Monetizing Your Rooftop

The expansion of cell phone networks in the 1990s created "found money" opportunities for high-rise building owners, who discovered cell carriers and network providers would pay them for space on their rooftops.

Mobile communications continues to grow, both as a business and a constant presence in our daily lives. As a result, rooftops still offer plenty of revenue opportunities, as shown by an announcement Tuesday by Digital Realty Trust that airBand, CenturyTel, FiberTower and Zyterra had agreed to lease rooftop space at the DRT's Internet gateway facilities.

"Digital Realty Trust's Internet Gateways provide outstanding support for wireless equipment installations not only because of where our facilities are located but also because of the wealth of network options within each building," said Michael Foust, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Realty Trust. "Another important resource for our rooftop tenants is the telecom expertise of our operations team, which is invaluable in helping tenants address the complexities of installations on rooftops. Our value proposition for rooftop tenants is a truly compelling one."