proposed upgrade to allow the landlord to assess how it impacts their property and the lease. For example, a change of the same number of antennas mounted to the outside of a building may not have impact, but the addition of antennas or the change in their size could significantly impact a church steeple site.
Landlords are wise not to assume that the T-Mobile 4G upgrades are benign. Get the facts. Review your lease. Make an informed decision. If you need assistance, give us a call.