How to Get a Cell Tower on Your Property
Are you a property owner wondering how to get a cell tower on your land? Many landowners consider leasing their property for a cell tower as a way to earn long-term, passive income. While it’s a viable opportunity, it’s important to understand the process, what carriers look for, and the official way to submit your property.
Please note: we are sorry we cannot personally help you get a cell tower on your property. Placement decisions are made entirely by wireless carriers and tower companies. This guide explains the steps you can take to maximize your property’s visibility and understand the process.
How Cell Tower Sites Are Selected
Wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, as well as tower operators such as Crown Castle and American Tower, do not choose sites based on random submissions.
Network engineers identify coverage gaps and capacity needs, then scout parcels that meet specific requirements:
Technical feasibility for signal coverage
Zoning compliance
Access to utilities and roads
Community and permitting approvals
Submitting your property ensures it’s on record, but it does not guarantee a tower will be built.
Case Study: Inside T-Mobile
We spent 11 years working inside T-Mobile in roles related to network planning and site acquisition. During that time, we never saw a public “landowner submission database” used to make site decisions.
This highlights a key fact: while submitting your property via official channels is important, site selection is ultimately based on engineering and strategic needs, not just who submits first.
What Makes a Property Attractive for a Cell Tower
Carriers typically consider properties that offer:
Adequate space: 2,500–10,000 sq. ft. for equipment and access
Zoning compatibility: Commercial, industrial, or agricultural land preferred
Utility access: Power and fiber availability
Favorable topography: Slight elevation improves signal reach
Permitting feasibility: Local rules affecting tower height or aesthetics
How to Submit Your Property
You can submit your property directly to carriers and tower companies through their official portals for FREE— no middleman or fee required.
T-Mobile: Submit a Site
Verizon: Real Estate Inquiry
AT&T: Polaris Registration
American Tower: Landowner Contact Form
Crown Castle: Property Owner Form
What Happens After Submission
If a carrier sees potential in your property, they may:
Request additional details (photos, maps, parcel info)
Conduct a technical and zoning review
Begin discussions about ground lease terms
A typical cell tower lease lasts 25–50 years and may include:
Base rent with escalation clauses
Renewal options
Access and maintenance rights
Be Cautious of Third-Party Offers
Some companies may claim they can guarantee tower placement or charge a fee to “list” your property. Most have no direct relationship with carriers. Only legitimate tower companies and carriers can approve site locations.
Realistic Expectations
Even ideal properties are rarely chosen immediately. Carriers maintain extensive site databases and only act when there is a network need in that location.
Submitting your site is still valuable — it ensures your property is on file for future tower development. Additionally, 5G small-cell deployments are expanding opportunities for property owners in urban and suburban areas.
Final Thoughts
We are sorry we cannot personally help you get a cell tower on your property. That said, by understanding how carriers select sites and submitting your property through official channels, you can maximize your chances of being considered.
Having worked inside T-Mobile for over a decade, we can confidently say that realistic expectations and transparency are key. Use this information to navigate the process safely and avoid paying for guidance that is freely available.