Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group | Real Estate Consultants to the MBTA

MassDOT & MBTA Telecom and Energy Services

Introduction

MassDOT and the MBTA are now providing a one stop shop through Greystone for telecommunications infrastructure developers, providers, and carriers to locate facilities on Massachusetts transportation related properties. New standard rates and charges have been developed to provide market based access to statewide coverage. Together, Greystone, MassDOT and the MBTA are developing a new expedited approval and documentation process. Applications for new sites can be requested here.

Advantages of Doing Business with MassDOT & the MBTA

  • One stop shopping
  • Streamlined approval process
  • Standard rates
  • Capacity for statewide development
  • Access to Trans-Atlantic connections
  • Redundant route opportunities
  • Zoning exemptions (where applicable)
  • Continuity of secure service

Below is a map showing the current fiber zones and opportunities.

View full sized map

Cellular Rates

Rates for Cellular Opportunities for both MassDOT and MBTA owned properties:

Type of Tower/AntennaPrime & UrbanUrban & SuburbanRural
Micro Facility with 1 to 4 antennas per site. Omni directional or directional up to 8ft. in height, with equipment space or structure up to 100 sq. ft.$38,004$25,336$20,267
Mini Facility with 5 to 9 antennas per site. Directional up to 5.5 feet in height or omni-directional up to 12 feet in height, with equipment space or structure up to 240 sq. ft.$44,337$31,670$25,336
Macro Facility with 10 to 12 antennas per site. Directional up to 5.5 ft. in height or omni-directional up to 12 ft. in height, with equipment space or structure up to 480 sq. ft.$51,937$32,935$25,336

Download Full Rate Card

Fiber Optic Rates

Rates for Fiber Optic Opportunities on MassDOT owned land are as follows:

1. Longitudinal Rates*

ZoneAnnual RatePer-Strand Multiplier
Tunnels$56.98 per linear foot$.08 per-fiber
Urban$13.48 per linear foot$.05 per-fiber
Suburban$6.27 per linear foot$.03 per-fiber
Exurban$2.78 per linear foot$.02 per-fiber

2. Transverse Crossing Rates*

ZoneAnnual Rate Per Line – 100 ft or lessPer-Strand Multiplier
Urban$12.30 per linear foot$.05 per-fiber
Suburban$5.41 per linear foot$.03 per-fiber
Exurban$2.78 per linear foot$.02 per-fiber

3. Access Point Connections (Longitudinal ROW)

  • Turnpike: $1.4989796 per-foot-per-year, plus $524.6321 per-fiber-per-year, plus annual CPIU (All Boston) escalation, (2.5% min.) per year.
  • Other Rights-of-Way: No charge other than permit and other one-time fees

Download Full Rate Card

*Rates apply to any fiber optic cable with 216 strands or less. Multipliers are applied to all strands above 216 strands on a per-strand-basis. Cables with 432 strands or more are subject to negotiations.

Rates for Fiber Optic Opportunities on MBTA owned land are as follows:

ZoneAnnual Rate Per LinePer-Strand Multiplier
Zone 1$11.594 per linear foot$.063 per-fiber
Zone 2$6.613 per linear foot$.063 per-fiber
Zone 3$5.615 per linear foot$.036 per-fiber
Zone 4$2.990 per linear foot$.026 per-fiber

Download Full Rate Card

  • Zones are based on the distance between stations and commuter rail (to the state line)
  • Rates apply to any fiber optic cable with 216 strands or less. Multipliers are applied to all strands above 216 strands on a per-strand-basis. Cables with 432 strands or more are subject to negotiations.
  • Transverse Crossings are $5,971 per occupancy escalated each year by 3%

The above rates are current as of February, 2024.

Fiber Optic Ducts

MassDOT & the MBTA are currently offering vacant fiber optic ducts for immediate occupancy. Please see map below for current availability.

Map of available conduit locations

Information

Below links provide information on construction and insurance requirements to construct installments on MassDOT & MBTA property. A sample license is provided for review prior to completion of application.

MassDOTMBTA
MassDOT Construction SpecsMBTA Construction Specs
MassDOT Insurance RequirementsMBTA Insurance Requirements
MassDOT Special InstructionsMBTA Special Instructions
MassDOT Sample LicenseMBTA Sample License

*To download documents click the appropriate link in the table above.

Application

Submit a License Application form here.

Click here for instructions on how to complete the application