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1. What does Zeigen Consulting do?

Zeigen Consulting is an independent commercial advisory firm specialising in telecommunications infrastructure. We assist Traditional Authorities, Communal Property Associations (CPAs), municipalities, private landowners and institutions in understanding, managing and maximising the commercial value of telecommunications infrastructure located on their land.

Our services include infrastructure audits, lease reviews, market rental assessments, governance advisory, commercial negotiations and strategic guidance throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.

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2. What is telecommunications infrastructure?

Telecommunications infrastructure refers to the physical assets that enable electronic communications, including cellular towers, Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), fibre optic networks, microwave links, equipment shelters, antennas, power systems and related facilities.

These assets support mobile networks, internet connectivity, emergency communications and other digital services across South Africa.

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3. Who owns the cellular tower on my property?

Not necessarily the Mobile Network Operator.

In many cases, the physical tower is owned or managed by an independent tower company, while the radio equipment belongs to one or more Mobile Network Operators. The party responsible for lease payments and site management depends on the contractual agreements in place.

A review of the lease documentation and supporting records is necessary to determine the current ownership and contractual responsibilities.

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4. Can more than one Mobile Network Operator use the same tower?

Yes.

This practice is known as co-location or infrastructure sharing. A single telecommunications tower can accommodate equipment from multiple Mobile Network Operators, allowing them to share passive infrastructure while operating their own independent networks.

Co-location reduces infrastructure costs, minimises environmental impact and accelerates network expansion.

 

5. How do I know if the rental being paid for a telecommunications site is commercially reasonable?

The appropriate rental depends on several factors, including:

• Location of the site

• Type of infrastructure

• Site accessibility

• Land rights

• Market conditions

• Lease duration

• Escalation provisions

• Number of infrastructure occupants

• Commercial use of the site

Zeigen Consulting conducts independent commercial assessments to evaluate lease terms and compare them against prevailing market considerations. Our assessments provide informed recommendations but do not constitute formal property valuations.

 

6. What documents should I have before requesting an infrastructure review?

Where available, you should provide:

• Lease agreements

• Lease renewals or addenda

• Title deeds or proof of land rights

• CPA registration documents

• Traditional Council resolutions (where applicable)

• Municipal approvals

• Site plans

• Survey diagrams

• Rental statements

• Payment history

• Site photographs

• Previous correspondence with operators

If some documents are unavailable, we can advise on practical steps to obtain or verify the necessary information.

 

7. Does Zeigen Consulting provide legal services?

No, Zeigen Consulting is an independent commercial advisory firm and does not provide legal, engineering, surveying, valuation, tax or accounting services.

Where specialist advice is required, we work collaboratively with appropriately qualified professionals while continuing to provide independent commercial guidance.

 

8. Who can benefit from your services?

Our advisory services are designed for:

• Traditional Authorities

• Communal Property Associations (CPAs)

• Municipalities

• Private landowners

• Farmers

• Property developers

• Mining companies

• Educational institutions

• Religious organisations

• Corporate landowners

• State-owned entities

Anyone responsible for land on which telecommunications infrastructure is located may benefit from an independent commercial review.

 

9. What happens after I appoint Zeigen Consulting?

Our engagement typically follows a structured process:

1. Initial consultation.

2. Client onboarding and document collection.

3. Telecommunications infrastructure audit.

4. Lease and commercial assessment.

5. Market rental review.

6. Findings and recommendations.

7. Strategy discussion.

8. Commercial engagement or negotiation support, where appropriate.

9. Ongoing advisory services, if required.

Each engagement is tailored to the client's objectives and the specific characteristics of the infrastructure site.

 

10. Does Zeigen Consulting guarantee increased rental income or successful negotiations?

No, we do not guarantee any specific commercial, legal or financial outcome.

Our role is to provide independent, evidence-based commercial advice and strategic guidance based on the documentation, technical information and market conditions available at the time of the engagement. Any negotiations or outcomes remain subject to contractual rights, applicable legislation and the willingness of the relevant parties to reach agreement.

Bonus FAQ (Highly Recommended)​

Why should I appoint an independent commercial advisor instead of negotiating directly with a telecommunications company?

Telecommunications infrastructure agreements often involve complex commercial, technical and governance considerations. An independent commercial advisor provides objective analysis, identifies potential risks and opportunities, reviews documentation, and helps clients make informed decisions before entering into discussions with operators or infrastructure companies.

 

Our role is to ensure that clients understand their position, responsibilities and available options so that any engagement is based on transparency, sound governance and informed commercial decision-making.