Property owners are leasing rooftops and vacant plots to telecom giants for mobile tower installations. The money is real, but so are the risks
With telecom providers trying to expand 4G and 5G coverage across India’s cities and towns, the rooftop has become a battleground. Residential societies, private homeowners, and even shopkeepers with a flat roof are being courted for one thing: mobile tower space.
The pitch is simple. Rent them space and they will pay rent every month. There are no upfront costs. But the details buried behind that pitch? Not always so clean.
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone-Idea have outsourced much of their tower infrastructure work to third-party operators. Indus Towers, American Tower Corporation, and others are aggressively acquiring space to plant more towers. The result: tens of thousands of property owners are being approached with offers ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 60,000 per month, depending on location and feasibility.
But there’s a catch.
Long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell towers remains controversial. While the World Health Organisation has stopped short of calling these towers outright dangerous, various medical studies have warned of potential links to headaches, sleep disorders, and even cancer. Some residents near towers have blamed sudden illnesses on the installations, though conclusive evidence remains elusive.
P Venkata Krishnan, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Artemis Hospitals, says, "Living close to a mobile tower may raise valid concerns about long term health risks. People still argue about the radiofrequency radiation that these towers give off, even though it is usually well below international safety limits. The World Health Organization says that the amount of RF radiation that people get from cell towers is usually only 0.002% to 2% of what is considered safe. This radiation doesn't ionize and doesn't directly hurt DNA, but some people have reported symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and trouble sleeping after being exposed to it for a long time. But so far, scientific studies haven't found strong proof that there are serious health risks, like cancer. It is thought that radiation is not very dangerous to people as long as it stays below safe levels."
The Department of Telecommunications insists India’s radiation exposure limits are ten times stricter than international standards. Yet, housing societies near hospitals or schools are advised against hosting towers.
"As an eye specialist, I am against placing mobile towers near to homes as there are potential thermal effects causing several health issues especially on sensitive eye tissues like the lens and cornea and unclear long-term risks. Although typical RF exposure from towers follows ICNIRP safety limits and hasn’t been proven harmful, some studies report non‑thermal effects and symptoms at higher exposures," says Dr Anchal Gupta, Senior Ophthalmologist and Founder of Netram Eye Foundation.
"If installation is needed, ensure the tower complies with ICNIRP guidelines, keep living and sleeping areas far from the source, use RF‑blocking window film, and get eye exams every 6–12 months to detect early issues," Gupta Cautions
"There are easy ways to lower your exposure to radiofrequency radiation if you already have a mobile tower up or must keep it for financial reasons. Keep your distance by not spending a lot of time directly under or next to the tower. The amount of RF exposure drops a lot even a few meters away. Thick walls, curtains, or metal surfaces can block or reflect radiation inside. To cut down on other RF sources, turn off your cell phones and Wi-Fi routers when you're not using them. Lastly, ask for regular checks of the electromagnetic field to make sure that radiation levels stay safe. This will make you feel better," adds Krishnan.
Officially, telecom towers can be installed in residential zones, but with conditions. Not within 100 metres of a school. Not without structural safety clearance. And if it’s a cooperative housing society, 70 per cent of the residents must sign off on it.
Reality on the ground? Loopholes are often exploited. Temporary towers go up before permits are secured. Some owners strike side deals with vendors without society's consent. In several cities, complaints have surged about unauthorised towers springing up without civic clearance.
The leasing process begins with an inspection. TSPs only consider sites with strong radio frequency feasibility. If greenlit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed. Then comes the lease, followed by installation.
Title deed and structural safety certificate
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the society
Airport clearance if near an airbase
Site plan, age of building, number of floors, and consent from residents (where applicable)
Once approved, the tower is set up often within weeks.
The rent can be significant, especially in urban areas. In Mumbai, premium rooftops fetch Rs 1-2 lakh monthly. There’s also the potential for free call/data perks if negotiated though such benefits aren’t guaranteed and vary by provider.
However, it comes with its own downside. Electromagnetic fields can disrupt home electronics, according to several residents. Others complain about blocked views, structural strain, and noise during installation. And there’s always the long-term worry of falling property value or rising health risks.
The surge in demand has also triggered a wave of fraud. Fake companies promise fast approvals and ask for “processing fees” from owners. Victims report losing thousands to such rackets. The Department of Telecommunications warns that only registered TSPs and IP-1 licensees are authorised to install towers. Their updated list is available on the DoT website.
No one should pay any advance. And certainly no one should share Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details on unverified websites.
Mobile tower installation is not illegal. Nor is it inherently unsafe. But it’s not simple either. Property owners must weigh short-term gains against potential long-term consequences.
When considering leasing the land or building for tower use, the owners must read every clause. They should verify every document. Ask questions. And most importantly, talk to your neighbours.
Official list check: Log in to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) website. Confirm the TSP (like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone-Idea) or IP-1 infrastructure provider (for example, Indus Towers, American Tower Corp) is registered to erect towers. If the name isn’t on the official list, the provider company is most likely a knockoff.
Cross-verify domain and contact: Genuine operators use email IDs ending in official company domains. Anything else can be seen as a red flag.
Visit licences and approvals: Before signing, ask for a copy of the TSP/IP licence issued by DoT, plus GST and PAN certificates. If they refuse, it is advisable to walk away.