Quarterlytics / Real Estate / REIT - Specialty / Crown Castle

Crown Castle

cci · NYSE Real Estate
Claim this profile
Ticker cci
Exchange NYSE
Sector Real Estate
Industry REIT - Specialty
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2008 Annual Report · Crown Castle
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
`-  

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF 
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 
or 

[   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF 

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the transition period from ____ to ____ 

Commission File Number 001-16441 
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware  
(State or other jurisdiction 
of incorporation or organization) 

76-0470458  
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

1220 Augusta Drive, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77057-2261 
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code) 

(713) 570-3000  
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)  

Securities Registered Pursuant to 
Section 12(b) of the Act  
Common Stock, $.01 par value 
Rights to Purchase Series A Participating  
Cumulative Preferred Stock 

Name of Each Exchange  
on Which Registered  
New York Stock Exchange 
New York Stock Exchange 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE. 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Role 405 of the Securities Act. Yes      No   

Indicated by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes      No   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been 
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes      No   

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in  Part III of this Form 
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting 

company.  See definitions of a ―large accelerated filer,‖ ―accelerated filer‖ and ―smaller reporting company‖ in rule 12B-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  
Smaller reporting company  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes      No   

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $10.6 
billion as of June 30, 2008, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based on the New York Stock 
Exchange closing price on that day of $38.73 per share. 

As of February 17, 2009, there were 288,665,752 shares of Common Stock outstanding. 

Applicable Only to Corporate Registrants 

Documents Incorporated by Reference 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to Part III of this Form 10-K will be set forth in, and incorporated by reference from, the 
registrant’s  definitive  proxy  statement  for  the  annual  meeting  of  stockholders  (the  ―2009  Proxy  Statement‖),  which  will  be  filed  with  the 
Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

PART I 

Item 1.  Business ....................................................................................................................................................   1 
Item 1A. Risk Factors ..............................................................................................................................................   8 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments .....................................................................................................................   14 
Item 2.  Properties ..................................................................................................................................................   14 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings .....................................................................................................................................  
15 
Item 4.  Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders .............................................................................   15 

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of  

Equity Securities ...................................................................................................................................   16 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data ............................................................................................................................   18 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ...................   20 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ..................................................................   40 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .........................................................................................   43 
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ..................   87 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures ...........................................................................................................................   87 
Item 9B. Other Information .....................................................................................................................................   90 

PART III 

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant ..................................................................................   90 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation ..........................................................................................................................   90 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ......................................................   90 
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions .......................................................................................   90 
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services ...................................................................................................   90 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ..................................................................................................   91 

Signatures ................................................................................................................................................................   98 

PART IV 

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

This  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  contains  forward-looking  statements  that  are  based  on  our  management’s 
expectations as of the filing date of this report with the  Securities and Exchange Commission (―SEC‖).  Statements that 
are  not  historical  facts  are  hereby  identified  as  forward-looking  statements.    In  addition,  words  such  as  ―estimate,‖ 
―anticipate,‖ ―project,‖ ―plan,‖ ―intend,‖ ―believe,‖ ―expect,‖ ―likely,‖ ―predicted,‖ and similar expressions are intended to 
identify  forward-looking  statements.    Such  statements  include  plans,  projections  and  estimates  contained  in  ―Item  1. 
Business,‖  ―Item  3.  Legal  Proceedings,‖  ―Item  7.  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and 
Results of Operations‖ (―MD&A‖) and ―Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk‖ herein.   

Such  forward-looking  statements  are  subject  to  certain  risks,  uncertainties  and  assumptions,  including  prevailing 
market conditions, the risk factors described under ―Item 1A. Risk Factors‖ herein and other factors.  Should one or more 
of  these  risks  or  uncertainties  materialize,  or  should  underlying  assumptions  prove  incorrect,  actual  results  may  vary 
materially from those expected. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unless  this  Form  10-K  indicates  otherwise  or  the  context  otherwise  requires,  the  terms,  ―we,‖  ―our,‖  ―our 
company,‖ ―the company‖ or ―us‖ as used in this Form 10-K refer to Crown Castle International Corp. (―CCIC‖), a 
Delaware corporation organized on April 20, 1995, and its subsidiaries.  Unless this Form 10-K indicates otherwise 
or the context otherwise requires, ―Global Signal‖ refers to the former Global Signal Inc. and its subsidiaries which 
merged  into  a  subsidiary  of  ours  in  January  2007  (―Global  Signal  Merger‖).    Unless  this  Form  10-K  indicates 
otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms ―CCUSA‖ and ―in the U.S.‖ refer to our CCUSA segment.   

PART I  

Item 1.  Business 

Overview 

We  own, operate  and lease towers  and other communication structures, including certain rooftop installations 
(collectively, ―towers‖), for wireless communications.   Our core business is renting space on our towers via long-
term  contracts  in  various  forms,  including  license,  sublease  and  lease  agreements.    Generally,  our  towers  can 
accommodate multiple customers (―co-location‖) for antennas and other equipment necessary for the transmission of 
wireless  signals  for  mobile  telephones  and  other  devices.    Revenues  derived  from  this  site  rental  business 
represented 92% of our 2008 consolidated revenues.   

Information concerning our tower portfolio as of December 31, 2008 is as follows: 

  We owned, leased or managed approximately 24,100 towers. 
  We  have  approximately  22,300  towers  in  the  United  States  (―U.S.‖),  approximately  1,600  towers  in 

Australia, and the remainder of our towers are located in Puerto Rico and Canada.   

  Our customers include many of the world’s major wireless communications companies.  In the U.S., Sprint 
Nextel,  AT&T,  Verizon  Wireless  (inclusive  of  Alltel)  and  T-Mobile  accounted  for  76%  and  72%  of  our 
2008  CCUSA  and  consolidated  revenues,  respectively.    In  Australia,  our  customers  include  Vodafone, 
Optus, Telstra and Hutchison.   

  Approximately  54% and  71% of our towers  in the U.S. and Puerto Rico  were  located in the 50 and 100 
largest  basic  trading  areas,  or  ―BTAs‖,  respectively.    Through  our  Australia  tower  portfolio,  we  have  a 
strategic presence in each of Australia’s major metropolitan areas, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, 
Adelaide and Perth.   

  We  owned  in  fee  or  had  perpetual  or  long-term  easements  in  the  land  and  other  properties  (collectively 
―land‖) on which approximately 5,500 of our towers reside, and we leased, subleased or licensed the land 
on which approximately 17,900 of our towers reside.  In addition, we managed approximately 700 towers 
owned  by  third  parties  where  we  had  the  right  to  market  space  on  the  tower  or  where  we  had  sublease 
agreements with the tower owner. 

Our site rental revenues typically result from long-term contracts with (1) initial terms of five to fifteen years, 
(2) multiple renewal periods at the option of the tenant of five to ten years each, and (3) contractual escalators of the 
rental price.  As a result, the vast majority of our site rental revenues is of a recurring nature and has been contracted 
for in a prior year.   We seek to increase our site rental revenues by adding more  tenants on our towers, which  we 
expect to result in significant incremental cash flow due to our relatively fixed tower operating costs.   

To  a  much  lesser  extent,  we  also  provide  certain  network  services  relating  to  our  towers,  including  antenna 
installations and subsequent augmentation, network design and site selection, site acquisition, site development and 
other services.   

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategy 

Our strategy is to increase long-term stockholder value by translating anticipated future growth in our core site 
rental business into growth of our results of operations on a per share basis.  We believe our strategy is consistent 
with our  mission to deliver the  highest level of service  to our customers at all times  –  striving to be their critical 
partner as we assist them in growing efficient, ubiquitous wireless networks.  The key elements of our strategy are 
to:  

  Organically  grow  the  revenues  and  cash  flows  from  our  towers.    We  seek  to  maximize  the  site  rental 
revenues  of  our  towers  by  co-locating  additional  tenants  on  our  towers  as  wireless  carriers  deploy  and 
improve their wireless networks.  We seek to maximize additional tenant co-locations through our focus on 
customer  service  and  deployment  speed  and  by  leveraging  our  web-based  proprietary  tools.    Due  to  the 
relatively fixed nature of the costs to operate our towers (which tend to increase at approximately the rate 
of  inflation),  we  expect  the  increased  revenues  from  additional  co-locations  and  contracted  escalators  to 
result  in  significant  incremental  site  rental  gross  margin  and  growth  in  our  operating  cash  flows.    We 
believe  there  is  considerable  additional  future  demand  for  our  existing  towers  based  on  their  location 
(significant presence in 91 of the top 100 BTAs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico) and the anticipated growth in 
the wireless communications industry.   

  Allocate capital efficiently.  We seek to allocate the cash produced by our operations in a manner that will 
enhance per share operating results.  Given the current conditions in the credit markets, we currently expect 
to  use  the  majority  of  our  cash  to  purchase  or  repay  our  debt  and  severely  limit  our  other  discretionary 
investments.  Historically, we have invested our available cash in discretionary investments such as those 
shown  below  (in  no  particular  order),  which  we  expect  to  resume  in  the  future  depending  upon  the  then 
state of the credit environment and availability of liquidity in the capital markets: 

enter into acquisitions of tower businesses; 
selectively construct or acquire towers and distributed antenna systems; 
acquire land under towers; 

○  purchase shares of our own common stock (―common stock‖) from time to time; 
○ 
○ 
○ 
○  make improvements and structural enhancements to our existing towers; and 
○  purchase or redeem our debt or preferred stock.  

Our long-term strategy is based on our belief that opportunities will be created by the expected continuation of 
growth  in  the  wireless  communications  industry,  which  depends  on  the  demand  for  wireless  telephony  and  data 
services by consumers.  Thus far, the wireless communications industry has not been impacted by the recent slowing 
economy  to  any  significant  degree.    The  following  is  a  discussion  of  certain  growth  trends  in  the  wireless 
communications industry:  

  We  expect  wireless  carriers  will  continue  their  focus  on  improving  network  quality  by  adding  additional 
antennas for the transmission of their services in an effort to improve customer retention and satisfaction.  
  Consumers  are  increasing  their  use  of  wireless  voice  and  data  services.    According  to  a  Cellular 
Telecommunications  &  Internet  Association  (―CTIA‖)  U.S.  wireless  industry  survey  and  other  published 
reports:  

○  Minutes of use exceeded 1.1 trillion for the first half of  2008, which represents a year-over-year 

increase of 11%.  

○  Wireless data service revenues were nearly $15 billion for the first half of 2008, which represents 

a year-over-year increase of 40%. 

○  Wireless users totaled 262 million as of June 30, 2008, which represents a year-over-year increase 

of nearly 20 million subscribers, or 8%.   

○  The  percentage  of  U.S.  households  with  no  wireline  communications  and  only  wireless 

communications increased to approximately 18% as of June 30, 2008. 
○  Wireless penetration in the U.S. increased to 87% as of June 30, 2008. 

  Our customers have introduced, and we believe they plan to continue to deploy, next generation wireless 
technologies, including  third generation (―3G‖) and  wireless data  technology, such as email, internet and 
mobile video.  We expect these next generation technologies and others, such as fourth generation (―4G‖) 
technology (including long-term evolution), to translate into additional demand for tower space. 

