Application for Wireless Collocation

Making application for wireless collocation on existing structures were discussed as the first consideration for site acquisition consultants during site search in Module 7 Search Area Assignment, and Module 9 Zone-ability. In Module 1 Industry Structure, we discussed how the major players in wireless infrastructure development are wireless carriers and tower-cos and that they transact business through master lease agreements, contracts to perform site acquisition, built-to-suit agreements, and sale-leasebacks. Site acquisition consultants perform the actual task of coordinating wireless carrier utilization of master lease agreements (MLAs) relative to each new site lease or license agreement (SLA). Upon site selection and the site visit, the process begins with the completion and submittal of a collocation application from the site acquisition consultant to the structure owner.

Collocation Application Process

Collocation applications under MLAs are submitted to the tower company with a non-refundable deposit and site sketches indicating the proposed antenna elevation position(s) on the structure and associated equipment location (if necessary). Collocation applications require complete detail to specify the equipment an applicant proposes to install at the existing facility. RF engineering, the construction manager, and the A&E support completion of the application with input and oversight.

Collocation Application Form

Microsoft Excel conveniently allows details placed on a collocation application form, or worksheet, to be duplicated onto another form set up in the same workbook as an exhibit for attachment to a site space-rights agreement when the document is ready for execution. Detailed collocation applications require provisions of the following information.

Site Location Information 

Location details are included in the collocation application, such as the appropriate site management company entity name, the name, and number used to reference the site, the site address, and the county, latitude, and longitude of the facility where the wireless carrier proposes acquiring space rights. The wireless carrier’s trade name, entity name, project number, and the search area or site name for the proposed facility are also confirmed for the development of the SLA.

Applicant Information 

Applicant Information is provided to the site management company, again, including the wireless carrier’s trade name, its operating entity name, the executive officer signatory who will execute the space rights agreement on behalf of the carrier, the carrier addresses used for legal notices, and project contact information for the wireless carrier, including the RF engineer, the construction manager, the site acquisition consultant, the accounts payable staff contact, and the wireless carrier contact for the tower-co to send invoices.

Antenna specifications

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Structural Analysis

To perform the first structural analysis after the original tower design, a structural engineer reviews the tower drawings against the as-built drawings for accuracy and calculates the tower’s ability to handle additional or proposed antenna equipment revisions. For each new structural analysis performed to add or revise equipment, the structural engineer starts with the previous structural analysis, if accurate, to evaluate the tower’s ability to handle additional loading. If the previous structural analysis isn’t available or accurate regarding the current equipment configuration on the tower, tower mapping is necessary. read more…