Latest news with #VerizonWireless
Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Dispute over a 129-foot-high cell tower, disguised as a pine, lands Verizon in court
Soon, a 129-foot-high pine tree might pop up near Grass Valley – and it's not the kind of tree that grows naturally (it takes between 25 and 100 years for a pine tree to grow that high, the internet just told me). Instead, this very special tree might connect people with other people, but this high-tech pine might be erected only after a legal battle has taken Sacramento Valley subsidiary has taken legal action against Nevada County, filing a federal lawsuit that accuses local officials of improperly blocking a proposed cell tower in Grass Valley. According to court documents, Sacramento Valley Limited Partnership (that's a Verizon -owned entity which operates as Verizon Wireless), filed the complaint on July 10 in Sacramento and has requested an expedited review of the case. The dispute centers on Verizon 's plan to install a 129-foot tower designed to look like a pine tree. The tower would be located on a hillside property along Dog Bar Road and camouflaged with artificial leaves and branches. Verizon argues that the tower is necessary to address a significant coverage gap in the region, noting that better service is crucial for customers, particularly in emergencies. Image by Verizon The company said the site chosen is a 14-acre parcel, and the tower would stand several hundred feet from the nearest residence. County planning officials recommended approval of the project, but the plan drew opposition from some residents who expressed concerns about the tower obstructing scenic views and fears over possible health risks linked to radio frequency emissions. In its lawsuit, Verizon disputed those objections, stating that the tower would not be visible from the homes of those who complained and that its emissions would remain well within limits established by federal law. The law is clear. If the tower meets the limits, it stands. Towns can't say no because of fear of the airwaves. That is all. Nevada County Counsel Kit Elliott confirmed that supervisors heard testimony from residents worried about radio frequencies during public hearings. However, she maintained that those concerns did not form the basis of the board's decision. She cited language from the resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors, which acknowledged that evidence regarding potential health effects was presented but added that the decision was not based on that the board focused on other factors when it rejected Verizon 's application last year. The resolution pointed to concerns that the tower's appearance would negatively affect the area's rural character and referenced residents' fears about potential impacts on property values. The dispute will now move to court, with a scheduling conference set for November.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is it Wise to Retain American Tower Stock in Your Portfolio Now?
American Tower Corporation AMT boasts a portfolio of nearly 149,000 communication sites worldwide and a highly interconnected footprint of U.S. data center facilities. The company is strategically positioned to capture incremental demand from global 5G deployment efforts, growing wireless penetration and spectrum auctions. Its data center segment is poised to gain due to industry-wide strong demand. Moreover, a decent financial position supports its growth endeavors. However, customer concentration and consolidation are a concern in the wireless industry and are likely to weigh on top-line growth. American Tower has a solid track record of delivering healthy performance due to the robust demand for its global macro tower-oriented asset base. It has witnessed strong growth in key financial metrics while continuing to expand its platform. In the first quarter of 2025, the company recorded healthy year-over-year organic tenant billings growth of 4.7% and total tenant billings growth of 5.2%. Amid secular growth trends in the wireless industry, the healthy performance is expected to continue in 2025 and beyond. With the growth in cloud computing, Internet of Things and Big Data, and an increasing number of companies opting for third-party IT infrastructure, data-center companies are experiencing a boom in the market. Also, the estimated growth rates for the Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicle and virtual/augmented reality markets are expected to remain robust over the coming years. In the first quarter of 2025, the company attained data center revenue growth of 8.4%. In April 2025, AMT completed the acquisition of a multi-tenant data center facility in Denver, CO, in which it previously leased space ('DE1'). Apart from having a robust operating platform, American Tower has ample liquidity to support its debt servicing. Its consistent adjusted EBITDA margins, revenue growth and favorable return on invested capital indicate strength in its core business and support its ability to manage its near-term obligations. As of March 31, 2025, AMT had $11.7 billion in total liquidity. With a weighted average remaining term of debt of 5.7 years, it has decent financial flexibility. American Tower has a disciplined capital distribution strategy and remains committed to increasing shareholder value through regular dividend