  We have seen and anticipate there could be other new entrants into the wireless communications industry 

that should deploy regional or national wireless networks for voice and data services.   

2 

 
 
 
  
  The Federal Communications Commission (―FCC‖) auctioned spectrum licenses in the Advanced Wireless 
Services Auction No. 66 during the third quarter of 2006 and the 700 MHz Band Auction No. 73 in March 
2008.  We expect that these spectrum auctions and future auctions should enable next generation networks 
and possibly enable one or more new entrants into the wireless communications industry. 

  Many  countries  outside  of  the  U.S.  have  wireless  penetration  rates  approaching  or  exceeding  100%  and 
have wireless networks faster and even more robust than the U.S.  This wireless activity outside of the U.S. 
may be a leading indicator for U.S. wireless communications.  See also ―Item 1. The Company―CCAL.‖   

2008 Highlights and Recent Developments 

See ―Item 7. MD&A‖ and our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of developments and activities 
occurring in 2008 and the beginning of 2009, including the issuance of our 9% senior notes in January 2009 and the 
challenging credit markets. 

The Company 

We operate our business primarily in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) and Australia, with nominal operations in 
Canada and the  United Kingdom (―U.K.‖).  We conduct our operations principally through subsidiaries of  Crown 
Castle Operating Company (―CCOC‖), including (1) certain subsidiaries which operate our tower portfolios in the 
U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada (collectively referred to as ―CCUSA‖) and (2) a 77.6% owned subsidiary that operates 
our Australia tower portfolio (referred to as ―CCAL‖).  For more information about our operating segments, as well 
as financial information about the geographic areas in which we operate, see  note 18 to our consolidated financial 
statements and ―Item 7. MD&A.‖ 

CCUSA 

Overview.    The  core  business  of  CCUSA  is  the  renting  of  antenna  space  on  our  towers  predominately  to 
wireless carriers under long-term contracts.  Supporting our competitive position in the site rental business, we offer 
our  tenants  certain  network services relating to our towers, including antenna installations and other services.   At 
December 31, 2008, CCUSA owned, leased or managed approximately 22,500 towers.  Although we own, lease or 
manage approximately 200 towers located in Puerto Rico and Canada that are included in CCUSA, our towers are 
predominately located in the U.S., with concentrations in the 50 and 100 largest BTAs.   

Most  of  our  CCUSA  towers  were  acquired  through  transactions  consummated  within  the  past  nine  years, 

including through the transactions summarized below:   

Acquisition 

Transaction 
Closing Dates 

Current No. of  
Towers 

Global Signal(a) ..................................................  

2007 

10,684 

Mountain Union Telecom, LLC..........................  

Trintel Communications Inc. ..............................  

2006 

2005 

GTE Wireless(d) .................................................  

2000(b) 

Bell South Mobility(e) and Bell South DCS(e) ..  

Bell Atlantic Mobile(d) .......................................  

1999 – 
2000(c) 
1999 

Powertel(f) ..........................................................  

1999 

480 

467 

2,870 

3,035 

2,014 

674 

Primary Tower Locations 

Southeastern, Southwestern, Midwestern, 
Pacific Coast and Northeastern U.S. 

Puerto Rico and Southern U.S. 

Midwestern U.S. 

Eastern, Midwestern, Southwestern and 
Pacific Coast U.S. 

Southeastern and Midwestern U.S. 

Eastern, Southwestern U.S. 

Southeastern U.S. 

(a)  6,553 towers were originally acquired by Global Signal from Sprint (a predecessor of Sprint Nextel).  See ―Item 7. MD&A—General 

Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal‖ and note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Global Signal Merger.   

(b)  The towers from GTE Wireless were acquired in multiple closings from January 2000 through September 2000. 
(c)  The towers from Bell South Mobility and Bell South DCS were acquired in multiple closings from June 1999 through December 2000. 
(d)  Now part of Verizon Wireless. 
(e)  Now part of AT&T. 
(f)  Now part of T-Mobile. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site  Rental.    CCUSA  rents  space  on  its  towers  for  antennas  and  other  equipment  and  leases  access  to  our 
distributed  antenna  systems  for  the  transmission  of  a  variety  of  wireless  signals  predominately  related  to  wireless 
voice and data transmission.   

We  generally  receive  monthly  rental  payments  from  tenants,  payable  under  site  leases.    Over  the  last  several 
years, our new leases have generally had initial terms of seven to fifteen years (with three or four optional renewal 
periods  of  five  years  each)  and  provide  for  annual  price  increases  based  upon  a  consumer  price  index,  a  fixed 
percentage or a combination thereof.  The lease agreements with our tenants relating to tower network acquisitions 
generally have an original term of ten years, with multiple renewal options at the option of the tenant, each typically 
ranging  from  five  to  ten  years.    We  have  existing  master  lease  agreements  with  most  wireless  carriers,  including 
Sprint  Nextel,  AT&T,  Verizon  Wireless,  and  T-Mobile,  which  provide  certain  terms  (including  economic  terms) 
that govern leases on our towers entered into by such parties during the term of their master lease agreements.  

The average monthly rental payment of a new tenant added to a tower varies among the different regions in the 
U.S.  and  the  type  of  service  being  provided  by  the  tenant,  with  broadband  tenants  paying  more  than  narrowband 
tenants  (such  as  paging),  primarily  as  a  result  of  the  physical  size  of  the  antenna  installation.    We  also  routinely 
receive  rental  payment  increases  in  connection  with  lease  amendments  which  authorize  carriers  to  add  additional 
antennas  or  other  equipment  to  towers  on  which  they  already  have  equipment  pursuant  to  pre-existing  lease 
agreements. 

The operating expenditures of our site rental business consist predominately of ground lease expense, property 
taxes,  repairs  and  maintenance,  employee  compensation  and  related  benefit  costs,  and  utilities,  which  tend  to 
escalate at approximately the rate of inflation.  As a result of the relative fixed nature of these expenditures, the co-
location of additional tenants is achieved at a low incremental cost resulting in high incremental cash flows. 

Network Services.  We also provide network services, on a limited basis, primarily relating to our towers for our 
tenants.  Our service offerings consist of antenna installations and subsequent augmentation, network design and site 
selection, site acquisition, site development and other services.  We have the capability and expertise to install, with 
the assistance of our network of subcontractors, equipment and antenna systems for our customers.  These activities 
are  typically  non-recurring  and  highly  competitive,  with  a  number  of  local  competitors  in  most  markets.    We 
typically  bill  for  our  antenna  installation  services  on  a  fixed  price  basis.  Network  services  revenues  are  received 
primarily from wireless communications companies or their agents.   

Customers.  In both the site rental and network services businesses, we work with a number of customers.  We 
work  extensively  with  large  national  wireless  carriers  such  as  Sprint  Nextel,  AT&T,  Verizon  Wireless,  and  T-
Mobile.  Approximately 48% of 2008 CCUSA site rental revenues are with customers (or their parent companies) 
who are rated investment grade including AT&T, Verizon Wireless (a joint venture of Verizon Communications and 
Vodafone) and T-Mobile (a subsidiary of Deutsche Telecom).  In addition to the four largest customers, our 2008 
net  revenues  and  new  tenant  additions  were  derived  from  second  tier  and  emerging  wireless  customers,  such  as 
those  offering  flat  rate  calling  plans  and  wireless  data  technologies.    The  following  table  summarizes  the  net 
revenues from our four largest customers expressed as a percentage of CCUSA’s and our consolidated revenues for 
2008.  See ―Item 1A. Risk Factors.‖ 

Customer 

Sprint Nextel ............................................................................................ 
AT&T ...................................................................................................... 
Verizon Wireless (a) ................................................................................ 
T-Mobile .................................................................................................. 

Total ......................................................................................................... 

(a) 

Inclusive of Alltel as a result of the merger that occurred in January 2009. 

% of 2008 
CCUSA 
Net Revenues 

% of 2008 
Consolidated 
Net Revenues 

25% 
20% 
18% 
13% 

76% 

23% 
19% 
18% 
12% 

72% 

Sales and Marketing.  The CCUSA sales organization markets our towers within the wireless communications 
industry with the objective of renting space on existing towers and on new towers prior to construction.  We seek to 
become  the  critical  partner  and  preferred  independent  tower  provider  for  our  customers  and  increase  customer 
satisfaction relative to our peers.   

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We  use  public  and  proprietary  databases  to  develop  targeted  marketing  programs  focused  on  carrier  network 
build-outs,  modifications,  site  additions,  new  tower  builds,  distributed  antenna  systems  and  network  services.  
Information  about  carriers’  existing  location  of  antenna  space,  leases,  marketing  strategies,  capital  spend  plans, 
deployment status, and actual wireless carrier signal strength measurements taken in the field is analyzed to match 
specific towers in our portfolios with potential new site demand.  We have developed a patented web-based tool that 
stores key tower information above and beyond normal property management information, including data on actual 
customer signal strength, demographics, site readiness and competitive structures.  In addition, the web-based tool 
assists us in estimating potential demand for our towers with greater speed and accuracy.  Through these and other 
tools  we  have  developed,  we  seek  to  have  proactive  discussions  with  our  customers  regarding  their  wireless 
infrastructure deployment plans and the timing and location of their demand for our towers. 

A  team  of  national  account  directors  maintains  our  relationships  with  our  largest  customers.    These  directors 
work to develop new tower leasing opportunities, network services contracts and site management opportunities, as 
well  as  to  ensure  that  customers’  tower  needs  are  efficiently  translated  into  new  leases  on  our  towers.    Sales 
personnel  in  our  area  offices  develop  and  maintain  local  relationships  with  carriers  that  are  expanding  their 
networks, entering new markets, bringing new technologies to market or requiring maintenance or add-on business.  
In addition to our full-time sales and marketing staff, a number of senior managers and officers spend a significant 
portion of their time on sales and marketing activities and call on existing and prospective customers. 

Competition.    CCUSA  competes  with  (1)  other  independent  tower  owners  which  also  provide  site  rental  and 
network services; (2) wireless carriers which  build, own and operate their own tower networks and lease space to 
other  wireless  communication  companies,  and  (3)  owners  of  alternative  facilities  including  rooftops,  broadcast 
towers, distributed antenna systems, utility poles, and outdoor advertisers.  Wireless carriers that own and operate 
their own tower networks generally are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than we have.  We 
believe that tower location and capacity, deployment speed, quality of service and price have been and will continue 
to be the most significant competitive factors affecting the leasing of a tower.   

Some of the larger independent tower companies with which  CCUSA competes in the U.S. include American 
Tower  Corporation,  SBA  Communications  Corporation,  Global  Tower  Partners  and  TowerCo.    Significant 
additional site rental competition comes from the renting of rooftops, utility structures and other alternative sites for 
antennas. 

Competitors in the network services business include site acquisition consultants, zoning consultants, real estate 
firms,  right-of-way  consulting  firms,  construction  companies,  tower  owners  and  managers,  radio  frequency 
engineering consultants, telecommunications equipment vendors who can provide turnkey site development services 
through multiple subcontractors, and our customers’ internal staffs.  We believe that carriers base their decisions on 
the outsourcing of network services on criteria such as a company’s experience, track record, local reputation, price 
and time for completion of a project.   

