American Tower Partners For CBRS Deployment At ISM Raceway

American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) and Arris-subsidiary Ruckus Networks recently joined forces for the first commercial deployment of a private LTE network rooted on the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) platform.

Particularly, the network was established at International Speedway Corporation's (ISC) refurbished ISM Raceway in Phoenix. The platform delivers expanded connectivity and renders support to mobile traffic generated by motorsports enthusiasts, providing better experience to spectators at INfield, grandstands, camping grounds, and Midway.

The latest technology was rolled out during ISM Raceway's Opening Weekend from Nov 9-11.

The LTE network will use CBRS’ frequency spectrum of 3.5-3.7 GHz. This spectrum range makes it ideal for companies to build their private LTE networks, and is also appropriate for public space applications where cellular signals and spectrum are weak, but data demand is high.

American Tower has also integrated Federated Wireless Spectrum Controller, and the Ruckus Q710 and Q910 LTE access points in the solution deployed at ISM Raceways. Further, it has installed the Ruckus T310 series and T610 series outdoor 802.11ac access points.

Notably, the Raceway received a $178-million upgrade over a span of two years, making it one of the premiere motorsports and entertainment destinations. Hence, American Tower’s initiative to enhance connectivity at a notable sport establishment is a strategic move.

Per ISC management, the technology will provide uninterrupted connectivity to fans, and improve race-day communications for its partners and employees.

This venture will enable American Tower to focus on growth opportunities in CBRS commercialization. Also, its tower buyouts in emerging markets and long-term tower leases with major wireless carriers lend the company a competitive edge over rivals.

Additionally, in the past six months, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has rallied 16.4% compared with the industry's 4% growth.

However, a highly leveraged balance sheet amid rising interest rates might impede the company’s near-term performance.

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Iron Mountain’s funds from operations (FFO) per share estimates for 2018 remained unchanged at $2.13 in 30 days’ time. The stock has gained 2.7% in a month’s time.

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