The cell tower industry is characterized by several major tower companies, also known as tower operators or tower infrastructure companies. These companies own and manage a significant portion of the cell tower and wireless infrastructure assets in the United States and other parts of the world. Some of the major cell tower companies in the industry include:
- American Tower Corporation (ATC): American Tower is one of the largest tower companies globally. They own and operate a vast portfolio of cell towers, communication sites, and other wireless infrastructure assets in various countries.
- Crown Castle International: Crown Castle is another major player in the industry, with a significant presence in the United States. They own and lease a wide range of communication infrastructure, including cell towers, small cells, and fiber optic networks.
- SBA Communications Corporation: SBA Communications owns and manages wireless infrastructure assets, including cell towers, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and small cells. They have a substantial presence in North, Central, and South America.
- American Tower Corporation (REIT): American Tower also operates as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), providing investors with tax-advantaged income from their wireless infrastructure holdings.
- Vertical Bridge Holdings: Vertical Bridge is a privately held tower company that focuses on owning and operating wireless infrastructure assets, including cell towers, rooftop sites, and utility structures.
- InSite Wireless Group: InSite Wireless Group specializes in owning, developing, and managing wireless infrastructure, including towers, rooftop sites, and distributed antenna systems (DAS).
- Tillman Infrastructure: Tillman Infrastructure focuses on building and operating wireless infrastructure, including cell towers and small cell sites, with a particular emphasis on rural and underserved areas.
- Phoenix Tower International: Phoenix Tower International owns and operates communication towers and wireless infrastructure assets in various countries, primarily in the Americas.
- Cox Communications: Cox Communications, a cable television and internet service provider, also owns a significant portfolio of cell towers and wireless infrastructure assets.
It’s important to note that the cell tower industry is dynamic, with ongoing consolidation and acquisitions. Additionally, regional and local tower companies may operate in specific markets or geographic areas. The choice of tower company can depend on factors such as location, coverage needs, and carrier preferences.
Property owners interested in leasing their land or properties for cell tower installations may interact with one or more of these major tower companies, as well as regional or local tower operators, depending on their location and the specific wireless carrier(s) interested in leasing space.