CCAL 

Our primary business in Australia is the renting of antenna space on towers to our customers.  CCAL is owned 
77.6% by us and 22.4% by Permanent Nominees (Aust) Ltd, acting on behalf of a group of professional and private 
investors  led  by  Todd  Capital  Limited.    CCAL  is  the  largest  independent  tower  operator  in  Australia.    As  of 
December 31, 2008, CCAL had approximately 1,600 towers, with a strategic presence in each of Australia’s major 
metropolitan  areas,  including  Sydney,  Melbourne,  Brisbane,  Adelaide  and  Perth.    The  vast  majority  of  CCAL’s 
towers  were  acquired  from  Optus  (in  2000)  and  Vodafone  (in  2001).    CCAL  also  provides  a  range  of  services 
including site maintenance and property management services for towers owned by third parties. 

For 2008, CCAL comprised 6% of our consolidated net revenues.  CCAL’s principal customers are Vodafone, 
Optus, Telstra and Hutchison.  For 2008, these four carriers accounted for approximately 95% of CCAL’s revenues, 
with Vodafone and Optus accounting for 36% and 35%, respectively.  In February 2009, Vodafone and Hutchison 
agreed to merge their Australian operations in a joint venture named VHA Pty Ltd.  We are evaluating the impact 
this joint venture may have on CCAL; however, we currently do not believe it will have a material adverse impact. 

In Australia, CCAL competes with wireless carriers, which own and operate their own tower networks; service 
companies  that  provide  site  maintenance  and  property  management  services;  and  other  site  owners,  such  as 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
broadcasters and building owners.  The two other significant tower owners in Australia are Broadcast Australia, an 
independent operator of broadcast towers, and Telstra, a wireless carrier.  We believe that tower location, capacity, 
quality  of  service,  deployment  speed  and  price  within  a  geographic  market  are  the  most  significant  competitive 
factors affecting the leasing of a tower. 

All four of the major carriers in Australia have deployed extensive 3G networks which provide high bandwidth 
wireless services that are generally  more  robust and faster  than  typically experienced in  the  U.S.   In addition, the 
wireless  penetration  rate  in  Australia  exceeds  100%  (e.g.,  number  of  devices  exceeds  population).    These  3G 
networks utilize a large number of our towers.   

Employees 

At  February  17,  2009,  we  employed  approximately  1,300  people  worldwide.    We  are  not  a  party  to  any 
collective  bargaining  agreements.    We  have  not  experienced  any  strikes  or  work  stoppages,  and  management 
believes that our employee relations are satisfactory.  

Regulatory Matters 

To date, we have not incurred any material fines or penalties or experienced any material adverse effects to our 
business  as  a  result  of  any  domestic  or  international  regulations.    The  summary  below  is  based  on  regulations 
currently  in  effect,  and  such  regulations  are  subject  to  review  and  modification  by  the  applicable  governmental 
authority from time to time.  If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be fined or even lose 
our rights to conduct some of our business.   

United States 

Federal Regulations.  Both the FCC and the Federal Aviation Administration (―FAA‖) regulate towers used for 
wireless  communications,  radio  and  television  broadcasting.    Such  regulations  control  the  siting,  lighting  and 
marking of towers and may, depending on the characteristics of particular towers, require the  registration of tower 
facilities  with  the  FCC  and  the  issuance  of  determinations  confirming  no  hazard  to  air  traffic.    Wireless 
communications  devices  operating  on  towers  are  separately  regulated  and  independently  licensed  based  upon  the 
particular frequency used.  In addition, the FCC and the FAA have developed standards to consider proposals for 
new or modified tower and antenna structures based upon the height and location, including proximity to airports.  
Proposals to construct or to modify existing tower and antenna structures above certain heights are reviewed by the 
FAA  to  ensure  the  structure  will  not  present  a  hazard  to  aviation,  which  determination  may  be  conditioned  upon 
compliance  with  lighting  and  marking  requirements.    The  FCC  requires  its  licensees  to  operate  communications 
devices only on towers that comply with FAA rules and are registered with the FCC, if required by its regulations.  
Where tower lighting is required by FAA regulation, tower owners bear the responsibility of notifying the FAA of 
any tower lighting outage and ensuring the timely restoration of such outages.  Failure to comply with the applicable 
requirements may lead to civil penalties. 

Local Regulations.  The U.S. Telecommunications Act of 1996 amended the Communications Act of 1934 to 
preserve  state  and  local  zoning  authorities’  jurisdiction  over  the  siting  of  communications  towers.    The  law, 
however, limits local zoning authority by prohibiting actions by local authorities that discriminate between different 
service  providers  of  wireless  services  or  ban  altogether  the  provision  of  wireless  services.    Additionally,  the  law 
prohibits state and local restrictions based on the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent 
the facilities comply with FCC regulations.  

Local  regulations  include  city  and  other  local  ordinances  (including  subdivision  and  zoning  ordinances), 
approvals for construction,  modification and removal of towers, and restrictive covenants imposed by community 
developers.  These regulations vary greatly, but typically require us to obtain approval from local officials prior to 
tower construction.  Local zoning authorities may render decisions that prevent the construction or modification of 
towers  or  place  conditions  on  such  construction  or  modifications  that  are  responsive  to  community  residents’ 
concerns regarding the height, visibility and other characteristics of the towers.  Decisions of local zoning authorities 
may also adversely affect the timing and cost of tower construction and modification. 

Other  Regulations.    We  hold,  through  certain  of  our  subsidiaries,  certain  licenses  for  radio  transmission 
facilities  granted  by  the  FCC,  including  licenses  for  common  carrier  microwave  service,  commercial  and  private 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
mobile radio service, specialized mobile radio and paging service, which are subject to additional regulation by the 
FCC.    Our  FCC  license  relating  to  our  1670-1675  MHz  U.S.  nationwide  spectrum  license  (―Spectrum‖)  contains 
certain  conditions  related  to  the  services  that  may  be  provided  thereunder,  the  technical  equipment  used  in 
connection therewith and the circumstances under which it may be renewed.   We are required to obtain the FCC’s 
approval prior to assigning or transferring control of our FCC licenses.  

Australia 

Federal  Regulations.    Carrier  licenses  and  nominated  carrier  declarations  issued  under  the  Australian 
Telecommunications Act 1997 authorize the use of network units for the supply of telecommunications services to 
the  public.    The  definition  of  ―network  units‖  includes  line  links  and  base  stations  used  for  wireless  telephony 
services  but  does  not  include  tower  infrastructure.    Accordingly,  CCAL  as  a  tower  owner  and  operator  does  not 
require  a  carrier  license  under  the  Australian  Telecommunications  Act  1997.    Similarly,  because  CCAL  does  not 
own any transmitters or spectrum, it does not currently require any apparatus or spectrum licenses issued under the 
Australian Radiocommunications Act 1992. 

Carriers  have  a  statutory  obligation  to  provide  other  carriers  with  access  to  towers,  and  if  there  is  a  dispute 
(including a pricing dispute), the matter may be referred to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 
for resolution.  As a non-carrier, CCAL is not subject to this regime, and our customers negotiate site access on a 
commercial basis. 

While  the  Australian  Telecommunications  Act  1997  grants  certain  exemptions  from  planning  laws  for  the 
installation of ―low impact facilities,‖ newly constructed towers are expressly excluded from the definition of ―low 
impact facilities.‖  Accordingly, in connection with the construction of towers, CCAL is subject to state and local 
planning laws which vary on a site by site basis.  Structural enhancements may be undertaken on behalf of a carrier 
without  state  and  local  planning  approval  under  the  general  ―maintenance  power‖  under  the  Australian 
Telecommunications  Act  1997,  although  these  enhancements  may  be  subject  to  state  and  local  planning  laws  if 
CCAL is unable to obtain carrier co-operation to use that legislative power.  For a limited number of towers, CCAL 
is also required to install aircraft warning lighting in compliance with federal aviation regulations.  In Australia, a 
carrier may arguably be able to utilize the ―maintenance power‖ under the Australian Telecommunications Act 1997 
to remain as a tenant on a tower after the expiration of a site license or sublease; however, CCAL’s customer access 
agreements generally limit the ability of customers to do this, and, even if a carrier did utilize this power, the carrier 
would be required to pay for CCAL’s financial loss, which would roughly equal the  site rental revenues that would 
have otherwise been payable. 

Local Regulations.  In Australia there are various local, state and territory laws and regulations which relate to, 
among other things, town planning and zoning restrictions, standards and approvals for the design, construction or 
alteration  of  a  structure  or  facility,  and  environmental  regulations.    As  in  the  U.S.,  these  laws  vary  greatly,  but 
typically  require  tower  owners  to  obtain  approval  from  governmental  bodies  prior  to  tower  construction  and  to 
comply with environmental laws on an ongoing basis. 

Environmental Matters  

To date, we have not incurred any material fines or penalties or experienced any material adverse effects to our 
business  as  a  result  of  any  domestic  or  international  environmental  regulations  or  matters.    See  ―Item  1A.  Risk 
Factors.‖ 

The  construction  of  new  towers  in  the  U.S.  may  be  subject  to  environmental  review  under  the  National 
Environmental  Policy  Act  of  1969,  as  amended  (―NEPA‖)  which  requires  federal  agencies  to  evaluate  the 
environmental impact of major federal actions.   The FCC has promulgated regulations implementing NEPA which 
require applicants to investigate the potential environmental impact of the proposed tower construction.  Should the 
proposed  tower  construction  present  a  significant  environmental  impact,  the  FCC  must  prepare  an  environmental 
impact  statement,  subject  to  public  comment.    If  a  proposed  tower  may  have  a  significant  impact  on  the 
environment, the FCC’s approval of the construction could be significantly delayed. 

Our  operations  are  subject  to  federal,  state  and  local  laws  and  regulations  relating  to  the  management,  use, 
storage, disposal, emission, and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances, materials 
and  wastes.    As  an  owner,  lessee  or  operator  of  real  property,  we  are  subject  to  certain  environmental  laws  that 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
impose  strict,  joint-and-several  liability  for  the  cleanup  of  on-site  or  off-site  contamination  relating  to  existing  or 
historical  operations;  and  we  could  also  be  subject  to  personal  injury  or  property  damage  claims  relating  to  such 
contamination.    We  are  potentially  subject  to  environmental  and  cleanup  liabilities  in  the  U.S.  (including  Puerto 
Rico) and Australia. 

As  licensees  and  tower  owners,  we  are  also  subject  to  regulations  and  guidelines  that  impose  a  variety  of 
operational requirements relating to radio frequency emissions.  As employers, we are subject to OSHA (and similar 
occupational health and safety legislation in Australia) and similar guidelines regarding employee protection from 
radio frequency exposure.  The potential connection between radio frequency emissions and certain negative health 
effects,  including  some  forms  of  cancer,  has  been  the  subject  of  substantial  study  by  the  scientific  community  in 
recent years.  

We  have  compliance  programs  and  monitoring  projects  to  help  assure  that  we  are  in  substantial  compliance 
with  applicable  environmental  laws.    Nevertheless,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  costs  of  compliance  with 
existing or future environmental laws will not have a material adverse effect on us. 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors  

You should carefully consider all of the risks described below, as well as the other information contained in this 

document, when evaluating your investment in our securities. 