hikes. In the last five years, American Tower has increased its dividend 14 times, and the annualized dividend growth rate for this period is 8.26%. Such disbursements highlight its operational strength and commitment to rewarding shareholders handsomely. Check American Tower's dividend history here. Customer concentration is high for American Tower, with the company's top three customers in terms of consolidated operating revenues for the first quarter of 2025 being T-Mobile TMUS (16%), AT&T T (15%) and Verizon Wireless (13%). The loss of TMUS, T or Verizon Wireless as customers, consolidation among them or a reduction in network spending may lead to a material impact on the company's top line. The merger between T-Mobile and Sprint resulted in tower site overlap for American Tower. This merger has negatively impacted the company's leasing revenues. In the first quarter of 2025, the churn was roughly 2% of its tenant billings, mainly driven by the churn in its U.S. & Canada property segment. Given the contractual lease cancellations and non-renewals by T-Mobile, including legacy Sprint Corporation leases, management expects the churn rate in its U.S. & Canada property segment will continue to be elevated through 2025. Despite the Federal Reserve announcing rate cuts in the second half of 2025, the interest rate is still high and is a concern for American Tower. Elevated rates imply a higher borrowing cost for the company, which would affect its ability to purchase or develop real estate. The company has a substantial debt burden, and its total debt, as of March 31, 2025, was approximately $36.86 billion. In the past three months, shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 1.4% compared with the industry's growth of 5.7%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research A better-ranked stock from the broader REIT sector is SBA Communications SBAC, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SBAC's 2025 FFO per share has moved 3 cents northward to $12.74 over the past two months. Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO), a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report American Tower Corporation (AMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) : Free Stock Analysis Report T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Verizon expands discounts for military members with short-term suspension plan
Verizon is hoping to make things easier on military families when duty calls. The wireless carrier announced a new short-term suspension benefit for military families when the active duty or reservist member are on short assignments. It allows families to suspend the line for up to 90 days and pay only $10 per month in that timeframe. This is just another addition to Verizon's dedication to their military customers. The long term suspension plan is still available, for deployments over 90 days and up to three years, where customers pay nothing for the suspended line. It's just one way that Verizon is serving the unique needs of military families. MORE MILITARY DISCOUNTS: Shopping guide: Exclusive military discounts on streaming, clothing, appliances Here's more about Verizon's military discount and offers: Verizon Military Discount Military, veterans and their families get great deals on mobile, internet or bundles with extra savings at Verizon Wireless. As a military spouse, I know first-hand that we can't control certain aspects of our lives, like when the military will call my partner away. But, one thing that helps is knowing what we can control. That's why Verizon's short-term suspension option is so important. It is one way to take something off your plate while your service member is away. Military customers deployed for less than 90 days, even within Verizon's coverage area, can now take advantage of Verizon's new Military Short Term Suspend option. During deployment, the customer's line will be temporarily suspended and charged $10/month or their monthly service price, whichever is lower. Long-term suspension options remain available for eligible customers on deployment from 90 days to 3 years, allowing them to avoid charges for services and features on the suspended line, including device payment installments, for the entire duration of the service suspension. Verizon offers additional discounts for military. Here's a breakdown of other offers: Join Verizon Wireless today TracFone by Verizon Wireless also offers a military discount Tracfone, a prepaid brand on the Verizon Wireless network, is proud to support veterans and active-duty personnel customers with 10% off all $20/month or higher Unlimited Talk and Text Plans. Veterans and active-duty personnel can easily verify their eligibility through secure making it simple to start saving. How to verify your military affiliation using Most brands use a third-party to confirm your military affiliation, like which is a secure sites. You will need your military Common Access Card for this, so be sure to have it handy. Here is how to verify your military affiliation and receive your discount: Keep in mind, some websites may use a different website, but is one of the most common. Some sites will ask that you register for a one-time discount code and ask you to verify in other ways. Some discounts may not be available to spouses either, only the active duty, reservist or veteran member.
