Sprint, AT&T poised to lead increase in network capex: Deutsche Bank

Tower companies are well positioned as mobile operators ramp up their network investments in coming months in advance of 5G, according to Deutsche Bank. And Sprint and AT&T are at the front of the pack.

Wireless capex among US carriers fell short of expectations in 2016 as operators tightened their belts ahead of 5G deployments. Sprint was the most notable miser among operators in terms of network spend, incrementally lowering its capex guidance in fiscal year 2016 from an initial $4.5 billion to a range of $2 billion to $2.3 billion. Sprint has yet to offer capex guidance for its current fiscal year, but it has said it expects its investments to accelerate as it continues to densify its network. Other major US carriers will begin to open their wallets, too, Deutsche Bank predicted, buoying the tower market.