Sharing and co-constructing communication towers

Co-construction and sharing of communication towers allow multiple operators to use the same infrastructure, reducing costs, accelerating deployment, and improving network efficiency.Overview of Tower...

Sharing and co-constructing communication towers

Co-construction and sharing of communication towers allow multiple operators to use the same infrastructure, reducing costs, accelerating deployment, and improving network efficiency.

Overview of Tower Sharing

Tower sharing, often facilitated by specialized companies called TowerCos, involves multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) co-locating their equipment on a single tower or site. These companies own, manage, and lease passive infrastructure—including the steel tower, land, power systems, and shelters—while the operators maintain their own active equipment such as antennas and radios . This model eliminates the need for each operator to build separate towers, significantly reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) .

Business Models for Shared Towers

There are several approaches to co-construction and sharing:

  • Direct Leasing: Operators lease space on an existing tower from the TowerCo, paying rent based on space usage .
  • Brief Leasing: Short-term or temporary leasing arrangements for specific projects or coverage needs .
  • Joint Venture Construction: Multiple operators collaborate to build a new tower, sharing costs and ownership . These models allow flexibility in cost allocation, revenue sharing, and operational responsibilities, optimizing the financial and technical benefits for all parties involved.

Benefits of Co-Construction and Sharing

  1. Economic Efficiency: Sharing reduces duplication of infrastructure, lowers deployment costs, and accelerates network rollout .
  2. Network Expansion: Independent tower operators help increase coverage, particularly in underserved areas, improving broadband adoption and service quality .
  3. Environmental Impact: Fewer towers reduce visual pollution and carbon footprint, as fewer materials and energy are required for construction and operation .
  4. Support for 5G Deployment: Co-construction and sharing alleviate the high CAPEX and OPEX pressures associated with 5G networks, enabling faster and more sustainable deployment .

Technical Considerations

Shared tower deployment requires careful planning to address:

  • Equipment installation and maintenance
  • Lightning protection and grounding
  • Electromagnetic interference management
  • Structural integrity and safety compliance These factors ensure that multiple operators can safely and efficiently co-locate their equipment without service degradation .

Regulatory and Policy Framework

Governments and regulators play a crucial role in promoting infrastructure sharing. Policies that recognize independent tower operators as neutral hosts, remove artificial barriers, and incentivize co-construction can accelerate connectivity and improve affordability . Econometric studies show that increased tower sharing correlates with higher 4G/5G coverage, improved broadband adoption, and better service quality .

Conclusion

Co-construction and sharing of communication towers represent a strategic approach to modern telecommunications infrastructure. By leveraging shared passive infrastructure, operators can reduce costs, expand coverage, support 5G deployment, and minimize environmental impact. Effective regulatory support and well-designed business models are essential to maximize these benefits and ensure sustainable network growth .

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