Phone Arena
24-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
US Mobile launches its biggest device deal ever
US Mobile, the MVNO that uses AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless networks, has just launched its biggest smartphone deal ever. The new offer is only available for new customers who purchase an unlimited plan or existing customers already on US Mobile's unlimited plans. The device that's subject to a huge discount is the Google Pixel 9. For a limited time, US Mobile customers can pick up Google's Pixel 9 for just $249 with the purchase of any unlimited plan. As mentioned earlier, the deal is also available for existing customers, but only those already on US Mobile's Unlimited or By-the-Gig plans for 90+ days can get the Pixel 9 for $249. So, no new plan is required if you're already on one of the two US Mobile plans. US Mobile's unlimited plans | Screenshot by PhoneArena Those interested in picking up the Google Pixel 9 via US Mobile should know that devices will unlock after 90 days of active service with US Mobile. Customers can also choose to grab the Pixel 9 without purchasing an unlimited plan, but the discount drops from $550 to just $400. On the bright side, the phone will automatically unlock after 30 days on a US Mobile line. US Mobile offers three unlimited plans: Premium, Starter, and Flex. The latter is also the cheapest and costs 17.50/month, while the Starter and Premium will set you up $22.50/month and $32.50/month, respectively. Although the Pixel 9 is getting the biggest discount at US Mobile, the MVNO has another appealing offer aimed at those who want something more powerful like the Pixel 9 Pro XL . US Mobile offers massive discounts on both Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL | Screenshot by PhoneArena The offer is valid while supplies last and involve a generous $400 discount on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The deal doesn't require customers to sign up for a new plan, but you should know that the device is locked to US Mobile and unlocks automatically after 30 continuous days on a US Mobile line. Also, once you get the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you'll have to activate it on a US Mobile account within 15 days of delivery. If you don't keep the phone active for at least 30 consecutive days, the promotional discount will be applied to the payment method on file. For those interested, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL include a one-year manufacturer warranty. There's also a limit of five Pixel deal purchases per account, regardless of the model. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Corporations left Spokane Pride in the lurch. Then the community stepped up
Jun. 7—April was a tough month for Matthew Danielson, director of Spokane Pride. The annual celebration that draws tens of thousands of Inland Northwest residents to downtown Spokane was just a few months away, but some of the event's largest sponsors in past years had yet to recommit their support. "I'm not gonna lie, April was scary," Danielson said. Spokane Pride's main event is the Pride parade at noon Saturday in downtown Spokane, followed by festivities in Riverfront Park at 1 p.m. Multiple past sponsors of Spokane Pride opted not to return this June amid economic uncertainty, increased anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and pressure from the federal government to abandon diversity, equity and inclusivity efforts in the public and private sectors. It's a trend affecting Pride celebrations across the country, as some of the largest contributors in size and monetary donations have left organizers and communities of all sizes scrambling. The Inland Northwest was one of those communities, until locals stepped up in the eleventh hour. Nonprofits, businesses and community members have made up for the gap in funding over the last few months, allowing the event to go on without the cuts Spokane Pride had feared, Danielson said. "It's been pretty beautiful to watch," Danielson said. "I haven't ran the exact numbers, but I think we're actually in quite good shape. Not quite as good of shape as I thought we would be, because we had some big promises from a lot of those big corporate sponsors last year, but we're in a lot better place than we were a few months ago." In Spokane, the short list of big -ticket corporate donors who've walked away include Walmart, Verizon Wireless and Anheuser-Busch, according to a screen grab of last year's sponsors captured by the internet archiving platform Wayback Machine. Of those companies, Walmart was the sole respondent to a request for comment to The Spokesman-Review regarding why they decided not to lend their support despite doing so a year ago. In a written statement, Walmart spokesman Jimmy Carter said the company's focus "remains on creating an environment where our associates and customers feel they belong," before adding that employees in the region are volunteering with community organizations in June, "including those which support the LGBTQ+ community." "It's really hard to get straight answers out of any of them," Danielson said. "They're not incentivized to tell me why they actually dropped us." Speaking generally to the possible motivations for the groups, Danielson said some shared apprehension about the state of the economy, some nonprofits couldn't because of budget cuts as a result of state and federal funds drying up, and others indicated they were saving funding to provide to other community events. He also theorized some organizations are feeling the pressure put on by the federal campaign against DEI initiatives. "It's hard to tell, because they won't actually come out and say, 'Hey, we're not supporting