We  have  a  substantial  amount  of  indebtedness,  the  majority,  if  not  all,  of  which  we  anticipate  refinancing  or 
repaying within the next three years.  In the event we do not repay or refinance such indebtedness, we could face 
substantial  liquidity  issues  and  might  be  required  to  issue  equity  securities  or  securities  convertible  into  equity 
securities, or sell some of our assets to meet our debt payment obligations.  

We  have  a  substantial  amount  of  indebtedness  (approximately  $6.8  billion  as  of  February  17,  2009),  and  we 
anticipate refinancing the majority, if not all, of this indebtedness and our preferred stock within the next three years.  
If our tower revenue notes, which were issued by our U.S. tower subsidiaries that comprised substantially all of our 
tower business prior to the Global Signal Merger and had an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $3.45 billion 
as of December 31, 2008, are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates (five years from their original 
issuances in 2005 and 2006), then the interest rates on those notes will increase substantially (by the greater of (1) an 
additional  5%  per  annum  over  their  current  rates  or  (2)  the  amount,  if  any,  by  which  the  sum  of  the  following 
exceeds  the  note  rate  for  a  class  of  tower  revenue  notes:  the  yield  to  maturity  on  the  applicable  anticipated 
repayment  date  of  the  United  States  treasury  security  having  a  term  closest  to  10  years,  plus  5%,  plus  the  post-
anticipated repayment date  spread for such class of tower revenue notes) and monthly amortization payments will 
commence.    If  this  occurs,  then  substantially  all  of  the  cash  flows  of  those  tower  subsidiaries  must  be  applied  to 
repay principal of the tower revenue notes.  As of February 17, 2009, our mortgage loans, which were issued by the 
Global  Signal  tower  subsidiaries  prior  to  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  in  the  aggregate  principal  amounts  of  $246.5 
million and $1.46 billion, have contractual maturities in December 2009 and February 2011, respectively.  If we fail 
to repay or refinance such mortgage loans  when due, it  would constitute an event of default under such mortgage 
loans,  as  well  as  some  of  our  other  indebtedness.    We  are  also  required  to  redeem  all  outstanding  shares  of  our 
6.25% convertible preferred stock in August 2012 for approximately $323.0 million, including accrued but unpaid 
dividends.    There  can  be  no  assurances  we  will  be  able  to  effect  these  anticipated  refinancings  on  commercially 
reasonable  terms,  or  terms,  including  with  respect  to  interest  rates,  as  favorable  as  our  current  debt  and  preferred 
stock, or at all.  

In  early  2007,  a  crisis  began  in  the  subprime  mortgage  sector,  as  a  result  of  rising  delinquencies  and  credit 
quality deterioration, and the conditions in the  general credit markets have continued to deteriorate  with widening 
credit  spreads  and  a  lack  of  liquidity,  including  certain  debt  markets  being  unavailable.    In  addition  to  a  lack  of 
liquidity  in  the  general  credit  markets,  the  current  credit  crisis  has  resulted  in  a  widening  of  credit  spreads  in  the 
marketplace  in  general  and  for  us  specifically.    This  crisis  together  with  the  global  economic  recession  have 
adversely impacted our access to capital, and there can be no assurances that the global economic recession or the 
liquidity  crisis  will  not  worsen  or  negatively  impact  the  availability  and  cost  of  debt  financing,  including  with 
respect to any refinancings of the obligations described above.  

If  we  are  unable  to  refinance  or  renegotiate  our  debt,  we  cannot  guarantee  that  we  will  be  able  to  generate 
enough  cash  flows  from  operations  or  that  we  will  be  able  to  obtain  enough  capital  to  service  our  debt,  pay  our 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
obligations  under  our  convertible  preferred  stock  or  fund  our  planned  capital  expenditures.    In  such  an  event,  we 
could face substantial liquidity issues and might be required to issue equity securities or securities convertible into 
equity securities, or sell some of our assets to meet our debt payment obligations. Failure to refinance indebtedness 
when  required  could  result  in  a  default  under  such  indebtedness.    Assuming  we  meet  certain  financial  ratios,  we 
have  the  ability  under  our  debt  instruments  to  incur  additional  indebtedness,  and  any  additional  indebtedness  we 
incur could exacerbate the risks described above.  See the risk factors below concerning our obligations relating to 
our interest rate swaps. 

Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to react to changes in our business, and 
the  terms  of  our  debt  instruments  limit  our  ability  to  take  a  number  of  actions  that  our  management  might 
otherwise believe to be in our best interests.  In addition, if we fail to comply with our covenants, our debt could 
be accelerated.  

As a result of our need to repay and refinance debt in the current difficult credit markets, demands on our cash 
resources are higher than they otherwise would be, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations 
and financial condition.  

As a result of our substantial indebtedness:  

  we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions; 
  we  may  find  it  more  difficult  to  obtain  additional  financing  to  fund  future  working  capital,  capital 

expenditures and other general corporate requirements or to refinance our existing indebtedness; 

  we are required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations (approximately $360.6 
million of our total cash flows from operations  for 2008) to the payment of principal and interest on our 
debt, reducing the available cash flow to fund other projects; 

  we may have limited flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and in the industry; 
  we may have a competitive disadvantage relative to other companies in our industry with less debt; 
  we may be required to issue equity securities or securities convertible into equity or sell some of our assets, 

possibly on unfavorable terms, in order to meet payment obligations; and 

  we  may  be  limited  in  our  ability  to  take  advantage  of  strategic  business  opportunities,  including  tower 

development and mergers and acquisitions.  

Currently we have debt instruments in place that limit in certain circumstances our ability to incur indebtedness, 
pay dividends, create liens, sell assets and engage in certain mergers and acquisitions.  Our subsidiaries, under their 
debt  instruments,  are  also  required  to  maintain  specific  financial  ratios.    Our  ability  to  comply  with  the  financial 
ratio  covenants  under  these  instruments  and  to  satisfy  our  debt  obligations  will  depend  on  our  future  operating 
performance.  If we fail to comply with the debt restrictions, we will be in default under those instruments, which in 
some  cases  would  cause  the  maturity  of  substantially  all  of  our  long-term  indebtedness  to  be  accelerated.    If  our 
subsidiaries that issued the tower revenue  notes and  mortgage loans  were to default on  the debt,  the trustee  could 
seek to foreclose upon or otherwise convert the ownership of the securitized towers, in which case we could lose the 
towers and the revenues associated with the towers.   

CCIC  and  CCOC  are  holding  companies  and  conduct  all  of  their  operations  through  their  subsidiaries.  
Accordingly,  each  of  CCIC’s  and  CCOC’s  source  of  cash  to  pay  interest  and  principal  on  their  outstanding 
indebtedness and preferred stock is distributions relating to  their ownership interests in their subsidiaries from the 
net earnings and cash flow generated by such subsidiaries or from proceeds of debt or equity offerings.  Earnings 
and cash  flow  generated by  their subsidiaries are first applied by such subsidiaries in conducting their operations, 
including the service of their respective debt obligations after which any excess cash flow generally may be paid to a 
holding  company.    However,  their  subsidiaries  are  legally  distinct  from  the  holding  companies  and,  unless  they 
guarantee such debt, have no obligation to pay amounts due on their debt or to make funds available to us for such 
payment.  

Our interest rate swaps are currently in a substantial liability position and will need to be cash settled within the 
next three years, which could adversely affect our financial condition. 

We  have  used interest rate  swaps to  hedge our interest rate risk related to variability in  LIBOR,  which could 
adversely affect our financial condition.  As a result of our interest rate swaps we would not benefit from the recent 
declines  in  LIBOR  if  the  declines  remain  when  we  will  need  to  cash  settle  these  obligations,  generally  on  the 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
anticipated issuance date of the forecasted transaction.   As of February 17, 2009, our outstanding forward-starting 
interest rate  swaps  had a combined notional amount of $5.3 billion; and  the liability on  a settlement basis  totaled 
$503.1 million on a settlement basis.  In addition as of February 17, 2009, we have two interest rate swaps, with a 
combined notional amount of $625.0 million that will be settled in 2009 and would currently result in total payments 
by us of $17.4 million.   See  ―Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk‖ for the cash 
obligations by year of maturity, based on current interest rates and the yield curve in effect as of December 31, 2008, 
required to settle the forward-starting interest rate swaps. 

Our business depends on the demand for wireless communications and towers, and we may be adversely affected 
by any slowdown in such demand. 

Demand for our towers depends on the demand for antenna space from our customers, which, in turn, depends 
on  the  demand  for  wireless  telephony  and  data  services  by  their  customers.    The  willingness  of  our  customers  to 
utilize our infrastructure, or renew existing leases on our towers, is affected by numerous factors, including: 

increased use of network sharing, roaming, joint development, or resale agreements by our customers; 

consumer demand for wireless services; 
availability and capacity of our towers and the land under those towers; 
location of our towers and alternative towers; 
financial condition of our customers, including their availability and cost of capital; 

 
 
 
 
  willingness of our customers to maintain or increase their capital expenditures; 
 
  mergers or consolidations among our customers; 
 
 
 

governmental regulations, including local and state restrictions on the proliferation of towers; 
cost of constructing towers; 
technological changes, including those affecting (1) the number or type of towers or other communications 
sites  needed  to  provide  wireless  communications  services  to  a  given  geographic  area  and  (2)  the 
obsolescence of certain existing wireless networks; and 
our ability to efficiently satisfy our customers’ service requirements. 

 

A  slowdown  in  demand  for  wireless  communications  or  our  towers  may  negatively  impact  our  revenues  or 

otherwise have a material adverse effect on us.  

A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from a small number of customers, and the loss, consolidation or 
financial  instability  of,  or  network  sharing  among,  any  of  our  limited  number  of  customers  may  materially 
decrease revenues. 

For  2008, approximately  72% of our consolidated revenues  was derived  from  Sprint  Nextel,  AT&T, Verizon 
Wireless and T-Mobile, which represented 23%, 19%, 18% and 12%, respectively, of our consolidated net revenues.  
The loss of any one of our large customers as a result of bankruptcy, insolvency, consolidation, merger with other 
customers of ours or otherwise may materially decrease our revenues and have other adverse effects on our business.  
We cannot guarantee that the leases (including management agreements) with our major wireless carriers will not be 
terminated or that these carriers will renew such agreements.  See also ―Item 1. Business―The Company.‖ 

Consolidation among our customers may result in duplicate or overlapping parts of networks, which may result 
in a reduction of sites and have a negative effect on revenues and cash flows. 

Consolidation among our customers will likely result in duplicate or overlapping parts of networks, which may 
result in a reduction of cell sites and impact revenues  from our towers.  In addition, consolidation may result in  a 
reduction  in  such  customers’  future  capital  expenditures  in  the  aggregate  because  their  expansion  plans  may  be 
similar.  In the last several years, certain of our larger carrier customers have merged, including Cingular Wireless 
(now known as AT&T) with AT&T Wireless in October 2004 and Sprint with Nextel in August 2005.  Any industry 
consolidation could decrease the demand for our towers, which in turn may result in a reduction in our revenues and 
cash flows. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales or issuances of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may adversely affect the market price 
of our common stock. 

