Wireless Easements

By Aimee Blakeslee

A wireless carrier wants you to sign an easement to allow them to drive across your property to access a cell tower. What should you know before signing?

You received a letter from a wireless carrier offering to pay you for the use of your property to access a cell site via easement. This may seem straightforward, but wireless easements can have significant long-term implications for your property rights and land value.

Key considerations before signing a wireless easement:

• Duration: Wireless easements can be perpetual or very long-term, effectively granting permanent rights over a portion of your property.
• Scope: The easement may be broadly worded, allowing the carrier to expand use beyond what is currently contemplated.
• Compensation: Is the offered payment fair for the long-term impact on your property?
• Impact on future development: An easement can restrict how you use or develop your property in the future.
• Assignment rights: Can the carrier assign the easement to a successor or third party without your consent?

Gunnerson Consulting is a consulting group focused solely on the interests of property owners who manage cell tower and wireless infrastructure sites. Contact us before signing any wireless easement agreement.