Pride anymore,' " Danielson said. The withdrawals threatened community events throughout the Inland Northwest. Organizers of Coeur d'Alene's Pride in the Park shared a similar experience of losing sponsors this year, and events in smaller communities throughout the region were threatened as a result of Spokane losing support. Pride gatherings in Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Waverly are among communities that have received financial backing from Spokane Pride, Danielson said. "Part of our mission has expanded to helping with smaller, more rural prides," Danielson said. "... Helping to develop the smaller pride events out in these smaller towns and places, where I think we kind of need pride the most." The cavalry arrived around the start of May, Danielson said. The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane provided $10,000, which was followed by another large donation from Gonzaga University's Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Then a wave of smaller donations from organizations and community members alike rolled in, ranging in values of tens, hundreds and thousands of dollars. Anheuser-Busch's usual $5,000 and beer garden equipment gave them sole product rights in the designated drinking areas of the park festival, so their departure has provided an opportunity for local breweries and distilleries to take their place. A number of craft brewers in the area have provided kegs free of charge to Spokane Pride, including Natural 20, Hat Trick and Humble Abode, as reported by the Inlander. Humble Abode co-owner Courtney Gilbreath said it was a no-brainer to lend a helping hand. She and her husband, Matt Gilbreath, have established relationships with some of the organizers, and they love supporting community events, she said. "We don't really get into politics and all that," Gilbreath said. Danielson said the influx of local support, particularly from faith-based organizations, was as meaningful to him personally as it was to Spokane Pride as an organization. "It almost made me cry as kind of a recovering Christian who was really hurt by the church and growing up gay," Danielson said. "... I love it; they became our largest sponsor just with that." The list of sponsors this year also includes several familiar names and logos from year's past. The Davenport Hotels and Amazon remain top-level sponsors, and a number of local advocacy groups chipped in. VIP Production Northwest is supporting once again by providing the stages and sound systems that will be located throughout the park at a generous rate, said Chief Operating Officer Triston Ward. He said the event company does the same for a number of events in Spokane, whether it's Pig Out in the Park or an Independence Day concert. "When they have financial struggles, we always work with them to figure that out, because we don't believe that sponsors and donors really should dictate the fun that the community has," Ward said. "We do what we can to help, and we've had a wonderful relationship with the people over at Pride for many, many years." Ward said the funding struggles are popping up for other community events as well, a trend he believes is from concerns about the state of the economy. VIP has seen some of those concerns, he said, in less equipment orders from customers and the challenge of providing accurate quotes. Still, there's value in an organization attaching itself to a community event like Spokane Pride, Ward said. It increases visibility and generates a new customer or client base. It also helps make the area a better place to live for all walks of life. "VIP is very community oriented, and we kind of exist to support all swaths of life," Ward said. "In the events industry, we have to work with all religions and all political decisions and all everything, so we don't discriminate. We're a bunch of creatives over here helping put a bunch of different events on for all sorts of people." The nonprofit Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance is another one of those returning sponsors. Executive Director Robin Hanes said their support aligns with the organization's mission of supporting local small businesses, which it does through educational outreach and training throughout the Inland Northwest. "It's our rural businesses, it's our LGBTQ businesses, it's our BIPOC businesses, it's our veteran businesses, it's our women in business; it's everyone who's an independent and local business owner," Hanes said, using an acronym for Black, Indigenous and people of color. "Because we think, for small business owners, there are more similarities than differences, regardless of where they came from and what they believe in and who they love." Despite their own funding challenges as a nonprofit, SIMBA prioritized being there for Danielson and company. "We think it's just really important, particularly to some of our community members, who are just facing some pretty ugly language and behaviors," Hanes said. "We want to make sure that we are supporting." Danielson said that in a roundabout way, all the scrambling and backfill led Spokane Pride to become more of the grassroots, community-supported affair he always envisioned. There will be local beers in the gardens, neighbors bumping into each other and friendly faces at the vendor booths to direct Spokane residents to local resources, opportunities and more. "We still have a little bit of work to do; it's not perfect, but we've shifted so far toward local money and just being community funded," Danielson said. "I cannot believe how much our community stepped up. I'm just so proud of everybody." The Pride parade will kick off noon June 14 in downtown Spokane, while the festivities at Riverfront Park officially begin at 1 p.m.