Future sales or issuances of a substantial number of shares of common stock or other equity related securities 
may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.  As of February 17, 2009, we had 288.7 million shares 
of common stock outstanding.  In addition, we reserved (1) 15.6 million shares of common stock for future issuance 
under our various stock compensation plans and (2)  8.6 million shares of common stock for the conversion of our 
outstanding convertible preferred stock.  If conditions in the credit markets do not improve, we may face liquidity 
issues  and  might  be  required  to  issue  equity  securities  or  securities  convertible  into  equity  securities  which  may 
cause the price of our common stock to decline significantly. 

In addition, a small number of stockholders own a significant percentage of our outstanding common stock.  If 
any  one  of  these  stockholders,  or  any  group  of  our  stockholders,  sells  a  large  quantity  of  shares  of  our  common 
stock, or the public market perceives that existing stockholders might sell a large quantity of shares of our common 
stock, the market price of our common stock may significantly decline. 

A  wireless  communications  industry  slowdown  may  materially  and  adversely  affect  our  business  (including 
reducing demand for our towers and network services) and the business of our customers. 

In past years, the wireless communications industry has periodically experienced significant general slowdowns 
which  negatively  affected  the  factors  described  in  these  risk  factors,  influencing  demand  for  tower  space  and 
network services.  Similar slowdowns in the future may reduce consumer demand for wireless services or negatively 
impact the debt and equity  markets, thereby causing carriers to delay or abandon implementation of  new  systems 
and technologies.  The global economic recession is predicted by many to continue and perhaps worsen during 2009.  
There  can  be  no  assurances  that  such  a  difficult  economic  environment  will  not  adversely  impact  the  wireless 
communications industry,  which  may  materially and adversely affect our business, including by reducing demand 
for our towers and network services.  A wireless communications industry slowdown may result in the write-off of 
some or all of our goodwill and our inability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards. 

As a result of competition in our industry, including from some competitors with significantly more resources or 
less debt than we have, we may find it more difficult to achieve favorable rental rates on our towers. 

We face competition for site rental customers from various sources, including: 

other independent tower owners; 

 
  wireless  carriers  that  own  and  operate  their  own  towers  and  lease  antenna  space  to  other  wireless 

communication companies; 
alternative facilities including rooftops, distributed antenna systems, broadcast towers and utility poles; and 
new alternative deployment methods. 

 
 

Wireless  carriers  that  own  and  operate  their  own  tower  portfolios  are  generally  substantially  larger  and  have 
greater financial resources than we have.   Competition for tenants on  towers  may adversely affect rental rates and 
revenues.   

New technologies may significantly reduce demand for our towers and negatively impact our revenues. 

Improvements  in  the  efficiency  of  wireless  networks  could  reduce  the  demand  for  our  towers.  For  example, 
signal  combining  technologies  that  permit  one  antenna  to  service  multiple  frequencies  and,  thereby,  multiple 
customers,  may reduce the need for our  towers.  In addition, other technologies, such as  wireless  mesh networks, 
voice-over-Wi-Fi,  femtocells,  satellite  transmission  systems  (such  as  low  earth  orbiting),  and  distributed  antenna 
systems, may, in the future, serve as substitutes for or alternatives to leasing that might otherwise be anticipated or 
expected  on  our  towers  had  such  technologies  not  existed.    Any  significant  reduction  in  tower  leasing  demand 
resulting from the previously mentioned technologies or other technologies may negatively impact our revenues or 
otherwise have a material adverse effect on us. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New wireless technologies may not deploy or be adopted by customers as rapidly or in the manner projected. 

There  can  be  no  assurances  that  3G,  4G,  wireless  data  services  such  as  e-mail,  internet  and  mobile  video,  or 
other new wireless technologies will be introduced or deployed as rapidly or in the manner projected by the wireless 
or broadcast industries.  In addition, demand and customer adoption rates for such new technologies may be lower 
or slower than anticipated for numerous reasons.  As a result, growth opportunities and demand for our towers as a 
result of such technologies may not be realized at the times or to the extent anticipated. 

If we fail to retain rights to the land under our towers, our business may be adversely affected. 

Our  real  property  interests  relating  to  the  land  on  which  our  towers  reside  consist  primarily  of  leasehold  and 
sub-leasehold interests, fee interests, easements, licenses and rights-of-way.  A loss of these interests may interfere 
with our ability to conduct our business and generate revenues.   For various reasons, we may not always have the 
ability  to  access,  analyze  and  verify  all  information  regarding  titles  and  other  issues  prior  to  completing  an 
acquisition  of  towers.    Further,  we  may  not  be  able  to  renew  ground  leases  on  commercially  viable  terms.    Our 
ability to retain rights to the land on which our towers reside depends on our ability to renegotiate and extend the 
terms of the ground leases, subleases and licenses relating to the land on which our towers reside or purchase the 
land on  which such towers reside.   Approximately  11% of our  towers  are on land  where our property interests in 
such land have a final expiration date of less than ten years.  Our inability to retain rights to the land on which our 
towers reside may have a material adverse effect on us.  

If  we  are  unable  to  raise  capital  in  the  future  when  needed,  we  may  not  be  able  to  fund  future  growth 
opportunities. 

We may need additional sources of debt or equity capital in the future to fund growth opportunities, including 
other  alternatives  to  funding  discretionary  capital  expenditures  given  the  global  economic  recession  and  current 
capital constraints.  Additional financing may be unavailable, may be prohibitively expensive, or may be restricted 
by  the  terms  of  our  outstanding  indebtedness.    Additional  sales  of  equity  securities  would  dilute  our  existing 
stockholders.    If  we  are  unable  to  raise  capital  when  our  needs  arise,  we  may  not  be  able  to  fund  future  growth 
opportunities. 

Our lease relating to our Spectrum has certain risk factors different from our core tower business, including that 
the Spectrum lease may not be renewed or continued, that the option to acquire the Spectrum license may not be 
exercised,  and  that  the  Spectrum  may  not  be  deployed,  which  may  result  in  the  revenues  derived  from  the 
Spectrum being less than those that may otherwise have been anticipated. 

We  entered  into  a  lease  as  lessor  relating  to  the  Spectrum  rights  we  acquired  in  2003  pursuant  to  an  FCC 
license.    Our  Spectrum  lease  has  an  initial  term  for  a  $13  million  annual  lease  fee  beginning  July  23,  2007  until 
October 1, 2013.  Upon the expiration of the initial term of the lease, the lessee will have the right to acquire the 
Spectrum  for  $130  million  (with  a  consumer  price  index  adjustment  from  July  2007)  or  to  renew  the  lease  for  a 
period of up to ten years on the same terms, subject to the annual lease fee increasing to $14.3 million.  The lessee’s 
right  to  renew  the  lease  or  acquire  the  Spectrum  following  the  initial  term  is  subject  to  FCC  license  renewal  and 
approval, which may not be obtained.  In the event that the lessee defaults on the Spectrum lease, that the option to 
acquire the Spectrum license or renew the Spectrum lease is not exercised, or that the Spectrum is not deployed, the 
revenues derived from the Spectrum may be substantially less than anticipated. 

If we fail to comply with laws or regulations which regulate our business and which may change at any time, we 
may be fined or even lose our right to conduct some of our business. 

A variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations apply to our business.  Failure to comply with 
applicable  requirements  may  lead  to  civil  penalties  or  require  us  to  assume  indemnification  obligations  or  breach 
contractual provisions.  We cannot guarantee that existing or future laws or regulations, including state and local tax 
laws, will not adversely affect our business, increase delays or result in additional costs.  These factors may have a 
material adverse effect on us. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our  network  services  business  has  historically  experienced  significant  volatility  in  demand,  which  reduces  the 
predictability of our results. 

The  operating  results  of  our  network  services  business  for  any  particular  period  may  vary  significantly  and 
should  not  necessarily  be  considered  indicative  of  longer-term  results  for  this  activity.    In  the  foreseeable  future, 
network  services  revenues  may  decline  as  a  percentage  of  our  total  revenues  due  to  our  focus  on  our  core  rental 
business, increased competition or other factors.  The global economic recession is predicted by many to continue 
and perhaps worsen during 2009.  There can be no assurances that such a difficult economic environment will not 
adversely impact our network services business. 

If  radio  frequency  emissions  from  wireless  handsets  or  equipment  on  our  towers  are  demonstrated  to  cause 
negative health effects, potential future claims could adversely affect our operations, costs and revenues. 

The potential connection between radio frequency emissions and certain negative health effects, including some 
forms of cancer, has been the subject of substantial study by the scientific community in recent years.   We cannot 
guarantee  that  claims  relating  to  radio  frequency  emissions  will  not  arise  in  the  future  or  that  the  results  of  such 
studies will not be adverse to us. 

Public perception of possible health risks associated with cellular and other wireless communications may slow 
or  diminish  the  growth  of  wireless  companies,  which  may  in  turn  slow  or  diminish  our  growth.    In  particular, 
negative  public  perception  of,  and  regulations  regarding,  these  perceived  health  risks  may  slow  or  diminish  the 
market  acceptance  of  wireless  communications  services.    If  a  connection  between  radio  emissions  and  possible 
negative  health  effects  were  established,  our  operations,  costs  and  revenues  may  be  materially  and  adversely 
affected.  We currently do not maintain any significant insurance with respect to these matters. 

Certain  provisions  of  our  certificate  of  incorporation,  by-laws  and  operative  agreements  and  domestic  and 
international competition laws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us or for us to 
acquire control of a third party, even if such a change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.  

We  have  a  number  of  anti-takeover  devices  in  place  that  will  hinder  takeover  attempts  and  may  reduce  the 

market value of our common stock.  Our anti-takeover provisions include: 

 
 

 

a staggered board of directors; 
the  authority  of  the  board  of  directors  to  issue  preferred  stock  without  approval  of  the  holders  of  our 
common stock; and 
advance notice requirements for director nominations and actions to be taken at annual meetings. 

Our  by-laws  permit  special  meetings  of  the  stockholders  to  be  called  only  upon  the  request  of  our  Chief 
Executive  Officer or  a majority of the  board of  directors, and deny stockholders the ability to call such  meetings.  
Such provisions, as well as the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, may impede a 
merger,  consolidation,  takeover  or  other  business  combination  or  discourage  a  potential  acquirer  from  making  a 
tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. 

In addition, domestic and international competition laws may prevent or discourage us from acquiring towers or 
tower  networks  in  certain  geographical  areas  or  impede  a  merger,  consolidation,  takeover  or  other  business 
combination or discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control 
of us. 

We are exposed to counterparty risk through our interest rate swaps and a counterparty default could adversely 
affect our financial condition.  

As a consequence of the global financial crisis, the credit worthiness of certain of our contracted counterparties 
(particularly financial institutions) has deteriorated; and therefore, we are exposed to an increased risk that one or 
more  of  the  counterparties  to  our  hedging  transactions  could  default  on  their  obligations  to  us,  which  could 
adversely  affect  our  financial  condition.    For  example,  a  subsidiary  of  Lehman  Brothers  Holding  Inc.  (―Lehman 
Brothers‖) that is the counterparty for two of our interest rate swaps filed for bankruptcy in October 2008.   These 
two  interest  rate  swaps  had  a  combined  notional  value  of  $475  million  and  represented  a  liability  to  us  of 
approximately $46.3 million as of December 31, 2008.  Our arrangements with Lehman Brothers are subject to the 
resolution of Lehman’s bankruptcy proceedings and may result in an assignment of our arrangement by Lehman to a 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
third party.  While we have certain rights to object to an assignment, the outcome of such proceedings is uncertain.  
We also have interest rate swaps with other financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley and the Royal Bank of 
Scotland  PLC.    To  the  extent  the  financial  crisis  and  LIBOR  increases  cause  our  credit  exposure  to  contracted 
counterparties to  become an  asset, such increased exposure could have  a  material adverse  effect on our results of 
operations, cash flows and financial condition.  

