U.S. General Services Administration
Invisible Infrastructure: How GSA Rooftops Support America and Connect Communities
Post filed in: Public Buildings Service
Editor’s Note: Can you spot the antennas on the Herbert C. Hoover Building, which houses the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., pictured above? How many do you see?
Most people walking past a federal building may never think to look up. But on rooftops across the country, a small footprint of technology is helping power the communications people rely on every day.
As part of GSA’s National Outlease Program, antenna outleasing, which means leasing vacant or underutilized space temporarily not needed by the federal community to the private sector, turns underutilized rooftop space on federal buildings into part of the nation’s “invisible infrastructure” — supporting commercial wireless service, emergency communications and public safety while generating revenue that can be reinvested in federal assets.
GSA’s national portfolio of more than 1,550 federally owned buildings offers a unique opportunity to help meet the public’s growing demand for reliable wireless coverage. Today, commercial cellular sites across approximately 70 GSA buildings are forecast to generate about $4.11 million in revenue in FY26. With only a small percentage of GSA’s owned portfolio currently participating, the program has significant potential to expand service, close coverage gaps and increase returns to the federal government.
Antenna outleasing also plays an important role in public safety and national security. GSA buildings are highly secure and strategically located, making them well-positioned to support critical communications infrastructure. Antenna sites can provide commercial cell service to the public while also supporting dedicated channels and capacity for first responders and other emergency response partners. During major public events or emergencies, this infrastructure can help ensure that vital communications remain available when they are needed most.
The benefits go beyond better communication infrastructure. Income from antenna outleasing helps GSA preserve existing assets. Under Section 111 of the National Historic Preservation Act, these funds support the repair and rehabilitation of historic federal properties. Recently, GSA reinvested historic outlease funds to restore the acoustic stone, gilding and original finishes at Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. This approach reflects responsible stewardship: using low-risk, underutilized space to strengthen communications, support public safety and generate value for taxpayers.
GSA is continuing to modernize the program to make the process simple, quick and predictable for industry partners. By streamlining agreements and improving coordination, GSA is positioning its buildings as preferred locations for critical wireless infrastructure.
To learn more about the PBS National Outleasing Program and available opportunities, please email outlease.pbs@gsa.gov.
See Below: The correct answer is that there are twelve antennas on the Herbert C. Hoover Building.
