American Tower
A global real estate investment trust that owns, develops and operates wireless communications, broadcast and related digital infrastructure.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
American Tower Corporation, commonly known as American Tower, is a United States-based real estate investment trust focused on communications infrastructure. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company owns, develops and operates wireless and broadcast sites in multiple regions, providing infrastructure that allows mobile network operators, broadcasters, government users and other communications customers to deploy antennas and network equipment. The company was formed in 1995 as a unit of American Radio Systems. After American Radio Systems merged with CBS Corporation in 1998, American Tower was spun off as an independent public company. Its initial business centered on communications towers and the leasing of antenna space to wireless carriers and other users. Rather than requiring every network operator to construct a separate tower, American Tower’s shared-site model allows several customers to occupy the same structure under separate long-term arrangements. This produces a recurring leasing business and can increase the utilization of existing sites as wireless demand grows. American Tower began its international expansion in Mexico in 1998 and Brazil in 1999. During the following decade it established or expanded operations in markets including India, Peru, Chile, Colombia, South Africa, Ghana and Uganda. The company also broadened its asset base beyond conventional towers through rooftop sites, broadcast structures, distributed antenna systems and small-cell infrastructure. In the United States, it acquired and repurposed many former AT&T Long Lines microwave relay towers as cellular communications sites, removing obsolete relay equipment where necessary to make room for modern antennas. Acquisitions have been an important part of American Tower’s growth. Its 2005 purchase of SpectraSite Communications expanded the North American portfolio and strengthened its position among major tower owners. The 2013 acquisition of Global Tower Partners added U.S. sites and operations in Costa Rica and Panama. In 2021, American Tower agreed to acquire the European and Latin American tower operations of Telxius, adding approximately 31,000 sites in countries including Spain, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru. It also acquired CoreSite in 2021, bringing a U.S. carrier-neutral data-center platform into the company and supporting a broader strategy around 5G, edge connectivity and digital infrastructure. The company’s portfolio and geographic emphasis have continued to change. In 2023 it announced plans to build approximately 4,000 towers globally, with emphasis on Africa, India and Latin America, while also selling its Mexican fiber-optics subsidiary, ATC Fibra México, to Flō Network. American Tower subsequently sold its Indian operations to Brookfield Asset Management through Data Infrastructure Trust in 2024. The transaction represented a withdrawal from the company’s largest international market after approximately 17 years of operations there. American Tower’s principal offering remains site access and related infrastructure for wireless communications. Its customers typically lease space on towers, rooftops or other structures and may use shared indoor or outdoor systems to improve network coverage and capacity. The company’s business is exposed to wireless data growth, network modernization, carrier capital spending, interest rates, foreign exchange movements and telecommunications regulation. It remains a major global owner and operator of communications sites, with operations spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa.
History
American Tower was created in 1995 as a communications-infrastructure unit of American Radio Systems. The company’s original business was built around owning and operating towers and leasing antenna positions to wireless carriers and other communications users. In 1998, American Radio Systems merged with CBS Corporation, after which American Tower was spun off as an independent company. It began international expansion that same year by establishing operations in Mexico, followed by Brazil in 1999. Around 2000, the company acquired a large number of former AT&T Long Lines microwave relay towers from AT&T Communications. The former relay network had largely become obsolete after the Long Lines program was decommissioned, but many of its structures could be adapted for cellular use. American Tower removed or repositioned legacy horn antennas at some sites and leased capacity to mobile operators and private users. This strategy converted older telecommunications structures into sites for newer wireless networks and became an important part of the U.S. portfolio. Leadership changed in 2004, when James D. Taiclet became chief executive officer. In 2005, American Tower acquired SpectraSite Communications. The transaction expanded the company’s portfolio to more than 22,000 owned communications sites, including wireless towers, broadcast towers and in-building distributed antenna system sites, and helped establish American Tower as one of North America’s largest independent tower owners and operators. From 2007 through 2012, American Tower expanded across additional international markets, including India, Peru, Chile, Colombia, South Africa, Ghana and Uganda. The company’s international footprint gave it access to wireless-network growth in emerging markets, while also increasing its exposure to local regulation, currency movements and differing telecommunications-market structures. In 2013, it acquired Global Tower Partners for approximately $4.8 billion. That transaction added U.S. communications sites and operations in Costa Rica and Panama. In 2020, Tom Bartlett succeeded Taiclet as president and chief executive officer after Taiclet left American Tower to lead Lockheed Martin. The company then pursued a large expansion in Europe and Latin America. In 2021, it agreed to buy Telefonica’s European and Latin American tower divisions operated through Telxius. The proposed portfolio included approximately 31,000 sites in Spain, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru, substantially increasing American Tower’s presence in those regions. Later in 2021, it acquired CoreSite for approximately $10.4 billion. CoreSite’s carrier-neutral data centers gave American Tower a broader digital-infrastructure platform and supported its strategic interest in 5G connectivity, distributed computing and data-intensive network services. In early 2023, American Tower announced plans to construct approximately 4,000 additional towers around the world, particularly in Africa, India and Latin America. The company also began narrowing selected activities outside its core tower and digital-infrastructure focus, selling ATC Fibra México to Flō Network. Bartlett retired from his leadership and board roles on February 1, 2024, and was succeeded by Steven Vondran. Later in 2024, American Tower sold its Indian operation to Brookfield Asset Management through Data Infrastructure Trust for approximately $2.5 billion. The disposal ended American Tower’s direct presence in India after roughly 17 years and marked a significant reshaping of its international portfolio. As of December 31, 2025, the company was reported to own 149,686 communications sites, distributed across the United States and Canada, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The company continues to operate as a global communications-infrastructure REIT, with its principal activities centered on tower ownership, site leasing, shared wireless systems and related digital infrastructure.
