Protecting Property owners in the 5G and 6G Era.

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 For years, 5G upgrades have often been categorized as “minor modifications” with limited review. Yet industry actions suggest that safety considerations remain a real factor. When the nation’s largest carriers invest heavily in rooftop retrofits and implement national safety training programs, it underscores the need for independent oversight.

AT&T publicly launched a seven-minute RF safety training video for rooftop workers and visitors. This program goes beyond what federal regulations currently require. Placards with QR codes are now installed at 5G sites across the country, directing anyone who might be exposed to review safety information. The existence of such programs highlights that RF safety is a meaningful issue for both carriers and property owners.

For landlords and municipalities, this raises an important question: if carriers emphasize safety in internal practices, while simplifying the issue in public communications, should independent verification be part of every site? Relying solely on carrier self-reporting means depending on their interpretation, which may not always reflect site-specific risks. Independent RF reviews, signage, and oversight provide additional assurance for landlords, tenants, and cities.

 At SCM, we believe that safety and property value go hand in hand. A rooftop or ground site that lacks proper compliance oversight can create risks for both people and assets. The safety concerns highlighted in these videos illustrate how unclear responsibilities or missing oversight can impact sites.

For landlords, safety oversight is an essential part of responsible ownership. Protecting tenants, workers, and visitors involves more than signage, it requires independent RF testing, documented FCC compliance, and secure access protocols. Section 6409 allows some upgrades to be categorized as “minor modifications,” but many have broader implications for safety, compliance, and lease terms. Without proper review, these changes may increase liability and reduce revenue.

With 5G still expanding and 6G on the horizon, each upgrade is an opportunity to confirm compliance and reinforce lease protections. Independent audits, accurate classification, and well-structured lease terms help safeguard both people on-site and the long-term value of property portfolios.

Reporting potential concerns is the first step. By identifying compliance issues early, landlords can reduce risk, preserve authority, and prevent smaller issues from escalating. SCM Advisors provides expertise and support to translate concerns into practical solutions that protect property interests, safety, and long-term wireless value.

Across the country, many properties host wireless equipment that has been added or maintained without sufficient attention to safety protocols. What may seem like a minor oversight, such as a loose barrier, an unsecured work zone, or unclear access pathways, can quickly escalate into a serious hazard for anyone accessing the rooftop. These risks affect not only technicians but also create potential liability for landlords and property managers who are responsible for maintaining safe environments.

The expansion of 5G infrastructure has increased the complexity of rooftop sites. With more antennas, higher power output, and denser configurations, the need for consistent safety practices has grown. For property owners, this highlights the importance of independent FCC compliance evaluations, RF exposure testing, and on-site audits that provide clarity beyond carrier reporting. Without these measures, landlords may face increased legal exposure and preventable site risks.

At SCM Advisors, we encounter these issues regularly.

The images shown here reflect situations where oversight or safety practices were incomplete. Our role is to help property owners strengthen compliance, protect workers and tenants, and ensure rooftop sites are managed responsibly. With proper evaluation and guidance, property owners can turn vulnerable sites into documented, revenue-secure assets that safeguard both people and property.