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On Tower (formerly Arqiva) Phone Mast Lease Advice

Arqiva sold its mobile infrastructure to Cellnex in 2020. On Tower is the current operating entity.

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Important: Arqiva sold its mobile telecommunications infrastructure business in July 2020. The mobile mast operating entity is now On Tower UK Ltd, which operates within the Cellnex group. Arqiva itself now focuses exclusively on broadcast infrastructure (television and radio masts) — not mobile phone masts.

If you have a phone mast lease originally granted to Arqiva Services or Arqiva's mobile division, your current landlord is On Tower UK Ltd. All mobile mast negotiations are now conducted through On Tower, not Arqiva.

We act exclusively for UK landlords with On Tower or legacy Arqiva mobile mast leases. Our specialists ensure your lease documents correctly reflect the current operator entity and that your rights are fully protected in any renewal or rent review.

Key Facts About On Tower (formerly Arqiva) Mast Leases

  • ✓Arqiva sold its mobile infrastructure business to Cellnex in July 2020 — it no longer operates mobile phone masts
  • ✓On Tower UK Ltd (formerly Arqiva Services mobile division) is the current operating entity within Cellnex
  • ✓Arqiva remains active only in broadcast infrastructure (TV and radio transmitters)
  • ✓If your lease names Arqiva as the operator for mobile masts, you need to verify the current counterpart entity
  • ✓On Tower/Cellnex leases are subject to the Electronic Communications Code introduced by the Digital Economy Act 2017

Common Scenarios We Handle

If any of the following apply to you, contact us for a free initial consultation.

  • →Your lease names Arqiva but you are unsure who your current operator is
  • →On Tower UK Ltd has contacted you about a rent review or lease renewal
  • →You have not received an Assignment of Lease notification since the 2020 Cellnex sale
  • →On Tower is proposing new lease terms under the Electronic Communications Code
  • →You need to confirm whether your site relates to mobile masts or broadcast infrastructure
  • →You want advice before responding to any communication from On Tower or Cellnex

Why Choose The Phone Mast Advice Company?

We act exclusively for landlords — never for mobile phone operators. This independence is fundamental. When On Tower (formerly Arqiva) or their agents approach our clients, we ensure landlords receive objective, evidence-based representation.

Our 30+ years of experience and extensive database of comparable UK mast deals means every negotiation is backed by hard evidence. We were involved in instigating and advising on Compton Beauchamp Estates v CTIL [2022] UKSC 18 — the most significant UK telecoms ruling since the Telecommunications Act 1984.

Our fees are structured on a no-win, no-fee basis for most instructions. We only succeed when you do.

Frequently Asked Questions — On Tower (formerly Arqiva) Phone Mast Leases

No. Arqiva sold its mobile telecommunications infrastructure business to Cellnex UK in July 2020. The operating entity for those sites is now On Tower UK Ltd, which is part of the Cellnex group. Arqiva Ltd continues to operate broadcast infrastructure (television and radio transmitters) but is no longer involved in mobile phone masts.
If your original lease was with Arqiva Services or the mobile division of Arqiva, your current counterpart is likely On Tower UK Ltd following the 2020 sale to Cellnex. You should check whether an Assignment of Lease or novation agreement was sent to you when the business was transferred. We can review your documentation and confirm the current legal position.
On Tower UK Ltd is the company that acquired Arqiva's mobile mast business in the Cellnex deal of July 2020. Arqiva Ltd is a separate and distinct company that continues to operate broadcast transmitters for TV and radio. They are different companies — do not confuse them when dealing with lease matters.
On Tower, as an operator within the meaning of the Electronic Communications Code, can seek to have rents assessed under the 'no-scheme' valuation model. Specialist independent advice from a landlord-only firm is essential to resist below-market proposals.
We strongly advise against engaging directly with On Tower or their agents before taking specialist advice. Once you engage, you may inadvertently limit your negotiating options. Contact us for a free initial consultation before making any response.
On Tower UK Ltd (previously Arqiva's mobile division) manages a significant UK portfolio of mast sites. Rents vary by location, site type, and lease history. Many Arqiva-origin leases were agreed before 2017 under different valuation principles. We assess your site and advise on achievable rent in the current market.
On Tower UK Ltd (as the successor entity within Cellnex) will contact you about renewing your existing lease, typically proposing Code terms. If your lease was originally with Arqiva, you should first verify the correct legal counterpart. We manage the entire renewal process and all operator communications on your behalf.
Do not respond until you have taken specialist advice. We offer a free initial consultation and will review your documentation to confirm the current legal position regarding your counterpart entity and your options. Call 01691 791543.
On Tower UK Ltd, as part of Cellnex, is a Code operator and can apply for new agreements under the ECC's 'no-scheme' valuation framework. For legacy Arqiva leases, the transition to On Tower may also raise questions about assignment and consent. We advise on all of these issues.
On Tower leases often include broad multi-operator rights, upgrade provisions, and access terms that may be more extensive than necessary. Any lease variation proposed in connection with the Arqiva-to-On Tower transition should be carefully reviewed. We check every clause and ensure your interests are fully protected.

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Need Advice on Your On Tower (formerly Arqiva) Phone Mast Lease?

Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We act only for landlords — never for mobile phone operators.

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