- 2024
Leadership succession
[1]Tom Bartlett retires on February 1, 2024, and Steven Vondran becomes president and chief executive officer.
- 2024
Sale of Indian operations
[1]American Tower sells ATC India to Brookfield Asset Management through Data Infrastructure Trust for approximately $2.5 billion.
- 2023
Global tower construction plan
[1]American Tower announces plans to construct approximately 4,000 towers, primarily in Africa, India and Latin America.
- 2021
Telxius tower transaction
[1]American Tower agrees to acquire Telefonica’s European and Latin American Telxius tower divisions, comprising approximately 31,000 sites.
- 2021
CoreSite acquisition
[1]The company acquires CoreSite for approximately $10.4 billion, adding carrier-neutral U.S. data-center facilities.
- 2020
Tom Bartlett becomes CEO
[1]Tom Bartlett becomes president and chief executive officer after James D. Taiclet departs to lead Lockheed Martin.
- 2013
Global Tower Partners acquisition
[1]American Tower acquires Global Tower Partners for approximately $4.8 billion, adding U.S. sites and operations in Costa Rica and Panama.
- 2005
SpectraSite acquisition
[1]The acquisition of SpectraSite Communications expands American Tower’s North American tower, broadcast and distributed-antenna portfolio.
- 2004
James D. Taiclet becomes CEO
[1]James D. Taiclet succeeds Steven B. Dodge as chief executive officer.
- 2000
Repurposing of former AT&T Long Lines towers
[1]The company begins acquiring and adapting former AT&T Long Lines microwave relay towers for cellular and other wireless uses.
Products and positioning
A global communications-infrastructure landlord and operator serving mobile carriers, broadcasters, government users and other network customers.
Wireless communications infrastructure
Communications Towers
Communications towers are American Tower’s principal infrastructure asset. The structures and associated land or rooftop rights provide physical locations for antennas, radios, power systems and other network equipment. Wireless carriers and other customers lease space under site agreements, and multiple customers can generally use the same tower. This shared-use model supports carrier network expansion while limiting the need for each operator to build a separate structure.
Wireless communications infrastructure
Rooftop Sites
Rooftop sites place wireless equipment on buildings and other elevated structures, particularly in urban areas where conventional ground-based towers may be difficult to construct. They help carriers add coverage and capacity in dense markets and can support multiple tenants where structural and regulatory conditions permit. Rooftop infrastructure forms part of American Tower’s broader portfolio of communications real estate.
Broadcast communications infrastructure
Broadcast Infrastructure
American Tower owns and operates infrastructure used by television, radio and other broadcast customers. Broadcast sites may include towers, transmission locations and related facilities designed for high-power or wide-area signal distribution. These assets complement the company’s wireless-tower business and serve customers whose technical requirements differ from those of mobile network operators.
Wireless network infrastructure
Distributed Antenna Systems and Small Cells
Distributed antenna systems and small-cell networks extend wireless coverage or add capacity in venues, buildings, transportation locations and other high-demand areas. The systems can be shared by multiple mobile operators, allowing a common infrastructure platform to support several networks. They are particularly relevant to dense urban environments, indoor connectivity and the incremental capacity requirements associated with advanced mobile services.
Digital infrastructure · 2021
Carrier-Neutral Data Centers
Through CoreSite, American Tower operates carrier-neutral data-center facilities in the United States. These sites provide colocation and interconnection environments for network operators, cloud and digital-service companies, enterprises and other customers. The platform extends American Tower’s activities beyond tower leasing into digital infrastructure that can support 5G networks, distributed applications and data-intensive connectivity.
Brand decisions
2024
Sell ATC IndiaM&ABackground
American Tower reviewed its international portfolio after operating in India for approximately 17 years.
