American Tower Corporation (ATC) is building mobile telecommunications towers in a bid to bolster SA`s wireless infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

Pieter Nel, CEO of ATC SA, says the independent wireless infrastructure company is “committed to the South African market” and intends to work toward helping carriers enhance wireless coverage in areas where it is lacking.

Having recently completed its first tower construction in the Eastern Cape, Nel says the company`s strategy is to facilitate rapid deployment of wireless communications through infrastructure sharing among mobile network operators. “[Shareable passive towers to the communications industry] has the combined benefits of reducing the need for multiple/duplicative tower sites, efficient allocation of capital and [it] accelerates carriers` offerings of advanced wireless services to their customers.”

While he cannot provide details of the overall construction process at this stage, Nel says the company aims to provide wireless infrastructure solutions “wherever they are needed”.

Asset base

ITWeb reported on ATC`s $430 million deal with SA`s third cellphone operator, Cell C, at the end of 2010. The company bought 1 400 of Cell C`s existing towers, as well as an additional 1 800 that were either under construction, or would be constructed over the coming years.

At the time, ATC CEO Jim Taiclet said SA provided a compelling investment opportunity with its strong demand for voice and advanced wireless data services, and indicated the company was focused on further growth in SA. Incumbent Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt said the deal was “an important strategic transaction” that highlighted the value embedded in the operator`s passive infrastructure.

Nel says ATC SA is considering potential opportunities to expand and enhance its asset base, but cannot comment on potential strategic transactions.

ATC SA`s current portfolio consists of about 3 000 towers throughout the country, with its main customers being mobile network operators and television and radio broadcasters.