We  may  be  adversely  effected  by  exposure  to  changes  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates  relating  to  our 
operations in Australia. 

Our  Australian  operations  expose  us  to  fluctuations  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates.    For  2008, 
approximately  6%  of  our  consolidated  net  revenues  were  denominated  in  Australian  dollars.    We  have  not 
historically engaged in significant hedging activities relating to our Australian operations, and we may suffer future 
losses as a result of changes in currency exchange rates.   

Available Information and Certifications 

We maintain an internet website at www.crowncastle.com.  Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports 
on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K (and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to 
Section  13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934)  are  made  available,  free  of  charge,  through  the 
investor  relations  section  of  our  internet  website  at  http://investor.crowncastle.com/sec.cfm  as  soon  as  reasonably 
practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. 

In  addition,  our  corporate  governance  guidelines,  business  practices  and  ethics  policy  and  the  charters  of  our 
Audit  Committee,  Compensation  Committee  and  Nominating  &  Corporate  Governance  Committee  are  available 
through the investor relations section of our internet website at http://www.crowncastle.com/investor/corpgovernance.asp, 
and such information is also available in print to any stockholder who requests it. 

We submitted the Chief Executive Officer certification required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock 
Exchange (―NYSE‖) Listed Company Manual, relating to compliance with the NYSE’s corporate governance listing 
standards, to the NYSE on May 30, 2008 with no qualifications.  We have included the certifications of our Chief 
Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  required  by  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002  and 
related rules as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

Item 2.  Properties  

Our principal CCUSA corporate offices are located in Houston, Texas and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and are 
owned.  Our principal CCAL corporate office is located in Sydney, Australia and is leased.  In the U.S., we lease 
and  maintain  area  offices  located  in  (1)  Charlotte,  North  Carolina,  (2)  Alpharetta,  Georgia,  and  (3)  Phoenix, 
Arizona, which are in addition to the area office operated from our Canonsburg, Pennsylvania corporate office.  The 
principal responsibilities of these area offices are to manage the renting of tower space on a local basis, maintain the 
towers already located in the  area and service our customers in the area.   In addition, we lease additional, smaller 
district offices, which report to the area offices, in locations with high tower concentrations.   

Towers  are  vertical  metal  structures  generally  ranging  in  height  from  50  to  1,500  feet.    In  addition,  wireless 
communications equipment may also be placed on building rooftops.  Towers are generally located on tracts of land 
of up to ten acres.  These tracts of land support the towers, equipment shelters and, where applicable, guy wires to 
stabilize the structure.   

We are  and expect to continue to  endeavor to renegotiate and extend the terms of ground leases and in some 
cases are acquiring the land on which such towers reside to further our control of the property interests in the land on 
which our towers are located.   For a tabular presentation of the remaining terms to  final  expiration of  the  ground 
leases, subleases, or licenses for the land which we do not own and on which our towers are located as of December 
31, 2008.  See ―Item 7. MD&ALiquidity and Capital ResourcesContractual Cash Obligations.‖ 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As  of  December  31,  2008,  we  owned  in  fee  or  had  perpetual  or  long-term  easements  in  the  land  on  which 
approximately  23%  of  our  towers  reside  (up  from  20%  as  of  December  31,  2007),  and  we  leased,  subleased  or 
licensed  the  land  on  which  approximately  74%  of  our  towers  reside.    In  addition,  as  of  December  31,  2008, 
approximately 3% of our towers were owned by third parties where we had the right to market space on the tower or 
where  we  had  sublease  arrangements  with  the  tower  owner.    Our  ground  leases,  subleases  and  licenses  generally 
have five or ten year initial terms at CCUSA and ten to 15 year initial terms at CCAL, and frequently contain one or 
more renewal options.   

Our tower revenue notes issued in 2005 and 2006 are effectively secured by approximately 6,800 of our towers 
and the cash flows from those towers.  Governing documents relating to another approximately 4,900 towers prevent 
liens from being granted on those towers without approval of a subsidiary of Verizon; however, distributions paid 
from the entities that own those towers will also service the tower revenue notes.  In addition, approximately 9,000 
of  our  towers  and  the  cash  flows  derived  from  these  towers  are  effectively  pledged  as  security  for  our  mortgage 
loans.  See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements. 

Substantially all of our CCUSA towers can accommodate another tenant either as currently constructed or with 
appropriate  modifications  to  the  tower.    Additionally,  if  so  inclined  as  a  result  of  customer  demand,  we  could 
generally  also  tear  down  an  existing  tower  and  reconstruct  another  tower  in  its  place  with  additional  capacity, 
subject  to  certain  restrictions.    As  of  December  31,  2008,  the  weighted-average  number  of  tenants  per  tower  is 
approximately 2.7 on our CCUSA towers.  A summary of the number of existing tenants per CCUSA tower as of 
December 31, 2008, is as follows: 

Number of Tenants 

Greater than five ............................................................................................................................................  
Five ................................................................................................................................................................  
Four ...............................................................................................................................................................  
Three ..............................................................................................................................................................  
Two ................................................................................................................................................................  
Less than two .................................................................................................................................................  

Percent of 
CCUSA Towers 

7% 
7% 
12% 
18% 
24% 
32% 

Total ...............................................................................................................................................................  

  100% 

See ―Item 1. Business‖ for a discussion of the location of our towers in the U.S. and Australia, including the 
percentage  of  our  U.S.  towers  in  the  top  50  and  100  BTAs  and  the  primary  location  of  our  U.S.  towers  by 
acquisition. 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings 

We  are  periodically  involved  in  legal  proceedings  that  arise  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  along  with  a 
stockholder  derivative  lawsuit  as  described  below.    Most  of  these  proceedings  arising  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
business  involve  disputes  with  landlords,  vendors,  collection  matters  involving  bankrupt  customers,  zoning  and 
variance  matters,  condemnation  or  wrongful  termination  claims.    While  the  outcome  of  these  matters  cannot  be 
predicted with certainty, management does not expect any pending matters to have a material adverse effect on us. 

In  February  2007,  plaintiffs  filed  a  consolidated  petition  styled  In  Re  Crown  Castle  International  Corp. 
Derivative  Litigation,  Cause  No. 2006-49592;  in  the  234th  Judicial  District  Court,  Harris  County,  Texas  which 
consolidated five stockholder derivative lawsuits filed in 2006.  The lawsuit names various of our current and former 
directors  and  officers.    The  lawsuit  makes  allegations  relating  to  our  historic  stock  option  practices  and  alleges 
claims for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar matters.  Among the forms of relief, the lawsuit seeks alleged 
monetary damages sustained by CCIC. 

Item 4.  Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 

None. 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

PART II 

Securities 

Price Range of Common Stock 

Our common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol ―CCI‖.  The following table sets forth 
for  the  calendar  periods  indicated  the  high  and  low  sales  prices  per  share  of  our  common  stock  as  reported  by 
NYSE. 

2007: 

First Quarter ...................................................................................................................................   $  37.32 
Second Quarter ..............................................................................................................................     37.69 
Third Quarter .................................................................................................................................     41.69 
Fourth Quarter ................................................................................................................................     43.16 

2008: 

First Quarter ...................................................................................................................................   $  41.67 
Second Quarter ..............................................................................................................................     43.24 
Third Quarter .................................................................................................................................     38.91 
Fourth Quarter ................................................................................................................................     28.75 

$  30.42 
  32.00 
  33.40 
  36.11 

$  30.35 
  34.69 
  26.37 
8.75 

High 

Low 

As of February 17, 2009, there were approximately 820 holders of record of our common stock.  

Dividend Policy 

We have never declared nor paid any cash dividends on our common stock.  It is our current policy to retain our 
cash provided by operating activities to finance the expansion of our operations, to reduce our debt or to purchase 
our  own  stock  (either  common  or  preferred).    Future  declaration  and  payment  of  cash  dividends,  if  any,  will  be 
determined  in  light  of  the  then-current  conditions,  including  our  earnings,  cash  flows  from  operations,  capital 
requirements, financial condition, our relative market capitalization and other factors deemed relevant by the board 
of directors.  In addition, our ability to pay dividends is limited by the terms of our debt instruments under certain 
circumstances and the terms of our convertible preferred stock. 

The holders of our 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 
6.25% per annum, payable on a quarterly basis.  We have the option to pay the dividends on such series of preferred 
stock in cash or in shares of common stock.   The number of shares of common stock required to be issued to pay 
such dividends is dependent upon the market value of our common stock at the time such dividend is required to be 
paid.    In  2007  and  2008,  dividends  on  our  6.25%  Convertible  Preferred  Stock  were  paid  in  each  of  those  years 
utilizing approximately $19.9 million in cash.  We may choose to continue cash payments of the dividends in the 
future in order to avoid dilution caused by the issuance of common stock as dividends on our preferred stock.  

Equity Compensation Plans 

Certain information with respect to our equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 12 herein. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Performance Graph 

The  following  performance  graph  is  a  comparison  of  the  five  year  cumulative  stockholder  return  on  our 
common stock against the cumulative total return of the NYSE Market Index, the Dow Jones Telecommunication 
Equipment Index and the SIC Code Index (Communications Services, NEC) for the period commencing December 
31,  2003  and  ending  December  31,  2008.    The  performance  graph  assumes  an  initial  investment  of  $100  in  our 
common stock and in each of the indices.  The performance graph and related text are based on historical data and 
are not necessarily indicative of future performance.   

Company/Index/Market 
Crown Castle International Corp. ...............   $  100.00 
  100.00 
Communications Services, NEC .................  
  100.00 
NYSE Market Index ...................................  
  100.00 
DJ Telecommunication Equipment Index ...  

2003 

2004 
$ 150.86 
  155.88 
  112.92 
94.42 

Years Ended December 31, 

2005 
$  243.97 
  129.70 
  122.25 
  114.53 

2006 
$  292.84 
  162.75 
  143.23 
  122.47 

2007 
$  377.15 
  182.94 
  150.88 
  116.00 

2008 
$  159.38 
  100.58 
94.76 
75.26 

The performance  graph above and related text are being  furnished  solely to accompany this annual report on 
Form  10-K  pursuant  to  Item  201(e) of  Regulation  S-K,  and  are  not  being  filed  for  purposes  of  Section  18  of  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of ours, 
whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data 

Our  selected  historical  consolidated  financial  and  other  data  set  forth  below  for  each  of  the  five  years  in  the 
period ended December 31, 2008, and as of December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been derived from 
our consolidated financial statements.  Acquisitions and dispositions can affect the year-to-year comparability of our 
results.   In January 2007,  we completed the Global Signal Merger.  The results of operations  from  Global Signal 
have  been  included  in  our  results  from  January  12,  2007.    The  Global  Signal  Merger  significantly  increased  our 
tower portfolio and impacted the comparability of our  2007 and 2008 results and changes in financial condition to 
prior  periods.    Our  other  significant  acquisitions  are  discussed  in  ―Item  1.  Business.‖    The  information  set  forth 
below  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  ―Item  1.  Business,‖  ―Item  7.  MD&A‖  and  our  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

Years Ended December 31, 

2004(b) 

2005(b) 

2006(b) 

2007 

2008 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) 

Statement of Operations Data: 
Net revenues: 

Site rental ...................................................................................................   $  538,309  $  597,125  $  696,724  $  1,286,468  $  1,402,559 
123,945 
Network services and other ........................................................................  

