What Is 5G‑Advanced?
5G‑Advanced is the next step in the 5G evolution, beginning with Release 18, which brings improvements in spectral efficiency, uplink performance, positioning accuracy, and network energy savings. These changes are not purely theoretical—they require hardware and software upgrades at cell sites, meaning more activity for property owners. Carriers are planning phased deployments through 2025 and 2026, with some markets seeing equipment swaps and software updates as soon as this quarter. This represents an opportunity for owners to review lease language and prepare to negotiate amendments that fairly compensate for additional use of the property.
Equipment and Power Impacts
Each upgrade cycle typically brings new radios, antennas, and supporting equipment. These changes may slightly increase the load on towers or rooftops, which makes it essential to have updated structural analyses. Power requirements also tend to rise, particularly as carriers push for higher capacity and additional spectrum bands. Property owners should confirm that their electrical systems have sufficient capacity and that generator backup can handle the increased draw during outages. If additional conduit entries or panels are required, these should be priced into the amendment so the owner is compensated for the added infrastructure burden.
Negotiating Amendments
Amendments are not just a formality—they are a chance to capture more value from your site. Owners can request rent bumps in exchange for allowing additional equipment, negotiate for extension of the lease term, and charge fees for fiber entry or ground space expansions. Carriers expect to pay something for these modifications, but they move quickly, so having a standard amendment template ready puts owners in a stronger negotiating position. Owners should also request updated structural and RF compliance letters as part of any modification to ensure that the site remains safe and compliant.
Long‑Term Opportunities
Because Release 18 is being rolled out gradually, there will likely be multiple amendment opportunities over the next two to three years. This means that owners who keep their documentation up to date and maintain a clear process for handling requests are best positioned to capture recurring value. Proactive owners can even approach carriers to discuss future amendment needs, aligning site readiness with carrier schedules and securing commitments earlier.
