Thanks for the warm welcome.
I've had several self-storage owners (including Mom) suggest that I put together something a bit more formalized that would help self-storage owners & managers pursue cell-sites. I had originally planned to attend the Inside Self-Storage Expo in Las Vegas, so that I could learn more about the business from the other side. I'm busy working on new tower sites, though, so it will need to wait until next year.
There are many things developing right now that are going to provide greater need for cellular tower sites in the next 3 years. There are new licenses being issued, and many new bidders in an FCC license auction RIGHT NOW. Google is probably the biggest new entrant bidding on licenses, but over 200 entities were approved for the auction. You can check on the results here:
https://auctionbidding.fcc.gov/aucti...!1201478957104
The FCC also changed the rules on location-based accuracy standards, which again means more towers (the detailed explanation isn't worth the time).
To your question about how to get a cell-tower site for your business, I suggest that you start with your local zoning office. This may be called the engineering, planning, development, etc. office in your area, but you're looking for the folks who control what you can and cannot build on your property. Ask them who has approached them in the last 12-18 months about cell sites (not just towers). Have there been any zoning applications filed, or perhaps any inquiries? Check the minutes of zoning and city council meetings about tower sites in the past in the same (or nearby) jurisdictions. You're looking for people like me, commonly referred to as site acquisition agents. If you can get the attention of a zoning person, they may even have a few business cards from the people you want to contact.
Also, while you are at the zoning office, pick up a copy of the zoning code and zoning (or zone) map. If you're ever having trouble sleeping, reading your zoning code will put you right to sleep. Your goal in reading the code is to learn where towers are permitted, and see if your site works. Start in the Definitions section, so you understand how they look at towers.
These contacts and public records are there if you're willing to take the time. When you find a name, use it. Contacting the wireless companies directly rarely, if ever, produces results. They contract with people like me to handle the site search and development for them.
You need to find the site development folks in your area. When you find one, ask them about any others that they know of working the area. Ask them who they work with, and if any new sites are needed now or in the future. Your goal is to get to know them, who they work for, and at some point, to let them know about your property. They won't come and see your site, but if you can build rapport, they should be willing to keep your site information on file. Check back with them every three months.
I wish you luck, and if this route doesn't help, we can always try something a little bit more involved.
Regards,
towerguy