79,634 

65,893 

91,497 

99,018 

Total net revenues ...............................................................................  

604,202 

676,759 

788,221 

  1,385,486 

  1,526,504 

Operating expenses: 

Costs of operations(a): 

Site rental ............................................................................................  
Network services and other..................................................................  

Total costs of operations ......................................................................  

General and administrative ........................................................................  
Restructuring charges (credits) ...................................................................  
Asset write-down charges(c) ......................................................................  
Integration costs(d) ....................................................................................  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion ...................................................  

184,273 
46,752 

231,025 

101,193 
939 
7,652 
— 
284,991 

197,355 
54,630 

251,985 

113,910 
2,615 
2,925 
— 
281,118 

Operating income (loss) ......................................................................................  
Interest expense, amortization of deferred financing costs(e) ..............................  
Losses on purchases and redemptions of debt(e) .................................................  
Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps(f) ..............................................................  
Impairment of available-for-sale securities(g) .....................................................  
Interest and other income (expense) ....................................................................  

(21,598)   
(206,770)   
(78,036)   

― 
— 
(228)   

24,206 
(133,806)   
(283,797)   
(1,130)   
— 
2,484 

212,454 
60,507 

272,961 

104,532 

(391)   
2,945 
1,503 
285,244 

121,427 
(162,328)   
(5,843)   
491 
— 
(2,120)   

443,342 
65,742 

509,084 

142,846 
3,191 
65,515 
25,418 
539,904 

456,123 
82,452 

538,575 

149,586 
― 
16,888 
2,504 
526,442 

99,528 
(350,259)   

— 
― 

(75,623)   
9,351 

292,509 
(354,114) 
42 
(37,888) 
(55,869) 
2,101 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority 

interests..........................................................................................................  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes(h) ...............................................................  
Minority interests ................................................................................................  

Income (loss) from continuing operations ...........................................................  
Discontinued operations(i): 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax ..............................  
Net gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax ..............  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax........................  

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ..........  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for asset retirement 

(306,632)   
5,370 
398 

(392,043)   
(3,225)   
3,525 

(48,373)   
(843)   
1,666 

(317,003)   
94,039 
151 

(153,219) 
104,361 
― 

(300,864)   

(391,743)   

(47,550)   

(222,813)   

(48,858) 

40,578 
494,110 

534,688 

(1,953)   
2,801 

848 

— 
5,657 

5,657 

— 
— 

— 

― 
― 

― 

233,824 

(390,895)   

(41,893)   

(222,813)   

(48,858) 

obligations.....................................................................................................  

 

(9,031)   

— 

— 

― 

Net income (loss)(j) .............................................................................................  
Dividends on preferred stock, net of losses on purchases of preferred stock(k) ...  

233,824 
(38,618)   

(399,926)   
(49,356)   

(41,893)   
(20,806)   

(222,813)   
(20,805)   

(48,858) 
(20,806) 

Net income (loss) after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, net of losses on 

purchases of preferred stock ..........................................................................   $  195,206  $  (449,282)  $ 

(62,699)  $  (243,618)  $ 

(69,664) 

Per common share—basic and diluted: 

Income (loss) from continuing operations ..................................................   $ 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations ...............................................  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle .................................  

(1.54)  $ 
2.42 
 

(2.02)  $ 
    
(0.04)   

(0.33)  $ 
0.03 
— 

(0.87)  $ 
— 
— 

Net income (loss) .......................................................................................   $ 

0.88  $ 

(2.06)  $ 

(0.30)  $ 

(0.87)  $ 

(0.25) 
— 
— 

(0.25) 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic and diluted (in  

thousands) ..................................................................................................  

221,693 

217,759 

207,245 

279,937 

282,007 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data: 
Summary cash flow information: 

Years Ended December 31, 

2004(b) 

2005(b) 

2006(b) 

2007 

2008 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities ...........................   $  121,501  $  204,912  $  275,759  $  350,355  $  513,001 
(476,613) 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities ...........................  
47,717 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities ...........................  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(l) ............................................................  
― 
Balance Sheet Data (at period end): 
Cash and cash equivalents ...........................................................................   $  566,707  $ 
Available-for-sale securities(m) ..................................................................  
Property and equipment, net ........................................................................  
Total assets ..................................................................................................  
Total debt(e) ................................................................................................  
Redeemable preferred stock(n) ....................................................................  
Total stockholders’ equity ...........................................................................  

75,245  $  155,219 
60,085 
4,216 
  5,060,126 
  5,051,055 
 10,361,722 
 10,488,133 
  6,096,744 
  6,069,195 
313,798 
314,726 
  2,715,865 
  3,166,911 

— 
  3,294,333 
  4,131,317 
  2,270,686 
311,943 
  1,178,376 

154,955 
  3,246,446 
  5,007,464 
  3,513,890 
312,871 
756,281 

— 
  3,375,022 
  4,574,567 
  1,850,398 
508,040 
  1,849,494 

(432,499)   
678,914 
— 

(319,200)   
 (1,689,601)   

(264,140)   
(445,636)   

(791,448)   
(77,782)   

65,408  $  592,716  $ 

 

— 

— 

(a)  Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately. 
(b)  See introductory remarks regarding the Global Signal Merger.   
(c)  2007 is inclusive of $57.6 million related to the write-off of substantially all of our Modeo assets other than the Spectrum.  See notes 17 and 

(d) 

19 to our consolidated financial statements. 
Integration costs are related to the Global Signal Merger.  The integration of Global Signal was completed in the first quarter of 2008.  See 
notes 2 and 19 to our consolidated financial statements. 

(e)  Over the last several  years  we have  primarily utilized securitized borrowings to 1) simplify our capital structure, 2) lower  our  weighted-
average interest rate, 3) make discretionary investments such as tower acquisitions and purchases of our common stock, and 4) eliminate the 
potential conversion of certain debt and preferred stock into common stock.  The following is a discussion of our debt activity for each of 
the last five years.  See also note 6 to our consolidated financial statements.  
 

During  2004,  we  reduced  our  debt  by  $1.6  billion  primarily  with  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  our  former  U.K.  operating  subsidiary 
(―CCUK‖).  We incurred losses on the purchase of the 4% convertible notes and the repayment of a credit facility. 
During 2005, we lowered our weighted-average interest rate by refinancing our high yield debt with the proceeds from $1.9 billion of 
tower revenue notes.  We incurred losses on the purchase of the high yield notes and the 4% convertible notes.  
During 2006, we increased our debt by approximately $1.2 billion and primarily used the proceeds to fund the cash consideration of 
the Global Signal Merger, the Mountain Union acquisition and purchases of our common stock.  
During 2007, $1.8 billion of mortgage loans remained outstanding as a result of the Global Signal Merger.  We borrowed an aggregate 
$725.0 million under term loans and a revolving credit facility and predominately used the proceeds to purchase our common stock.  
During 2008, we made no material changes in our debt.    

 

 

 

 

(f)  The 2008 amount predominately represents losses on our interest rate swaps with a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers that no longer qualify for 

(h) 

(g) 

hedge accounting. 
In 2007 and 2008, we recorded impairment charges related to an other-than-temporary decline in the value of our investment in FiberTower 
Corporation (―FiberTower‖).  See note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.  See footnote (m) below. 
In 2004, 2005 and 2006, we had a full valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets.   As a result of  a deferred tax liability recorded  in 
connection with  the Global Signal Merger,  we  recorded tax benefits during 2007 and 2008.  2008 includes tax benefits of $74.9 million 
resulting from the completion of the IRS examination of our federal tax return for 2004.  See note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. 
(i)  On  August  31,  2004,  we  completed  the  sale  of  CCUK  for  over  $2.0  billion.    In  May  2005,  we  sold  Open  Cell  Corp.  (―Open  Cell‖)  a 
business that manufactured and distributed antenna systems and is our supplier.  For all periods presented, CCUK’s and OpenCell’s assets, 
liabilities, results of operations and cash flows are classified as amounts from discontinued operations. 

(j)  No cash dividends were declared or paid in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008. 
(k) 

Includes net losses of $12.0 million on purchases of preferred stock in 2005.  Following the redemption of the 8¼% Convertible Preferred 
Stock on December 16, 2005, dividends on preferred stock relate solely to the 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock. 

(l)  For  purposes  of  computing  the  ratio  of  earnings  to  fixed  charges,  earnings  represent  income  (loss)  from  continuing  operations  before 
income taxes, minority interests, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and fixed charges.  Fixed charges consist of interest 
expense, the interest component of operating leases, amortization of deferred financing costs and dividends on preferred stock classified as 
liabilities.  For 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $306.6 million, $392.0 million, $49.7 
million, $318.4 million and $153.2 million, respectively. 

(m)  Represents our investment in FiberTower common stock that is classified as an available-for-sale equity security following the merger of 

FiberTower and First Avenue Networks, Inc., completed in 2006.  See note 5 to our consolidated financial statements. 

(n)  The 2004 amount represents the 8¼% Convertible Preferred Stock and the 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock.  The 2005, 2006, 2007 and 

2008 amounts represent the 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

General Overview  

Overview 

We own, operate and lease over 24,000 towers for  wireless communications, including the towers acquired in 
the  Global  Signal  Merger  (see  ―Item  7.  MD&A—General  Overview—Acquisition  of  Global  Signal‖).    Revenues 
generated  from  our  core  site  rental  business  represented  92%  of  our  2008  consolidated  revenues.  CCUSA,  our 
largest operating segment, accounted for 94% of our 2008 site rental revenues, of which 74% were derived from the 
four largest wireless carriers in the U.S.  The vast majority of our site rental revenues is of a recurring nature and has 
been contracted for in a prior year.  See ―Item 1. Business.‖ 

The  following  are  certain  highlights  of  our  business  fundamentals,  as  further  discussed  in  this  Form  10-K, 

including in ―Item 1. Business‖ and this MD&A: 

 
potential growth resulting from wireless network expansion; 
 
site rental revenues under long-term leases with contractual escalations; 
 
revenues predominately from large wireless carriers; 
  majority of land under our towers under long-term control; 
 
 
  minimal sustaining capital expenditure requirements; 
  majority of our outstanding debt rated investment grade and has fixed rate coupons; and 
 

relatively fixed tower operating costs; 
high incremental cash flows on organic revenue growth; 

significant cash flows from operations. 

