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Cell phone roof towers - pros/consApr 06, 2021

We are a 6 story building that's been approached by DISH Wireless to install 6 antennas on our roof, in addition to needing 100 sg ft for equipment. Does anyone have experience with DISH and/or these towers and know the answers to the following questions that can affect shareholders (s/h)?

Did you notify all s/h prior to the lease and/or take a survey to see if the s/h wanted it, or did you just leave it to the Board?
Are they noisy (humming noise perhaps) and possibly bother the people on the top floor? Any noise complaints from s/h?
Does their weight adversely affect the roof, possibly making it easier for the roof to leak?
Must the roof be checked out beforehand by a engineer to make sure it's sturdy enough to bear the extra weight?
Do they have any negative effect on parking lot remotes?
Have shareholders complained of feeling sick/nauseous, especially those people on the top floor?
If you do have the towers, have you had an overall good experience and do you feel its been worthwhile?

We want to make an informed decision, so any information/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for any help.

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Cell Towers - MissP Apr 06, 2021

We have had them for about 15 years with no issues. The company should pay for your engineer to review its plans.

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Cell phone towers - Marty Apr 06, 2021

MissP,

Thank you very much for your input. Just curious - did you ask your s/h their opinion about the towers before you installed them? Thanks.

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Cell Towers - MissP Apr 08, 2021

No. But when we reported there were no questions of concerns from owners. Interestingly, a few people who have since bought without thinking about them have suddenly become very concerned! If they were that upset about it, you'd think they would ask before buying. Provide info -- the only place that there can be a danger is in front of the towers and they face out (and 180 feet up).

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Cell phone roof towers - pros/cons - Marty Apr 08, 2021

Thanks again Miss P!

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Cell phone roof towers - pros/cons - Steven424 Apr 08, 2021

We do not have towers on my building, but two points come to mind...

* Notify your co-op insurance company of the proposed installation. There may be something in your policy that affects or may be affected by the installation, and that may cause your premiums to go up. At the very minimum, your insurance company should review the contract before you sign to make sure you are adequately protected, and they review any insurance the tower company says they will carry.

* Have your co-op attorney review the contract for all the obvious stuff, and to make sure you are getting a fair financial deal.

You've probably already considered these, but I wanted to get them out there.

--- Steve

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Cell phone roof towers - pros/cons - Marty Apr 08, 2021

Steven,

Now I'm on the receiving end of your sound advice. Thank you very much!

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Cell phone roof towers - pros/cons - Steven424 Apr 09, 2021

Very glad to help, as I have learned from you as well.

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Have them... and... - REAPLLC Apr 12, 2021

I have them in 1 building and negotiating in 2 others right now...
The service is different from their usual model and the new setups are strictly for a new 5G cell service initiative they are launching.

Its a Board decision in most Coops, but if its the first provider on the roof, you may want to put it out to the building out of courtesy.

Thigs to consider are
~Will they build their own deck? How and where is this mounted? Does it affect a roof warranty or maintenance? Make sure they take responsibility to move it ASAP should you need.
~ Where is the electric coming from? Who's paying, Are they installing a meter? Where? Where will the feeder line run?
~It's 5G, so there is signal bleed... Have them provide and RF safety report showing that the signal bleed into the building, residential and public are well within FCC safety recommendations. - This will limit Board liability later.
~Do not permit the 5 automatic renewable terms they ask for... it's a long commitment and you will not be able to renegotiate for many years. Sign off for 5+5 or 10 with option at your discretion.
~everything is negotiable so read the contract and have your building Atty review it and ensure it fits what you are willing to accept with regard to installation, time, ongoing access, and compensation.

~AR

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Cell phone towers - Marty Apr 13, 2021

REAPLLC,

Thanks very much for this information!

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