American Tower

American Tower, established in 1995 as a subsidiary of American Radio, has grown into a leading global provider of communications infrastructure. In 1998, it became an independent company and now operates as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), offering multitenant communications real estate and data centres across 25 countries on six continents.

The company manages nearly 225,000 assets, providing essential infrastructure for wireless connectivity. Its colocation model allows multiple tenants to share a single site, helping customers reduce network costs and focus on service delivery. Clients include mobile network operators, media companies, government agencies, and other organisations that rely on wireless technology.

American Tower's growth strategy includes strategic acquisitions and international expansion. Notable transactions include the 2021 acquisition of CoreSite Realty Corporation, adding interconnected data centres in the U.S., and the purchase of Eaton Towers in 2019, which expanded its presence in Africa. The company has also launched operations in regions such as Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

Sustainability is a key focus for American Tower. It has adopted science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement and is a member of the United Nations Global Compact. The company promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognising that a diverse workforce enhances innovation and connection.

As of November 2024, American Tower's market capitalisation is approximately $94.77 billion. The company's vision is to lead in wireless connectivity, drive efficiency, and innovate for a mobile future. Its commitment to technology and community building positions it as a key player in advancing global digital infrastructure.

American Tower began in 1995 as a subsidiary of American Radio. It was established to manage wireless communication sites as the telecommunications industry began expanding rapidly. 

In 1998, following the sale of American Radio to CBS/Viacom, American Tower was spun off into an independent company. That same year, the company went public under the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with the ticker symbol AMT.

By 1999, American Tower launched operations in Mexico, becoming the country’s largest independent tower operator with over 3,000 sites. The following year, in 2000, the company expanded its international footprint by entering the Brazilian market. During this time, growth focused on acquisitions and developing new towers.

In 2005, American Tower merged with SpectraSite, Inc., one of its closest competitors, making it the largest tower company in the United States. In 2007, the company joined the S&P 500 and opened its first office outside the Americas, in New Delhi, India. This marked the start of significant expansion into the Indian market, which became a key region for the company. By 2010, American Tower acquired Essar Telecom Infrastructure in India, adding 4,450 tower sites.

In 2012, American Tower became a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and began paying regular dividends. That year, the company also reached a milestone of 50,000 communication sites globally and expanded to new regions, including Germany and Uganda. In 2013, it acquired Global Tower Partners, the largest privately-owned tower operator in the U.S., adding a significant number of sites and entering Costa Rica.

The company’s operations continued to grow with strategic acquisitions. In 2015, American Tower acquired 11,448 wireless communication sites from Verizon Communications, increasing its U.S. portfolio to 40,000 towers. This year also marked its entry into Nigeria and its global portfolio reaching 100,000 towers. In 2016, it acquired a controlling stake in Viom Networks Limited, adding over 42,000 towers in India and expanding its presence in Argentina.

Between 2018 and 2021, the company acquired Eaton Towers in Africa, CoreSite Realty Corporation in the U.S., and additional assets across Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. These deals added thousands of sites to its portfolio and launched operations in new regions like Spain, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.

American Tower adopted sustainability measures by setting science-based targets in 2021, aligning with the Paris Agreement's greenhouse gas reduction goals. The same year, it became a member of the United Nations Global Compact. By 2022, the company launched operations in New Zealand and adopted the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles.

In 2023, the company’s Board of Directors announced Steven Vondran as the new President and CEO, effective February 2024.

American Tower stock

In 2024, American Tower divested its India operations to Data Infrastructure Trust (DIT), an Infrastructure Investment Trust sponsored by Brookfield Asset Management.

Today, American Tower Corporation (AMT) is a leading global Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that operates nearly 225,000 assets in 25 countries, specialising in wireless communications infrastructure. As of November 26, 2024, its stock is trading at $207.55 per share, reflecting a 1.63% increase from the previous close. The company's market capitalisation stands at approximately $94.77 billion. Over the past 52 weeks, AMT's stock has ranged between $170.46 and $243.56. The company maintains a dividend yield of around 3.17%, offering regular distributions to shareholders.

