Our Role in Utilities
You rely on your communications network to quickly transmit data crucial for your operations. Now, you need to improve insight into usage, peak loads, changes in demand, distribution rates, and other factors, while supporting initiatives for smarter, greener, and more efficient resource management.
Additionally, broadband connectivity is increasingly seen as an essential utility in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world. Many utility companies are capitalizing on the opportunity to offer wireless internet as an additional service to customers, creating a new revenue stream for their business.
The State of the Industry
~1,600
Electric utility companies in the U.S.1
250+
Electric co-ops have deployed or are planning to deploy broadband service to their members2
~480
Natural gas distribution businesses in the U.S.3
~140,000
Water systems in the U.S.4
1 P3 Cost Analysts, “Top 10 Largest Electric Utility Companies in the US, January 3, 2023
2 NRECA, “Electric Co-op Facts & Figures - America's Electric Cooperatives,” April 13, 2023
3 IBIS World, "Natural Gas Distribution in the US," January 10, 2023
4 United States Environmental Protection Agency, "Information About Public Water Systems," November 15, 2022
Utilities Industry Challenges
Providing broadband service to unserved communities is a considerable opportunity for utility and electric cooperatives. You’re challenged to follow the evolution of fiber and wireless technology, as well as funding opportunities, while understanding how the options can be complimentary in network deployment. We help identify available wireless infrastructure for utility providers of all sizes to build and deploy networks, which can deliver new services to communities across the country.
Key Offerings for the Utilities Industry
The Right Technology
A fiber-only deployment will take years. A hybrid network solution, including fiber and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), is an alternative option that brings accelerated internet availability. Utilizing FWA in rural, hard-to-reach areas can deliver internet service to citizens faster.
The Right Infrastructure
Finding and securing the right communications sites in the right locations to meet your unique network needs, while being cost effective for your organization, can be challenging. We offer more collocation opportunities on taller towers than any other provider in the U.S. Taller infrastructure at higher vantage points allows you to reach more customers. Additionally, approximately 70 percent of our rural and suburban towers have fiber on or near net.5
See How to Find Sites in Our Portfolio
5 Based on American Tower methodology leveraging U.S. Census population data.
Cost-Effective Solutions
We evaluate factors, such as equipment specifications and location of the tower site, when developing a customized solution to meet your budget and operational goals. We offer lease packages that take into consideration your very specific equipment needs, so our sites can be accessible to businesses in all industries.
Operational Efficiencies
Reduce the time and effort associated with securing and managing communications sites. We offer flexible solutions to help you simplify operations and control costs. Let us take care of site acquisition, engineering, and construction management with our turnkey services.
Backup Power
When considering a new network deployment, you must ensure your communications equipment is always on, no matter the circumstances. Our fully managed Backup Power solution hardens your sites to keep your network connected during outages—potentially saving you time and money.
Related Content
Communication Towers for Utilities and Electric Cooperatives
With broadband connectivity becoming an essential utility, we can help strengthen your network, so you can offer wireless internet services to your customers and create additional revenue.
Solutions for the Utilities Industry
We provide safe, secure communications infrastructure for reliable wireless networks that enable smart grid technologies and optimize operations.
Towers for Utility Companies
Tower sites are and will continue to be the backbone of wireless networks. Our leading portfolio supports robust wireless coverage and capacity nationwide.
Backup Power for Network Redundancy
Add fully managed backup generators to wireless communications sites to ensure your data continues to flow, even when power is out.
