Verizon is contemplating the sale of up to 6,000 telecom towers across the United States in a move that could potentially be worth up to $3 billion, signaling a significant organizational shift. This decision, still in its preliminary stages with no buyers yet identified, mirrors an industry-wide trend where many global telecom giants such as Vodafone, Telefonica, and Orange have recently opted to divest or spin off their tower portfolios. In addition to these major players, other companies in Europe, including Austria’s A1 and Greece’s OTE, are also considering similar actions. For investors, telecom towers represent low-risk, long-term assets, which attract significant interest from independent infrastructure companies and private equity firms.In the telecommunications industry, the sale of infrastructure assets like telecom towers provides financial resources that are essential for operators as they invest heavily in expanding their fiber and 5G networks. Such investments are critical given the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing demand for high-speed internet and mobile connectivity. The US experienced substantial tower divestment around 20 years ago, leading to the rise of independent tower companies such as American Tower, Crown Castle, and SBA Communications. Verizon’s potential sale marks a notable continuation of this trend, reflecting the company’s evolving strategies to manage and monetize its extensive assets.
