Verizon Communications (VZ) is the likeliest wireless service provider to build out FirstNet, the government’s effort to create a nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety, says Evercore ISI. AT&T (T), though, also could be in the running. A request for proposals (RFP) is expected to be released by year-end, with a FirstNet build-out starting in 2017. Cellphone tower operators such as American Tower (AMT) and Crown Castle
American Tower (AMT) stock could get a boost in 2016 as wireless service providers upgrade networks using radio spectrum recently won in a government auction, but it has a longer wait for small cell technology to affect the top line, says Pacific Crest Securities. “The second half of 2015 will see increased wireless carrier activity, and this will lead to a strong 2016, particularly as AWS-3 spectrum auction assets are deployed,” said Michael
American Tower’s (AMT) revenue growth will reaccelerate in 2016 as wireless phone companies focus on utilizing newly acquired spectrum, says Raymond James Associates, which upgraded the stock to strong buy. American Tower rose 2.5% in the stock market today to near 96.50, but it’s down more than 2% this year. The cellphone tower operator’s stock has slid 8% since hitting an all-time high of 105 in late November. Analyst Ric Prentiss, in a report,