Action taken
The company sold its Indian operation to Brookfield Asset Management through Data Infrastructure Trust.
Aftermath
The sale represented American Tower’s exit from its largest international market and materially reshaped its geographic portfolio.
Transaction value. $2.5 billion (September 2024)
2023
Plan construction of approximately 4,000 new towersStrategyBackground
The company identified continuing wireless-network demand in several international markets, particularly Africa, India and Latin America.
Action taken
American Tower announced plans to erect approximately 4,000 towers worldwide, with the majority expected in Africa, India and Latin America.
Aftermath
The plan indicated continued investment in international wireless infrastructure while the company also reassessed selected non-core assets.
2023
Sell ATC Fibra MéxicoM&ABackground
American Tower adjusted its Mexican infrastructure portfolio and reduced its direct exposure to fiber-optics operations.
Action taken
The company sold its subsidiary ATC Fibra México to Flō Network.
Aftermath
The transaction narrowed American Tower’s Mexican activities toward its principal communications-infrastructure interests.
2021
Acquire Telxius European and Latin American tower divisionsM&ABackground
American Tower pursued additional scale in Europe and Latin America and sought to expand its portfolio of shared communications sites.
Action taken
The company agreed to acquire Telefonica’s Telxius tower divisions in Spain, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru, representing approximately 31,000 sites.
Aftermath
The transaction substantially increased American Tower’s presence in European and Latin American tower markets.
Transaction value. $9.6 billion (2021)
2021
Acquire CoreSiteM&ABackground
American Tower aimed to broaden its communications-infrastructure platform and strengthen its position in connectivity associated with 5G and digital services.
Action taken
The company acquired CoreSite and its carrier-neutral U.S. data-center facilities.
Aftermath
American Tower added data-center, colocation and interconnection capabilities to its tower-centered portfolio.
Transaction value. $10.4 billion (2021)
2013
Acquire Global Tower PartnersM&ABackground
American Tower sought to expand its U.S. communications-site portfolio and increase its presence in selected Latin American markets.
Action taken
The company acquired Global Tower Partners for approximately $4.8 billion, adding U.S. sites and operations in Costa Rica and Panama.
Aftermath
The transaction increased American Tower’s scale in North America and broadened its international operating footprint.
Transaction value. $4.8 billion (2013)
Recent events
American Tower completes acquisition of DataSite[3]
Reported:
American Tower closed its acquisition of DataSite, taking over management and operations of two data centers in Atlanta and Orlando. The deal terms were not disclosed.
- Unconfirmed
American Tower completes acquisition of CoreSite[4]
American Tower announced that it had closed its acquisition of CoreSite after completing its tender offer for CoreSite shares.
- Unconfirmed
American Tower appoints Sanjay Goel to lead Asia-Pacific[5]
Reported:
American Tower Corporation appointed Sanjay Goel as Executive Vice President and President, Asia-Pacific, succeeding Amit Sharma. Sharma will serve as regional chairman and special advisor to the CEO until his retirement on July 1, 2021.
Telefónica agrees to sell Telxius tower division to American Tower[6]
Reported:
Telefónica's subsidiary Telxius signed an agreement to sell its telecommunications tower division in Europe and Latin America to American Tower for €7.7 billion in cash. The transaction covers approximately 30,722 sites and is subject to regulatory authorizations before the respective closings.
American Tower reports fourth-quarter and full-year results[7]
Reported:
American Tower reported fourth-quarter and full-year financial results, including fourth-quarter total revenue of $1.924 billion and full-year total revenue of $7.58 billion.
MTN agrees to sell stakes in Ghana and Uganda tower businesses[8]
Reported:
MTN Group announced that it agreed to sell 49% stakes in its Ghana and Uganda tower businesses to an American Tower Company subsidiary for $523 million. The transaction was expected to close in the first quarter of 2020, subject to regulatory approval.
MTN agrees to dispose of Ghana and Uganda tower holdings[9]
Reported:
MTN said it had concluded an agreement to dispose of its 49% equity holdings in tower company investments in Ghana and Uganda to a subsidiary of American Tower Company. The deal was expected to close by the end of March 2020.
Sources9 sources
- 1American Toweren.wikipedia.org
- 2American Tower: Our Companyamericantower.com
- 3American Tower 完成对 DataSite 的收购datacenterdynamics.com
- 4美国铁塔完成对CoreSite的收购itbusinessnet.com
- 5American Tower任命Sanjay Goel负责亚太地区telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com
- 6Telefónica同意将Telxius塔业务出售给American Towertelecomtv.com
- 7美国电塔公布第四季度及全年业绩finance.sina.com.cn
- 8MTN同意出售加纳和乌干达塔业务股权graphic.com.gh
- 9MTN同意出售其加纳和乌干达的通信塔权益gadget.co.za
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