American Tower's mission is to lead wireless connectivity across the globe by providing reliable and efficient communications infrastructure. The company focuses on innovation for a mobile future, enabling its customers to meet growing connectivity demands. By driving efficiency in the telecommunications industry, it helps reduce costs for network operators. American Tower aims to grow its portfolio of assets and expand its capabilities to support evolving customer needs. Through sustainable operations and a commitment to people and communities, the company strives to empower global connectivity while maintaining high standards of operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

American Tower's vision is to build a more connected world by supporting the infrastructure needs of today and the future. It envisions a global network of robust and sustainable communication sites that enable people, businesses, and communities to thrive through enhanced connectivity. The company aspires to remain a leader in wireless communications infrastructure by adapting to technological advancements and prioritising sustainability. Through collaboration, innovation, and customer focus, American Tower aims to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and contribute to the seamless integration of technology in everyday life while maintaining responsible and ethical business practices.

In 2017, it was listed on Fortune's prestigious Fortune 500 for the first time. The company has consistently appeared on Forbes' lists, including "America’s Best Mid-Size Employers" and "America’s Best Employers for Diversity" in 2018 and 2019. Its former CEO, Jim Taiclet, was recognised multiple times by the Harvard Business Review as one of the "Top 100 Performing CEOs in the World" (2011, 2013, and 2014). In 2016, its Board of Directors was named "Public Company Board of the Year" by NACD.

American Tower is a global leader in providing communications infrastructure and services that support wireless connectivity and digital networks. Operating across 25 countries with a portfolio of nearly 225,000 assets, the company delivers solutions to mobile network operators, media companies, government agencies, and other organisations. Its core business is to enable its customers to meet growing connectivity demands through its advanced infrastructure.

Tower Sites by American Tower

At the heart of American Tower's services are its tower sites, which act as "vertical office buildings" for wireless communication. These towers are strategically located to provide optimum connectivity and support various telecommunications technologies. American Tower’s customers lease space on these towers to house their equipment, enabling them to expand their network coverage and capacity. By allowing multiple tenants to share a single tower, the company offers a cost-effective solution for network operators, reducing the need for additional infrastructure investment.

Colocation and Neutral Hosting

A significant aspect of American Tower’s operations is colocation, also referred to as neutral hosting. Through this model, multiple tenants, such as mobile network operators, can share a single tower. This arrangement not only reduces costs but also optimises the use of infrastructure, ensuring environmental efficiency. Neutral hosting also enables faster deployment of next-generation wireless networks like 5G.

Data Centres by American Tower

American Tower has expanded its offerings to include highly interconnected data centres through its acquisition of CoreSite Realty Corporation in 2021. These facilities provide critical support for cloud computing, content delivery, and enterprise applications. Located in key U.S. markets, American Tower’s data centres facilitate low-latency connectivity and integrate with its tower infrastructure, creating a seamless network for its customers.

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Indoor Solutions

To enhance connectivity in areas where traditional towers may not be feasible, such as densely populated urban environments, American Tower provides Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and indoor solutions. These systems are designed to improve coverage and capacity within buildings, stadiums, shopping centres, and other high-traffic locations. DAS helps ensure reliable wireless communication in challenging environments.

Small Cells and Network Solutions

As part of its services for next-generation networks, American Tower offers small-cell infrastructure. Small cells are compact wireless nodes that enhance network capacity and performance in areas with high data demand. This service is particularly valuable in urban areas, where space for traditional towers is limited. Small cell deployment helps mobile network operators prepare for 5G and other emerging technologies.

Infrastructure Managed by American Tower

American Tower manages its infrastructure to ensure reliability and performance for its tenants. The company invests in maintaining and upgrading its towers and data centres to keep pace with technological advancements. By focusing on sustainability, American Tower integrates renewable energy solutions and efficiency measures into its infrastructure, supporting environmentally responsible operations.

Global Reach and Customer Support

With a presence in 25 countries across six continents, American Tower supports a wide range of customers, including mobile operators, broadcasters, and governmental organisations. Its global reach and comprehensive service offerings make it a trusted partner in wireless communications.

Commitment to Evolving Technology

American Tower’s products and services are designed to adapt to the fast-changing telecommunications landscape. By focusing on colocation, data centres, DAS, small cells, and innovative infrastructure management, the company supports its customers in delivering seamless connectivity to end-users worldwide.