Case Studies
NTP Wireless reduces lease rates by 27% for Emerging Technology Firm
Significant barriers emerged during the network launch of a leading high-tech company. NTP Wireless was brought in to help reduce barriers and decrease operating expenses, resulting in a 27% reduction of rent rates nationwide
Location: Nationwide
Business Challenge: Significant barriers emerged during the network launch of a leading high-tech company. The firm encountered difficulties obtaining sites indicated by RF as necessary for optimal coverage. The lack of available sites and the unfavorable zoning code for wireless telecommunication providers in these jurisdictions were preventing the client from obtaining tolerable lease terms and receiving timely zoning and permitting approval. Capital and Operating expenditures, specifically high rent rates and costly zoning hearings, were extremely prohibitive.
NTP Solution: NTP Wireless assigned its land use Attorney and Solutions Specialist to assess, develop, and execute a solution strategy. The team conducted a zoning feasibility assessment, identified alternative candidates, and contacted multiple landlords across all markets. Through collaboration, NTP Wireless developed creative coverage solutions with the client´s RF team, resulting in access to a larger pool of viable candidates. As the supply of candidates increased, NTP Wireless was able to regain negotiating power with landlords across all markets. At the same time, NTP Wireless team worked diligently with local zoning boards to arrive at solutions agreeable to both the client and local community.
Client Benefits: Client´s rent rates were reduced, on average, $1000/month below the previous average rent rates on the project. Client´s total rent rates were reduced by 27%, representing savings of millions of dollars over the life of the leases.
Resolving Tier-1 wireless carrier coverage gap in the Chicago area
Major wireless carrier had specific height requirements outside allowable parameters of jurisdiction for a priority site in the Chicago market. The NTP Wireless team utilized local market knowledge and land use experts to ameliorate zoning difficulties and reduce time to market.
Location: Darien, IL - Park District
Business Challenge: A Tier-1 wireless carrier required zoning board approval to build a 100’ tower located on Park District property that abutted several residential properties. A special use permit (SUP), as well as height and setback variances were required. The cost involved with a potentially long zoning process offset any benefit a 75’ tower would have provided the client.
NTP Solution: NTP Wireless approached the zoning board and articulated the benefits of a 100’ tower to the City of Darien. Specifically, that at 100’, the tower would be co-locatable for additional wireless providers, thereby reducing the total number of towers needed in the area. The City of Darien ruled in favor of the client and a building permit was obtained shortly thereafter.
Client Benefits: NTP Wireless enabled the client to expand their coverage without altering RF specifications for optimal coverage or incurring additional CapEx and OpEx expenditures.
Strategic planning reduces CapEx and OpEx expenditures for nationwide network launch
Sites critical to establishing the network footprint necessary for a successful launch lacked solution paths causing project delays and increased CapEx and OpEx expenditures. NTP Wireless was recruited to the project and immediately mobilized and implemented strategic solutions in top 15 major markets to facilitate on-time network launch.
Location: Nationwide
Business Challenge: Amidst a nationwide network launch, a leading wireless company was experiencing major project delays costing them time and money. The unfavorable zoning and leasing environments hindered the company’s efforts to obtain specific sites that were critical to establish the network footprint necessary for a successful launch. Quick and cost-effective solutions that decreased CapEx and OpEx expenditures were required in the attainment of these critical sites in top 15 major metropolitan markets, which included: Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Washington D.C.
NTP Solution: NTP Wireless leveraged exceptions management, utilized key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the current situation in each specific market, and determined critical path efficiencies. NTP Wireless’ Managing Director and Director of Human Resources identified and contacted preferred partners within the NTP Wireless network and quickly mobilized employees whose local expertise ensured the rapid and successful execution of identified project milestones. Within 72 hours of contact, NTP Wireless had the right people on the ground in every market, enabling rapid implementation of solutions and delivery of viable candidates.
Client Benefits: Project realized disproportionately high benefits from NTP Wireless’ contribution:
NTP Wireless was assigned 19% of the total search rings, but NTP Wireless delivered 31% of the project’s total sites These search rings were both the most difficult and in the most critical markets NTP Wireless delivered these sites in only 12 months of project involvement. Client quickly obtained previously problematic sites and met project deadlines.
Tactical zoning solutions decreases time to market in New York City
Zoning and permitting approval in major metropolitan area proved costly for leading emerging technologies firm that required a critical site to fill coverage gap in a priority market. The NTP Wireless team created and executed solution that expedited the zoning approval process, saving the firm 18 months and $75,000 - $100,000 on the site.
Location: New York, NY
Business Challenge: Leading emerging technology firm required zoning approval to co-locate an antenna on a rooftop designated by the RF team as critical in resolving a coverage gap. Permit Inspector initially rejected the firm’s building permit package; Borough commissioner subsequently concluded that the height of client’s equipment exceeded zoning height allowance. No suitable alternative candidates existed. Client required a solution that would resolve this site.
NTP Solution: NTP Wireless’ expeditor and Project Manager reviewed initial building permit package submission and identified that the zoning board had misapplied the New York City Telecommunications Code (TPPN #5/98). Per the code, the proposed antenna was in compliance with specified height requirements. NTP Wireless concluded that the jurisdiction had incorrectly identified client’s rooftop shelter as the antenna and compiled and submitted an appeal package to New York City Technical Affairs Committee detailing compliance with the code. The Technical Affairs office overruled the initial rejection which confirmed the zoning compliant design. Client obtained a building permit shortly thereafter
Client Benefits: Client gained city approval and resolved existing coverage gap, saving an estimated $75,000 - $100,000 of costs and 18 months of time by avoiding complicated and expensive zoning process.
