Cell Tower News: American Tower eyes Africa

by Jarad Matula March 13, 2015

written by Jarad Matula March 13, 2015

bharti airtel africa american tower cell tower

American Tower eyes South Africa

Apparently when big business even thinks about making a big move, it makes headlines. That happened again this week as sources close to the situation report that American Tower is considering the purchase of some of MTN Group’s network of 9,000 towers in South Africa, valued at between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. This is not the first interest shown in MTN’s tower portfolio, as apparently several companies have sniffed around and milled over the potential. Sources close to the story also report that if this deal is indeed made, it will not happen before the end of the year. We are only in March, so that’s definitely some long-term deal planning.

The deal wouldn’t be surprising though, as American Tower, despite its name, is very invested in international prospects as it is a very lucrative venture for the company.

Crown Castle moves tower, shows unusual social activity

Crown Castle has been busy lately. A few weeks ago it was considering selling assets and has been involved in an ongoing issue with the Milpitas Unified School District in California. The company built a tower on school property and T-Mobile US took up a lease on the tower. However, after concern and complaints from parents and others, the tower is being moved to a more remote location on the property.

“The district would like to negotiate in good faith with Crown Castle to reduce the monthly rental amount to defray the construction cost associated with the relocation. In addition, the district will offer an amended lease term of 10 years with one additional 10-year renewal,” the staff report states.

As the deal stands, the school district makes $33,000 annually with a tower at the high school and $30,000 annually with a tower elsewhere. The contract was up for renegotiation this year, and at the urging of parents and others a safety study was conducted and the feasibility and cost of moving the tower was assessed. The school wants to move it to the edge of the property, but some concerned parents want it at least 1,500 feet from the campus.

Perhaps as a result of the aforementioned stories, Crown Castle stock has seen an unusual amount of social activity lately.