Our long-term strategy is to increase stockholder value by translating anticipated future growth in our core site 
rental business into growth in our results of operations on a per share basis.  The key elements of our strategy are 
(see ―Item 1. Business‖ for further discussion): 

 

 

to  organically  grow  revenues  and  cash  flows  from  our  towers  by  co-locating  additional  tenants  on  our 
existing towers; and 
to allocate capital efficiently (in no particular order:  purchase our own common stock, enter into strategic 
tower acquisitions, selectively construct or acquire towers and distributed antenna systems, acquire the land 
on which towers are located, improve and structurally enhance our existing towers, and purchase or redeem 
our debt or preferred stock).  See ―Liquidity and Capital Resources―Overview.‖ 

Our  long-term  strategy  is  based  on  our  belief  that  opportunities  will  be  created  by  the  expected  continued 
growth  in  the  wireless  communications  industry,  which  depends  predominately  on  the  demand  for  wireless 
telephony  and  data  services  by  consumers.  As  a  result  of  such  expected  growth  in  the  wireless  communications 
industry, we believe that the demand for our towers will continue and result in organic growth of our revenues due 
to the co-location of additional tenants on our existing towers.  We expect that new tenant additions or modifications 
of  existing  installations  (collectively  referred  to  as  ―tenant  additions‖)  on  our  towers  should  result  in  significant 
incremental cash flow due to the relatively fixed costs to operate a tower (which tend to increase at approximately 
the rate of inflation).  Certain of the growth trends in the wireless communications industry are discussed in ―Item 1. 
Business―Strategy.‖ 

The following is a discussion of certain recent events  which may impact our business and our strategy or the 

wireless communications industry: 

  Consumer  wireless  voice  and  data  service  usage  increased  according  to  a  CTIA  U.S.  wireless  industry 

survey and other published reports (see ―Item 1. Business―Strategy‖). 

  The auction of spectrum licenses in the FCC 700 MHz Band Auction No. 73 was completed in March 2008 
for aggregate bids of $19.6 billion.  Verizon Wireless and AT&T accounted for nearly 85% of the dollar 
value of net bids.  One block of the spectrum auctioned included a provision that the carrier provide open 
access to the network (i.e., to any applications and any devices), which could encourage more innovation.  

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We expect this spectrum auction, FCC Advanced Wireless Services Auction No. 66, and future spectrum 
auctions should enable next generation networks. 
In  January  2009,  Verizon  Wireless  completed  the  acquisition  of  Alltel  Corp.,  a  provider  of  wireless 
services  to  primarily  rural  markets.    We  do  not  expect  lease  cancellations  from  duplicate  or  overlapping 
networks as a result of this acquisition to have a material adverse affect on our results. 

  During the second half of 2008 and the beginning of 2009, the credit markets continued to be challenging 
and  economic  growth  in  the  U.S.  continued  to  slow.    The  deterioration  in  the  credit  markets  included 
widening  credit  spreads  and  a  further  lack  of  liquidity,  including  certain  debt  markets  being  unavailable.  
The global economic recession is predicted by many to continue or worsen during 2009.  The following is a 
discussion of the potential impact on us from the credit markets, economy and foreign exchange markets: 
○  Historically,  aggregate  capital  spending  and  the  associated  demand  for  our  towers  by  wireless 
communication companies have been relatively stable over the last several years, although we did see 
reductions  during  prior  economic  downturns.    We  do  not  expect  the  current  economic  conditions  to 
significantly  impact  the  long-term  growth  in  wireless  voice  and  data  demand,  which  has  historically 
been the predominate driver of demand for our towers over the long-term.  Consequently, we currently 
do  not  anticipate  any  material  impact  on  our  revenues  for  2009  or  a  material  reduction  in  tenant 
additions over the near term.  In addition, we expect site rental revenues for 2009 of between $1.485 
billion and $1.5 billion, representing growth rates from 2008 of between 6% and 7%. 

○  As  seen  in  our  recent  issuance  of  9%  senior  notes,  borrowing  costs  on  new  debt  issuances  have 
increased,  which  will  negatively  impact  our  cash  flows.    Unless  credit  markets  improve,  our 
prospective debt refinancings will likely have higher costs, including in 2010 and 2011 when we  will 
refinance  or  repay  a  significant  portion  of  our  debt.    In  light  of  the  current  challenges  in  the  credit 
markets,  we  plan  to  reduce  our  discretionary  capital  expenditures  in  order  to  increase  liquidity 
available for debt service.  See ―Item 7. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources‖ and ―Item 1A. Risk 
Factors.‖ 

○  Beginning  in  the  third  quarter  of  2008,  the  U.S.  Dollar  strengthened  considerably  against  the 
Australian Dollar, reversing the weakening that occurred during the first half of 2008.  See  ―Item 7A. 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.‖ 

Acquisition of Global Signal 

On  January  12,  2007,  we  completed  the  Global  Signal  Merger  in  a  stock  and  cash  transaction  valued  at 
approximately $4.0 billion, exclusive of debt of approximately $1.8 billion that remained outstanding as obligations 
after  the  Global  Signal  Merger.    We  funded  the  Global  Signal  Merger  with  approximately  98.1  million  shares  of 
common stock and $550 million of cash obtained primarily from the issuance of tower revenue notes in 2006.  We 
entered  into  the  Global  Signal  Merger  primarily  because  of  anticipated  growth  opportunities  in  the  Global  Signal 
tower  portfolio,  including  through  leveraging  our  management  team  and  customer  service  across  an  enhanced 
national  footprint.    We  believe  such  opportunities  for  growth  will  be  driven  by  the  previously  mentioned  growth 
trends in the wireless communications industry.   

The  Global  Signal  Merger  significantly  increased  our  tower  portfolio  (by  10,749  towers)  and  significantly 
impacted  the  comparability  of  our  results  of  operations  and  changes  in  financial  condition  to  prior  years.    The 
integration of Global Signal’s operations and tower portfolio was completed in the first quarter of 2008.  See note 2 
to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  for  a  further  discussion  of  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  including  (1)  the 
allocation of the purchase price and (2) our unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for 2007 as if the 
Global  Signal  Merger  were  completed  as  of  the  beginning  of  2007.    See  also  notes  3,  4,  6,  8  and  19  to  our 
consolidated financial statements. 

Results of Operations 

The  following discussion of  our results of operations  should be read in  conjunction  with  ―Item 1. Business,‖ 
―Item  7.  MD&A—Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources‖  and  our  consolidated  financial  statements.    The  following 
discussion of our results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.  which require us to make estimates and judgments that affect 
the reported amounts (see  ―Item 7. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Critical Accounting Policies and 
Estimates‖ and note 1 to our consolidated financial statements). 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The net addition of towers affects the year-to-year comparability of our operating results due to the fact that our 
operating results only include these towers from the date of their addition or until their date of disposition.  A large 
majority of the increase between 2006 and 2007 in our site rental revenues, site rental costs of operations, general 
and  administrative  expenses,  integration  costs,  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion  and  income  tax  benefit  is 
attributable to the Global Signal Merger.  See ―Item 7. MD&A—General Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal.‖  
In  addition  to  the  towers  acquired  in  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  we  built  or  acquired  487,  188  and  336  towers  in 
2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.   

Comparison of Consolidated Results 

The following is a comparison of our 2006, 2007 and 2008 consolidated results of operations: 

Years Ended December 31, 

% Change 

2006 

2007 

2008 

(In thousands of dollars) 

Net revenues: 

Site rental ...............................................................   $ 
Network services and other ....................................  

696,724 
91,497 

$  1,286,468 
99,018 

$  1,402,559 
123,945 

788,221 

  1,385,486 

  1,526,504 

Operating expenses: 

Costs of operations(a): 

Site rental ...........................................................  
Network services and other ...............................  

Total costs of operations .................................  
General and administrative .....................................  
Restructuring charges (credits) ...............................  
Asset write-down charges ......................................  
Integration costs .....................................................  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion ...............  

Operating income (loss) ...................................................  
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing 

costs .............................................................................  
Losses on purchases and redemptions of debt .................  
Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps ...............................  
Impairment of available-for-sale securities ......................  
Interest and other income (expense) ................................  

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income 
taxes and minority interests ..........................................  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes................................  
Minority interests .............................................................  

Income (loss) from continuing operations .......................  

Net gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, 

212,454 
60,507 

272,961 
104,532 
(391) 
2,945 
1,503 
285,244 

121,427 

(162,328) 
(5,843) 
491 
— 
(2,120) 

(48,373) 
(843) 
1,666 

(47,550) 

443,342 
65,742 

509,084 
142,846 
3,191 
65,515 
25,418 
539,904 

99,528 

(350,259) 
― 
― 
(75,623) 
9,351 

(317,003) 
94,039 
151 

(222,813) 

456,123 
82,452 

538,575 
149,586 
― 
16,888 
2,504 
526,442 

292,509 

(354,114) 
42 
(37,888) 
(55,869) 
2,101 

(153,219) 
104,361 
― 

(48,858) 

net of tax ......................................................................  

5,657 

— 

― 

Net income (loss) .............................................................   $ 

(41,893)  $ 

(222,813)  $ 

(48,858) 

Percentage is not meaningful  

* 
(a)  Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately. 

2007 
vs. 
2006 

2008 
vs. 
2007 

85% 
8 

76 

109 
9 

87 
37 
* 
* 
* 
89 

9% 
25 

10 

3 
25 

6 
5 
* 
* 
* 
(3 ) 

(18) 

194 

116 
* 
* 
* 
* 

* 
* 
* 

* 

* 

* 

1 
* 
* 
* 
* 

* 
* 
* 

* 

* 

* 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2007 and 2008.  Our consolidated results of operations for 2007 and 2008, respectively, predominately consist 
of our CCUSA segment, which accounted for (1) 94% and 94% of consolidated net revenues, (2) 94% and 94% of 
consolidated gross margins, and (3) 96% and 79% of consolidated net loss.  Our operating segment results for 2007 
and  2008,  including  CCUSA,  are  discussed  below  (see  ―Item  7.  MD&A—Results  of  Operations—Comparison  of 
Operating Segments‖). 

Net  revenues  for  2008  increased  by  $141.0  million,  or  10%,  from  2007,  of  which  site  rental  revenues 
represented  82%  of  the  overall  increase.    This  increase  in  site  rental  revenues  was  primarily  driven  by  tenant 
additions across our entire tower portfolio.  Tenant additions were influenced by the previously mentioned growth 
trends in the wireless communications industry.  

Site rental gross margins (site rental revenues less site rental costs of operations) for 2008 increased by $103.3 
million,  or  12%,  from  2007.    The  increase  in  the  site  rental  gross  margins  was  predominately  driven  by  the 
previously  mentioned  increase  in  site  rental  revenues.    We  expect  that  future  increases  in  site  rental  revenues 
resulting from tenant additions on our towers  will  have a  high incremental  margin (percentage of revenue  growth 
converted to gross margin) given the relatively fixed nature of the costs to operate our towers.   

Net loss for 2008 was $48.9 million and included (1) a non-cash impairment charge of $55.9 million related to 
our investment in FiberTower, (2) losses on the change in fair value of certain interest rate swaps of $37.9 million, 
and (3) tax benefits of $74.9 million resulting from the completion of an IRS examination.  Net loss for 2007 was 
$222.8  million  inclusive  of  (1)  a  non-cash  impairment  charge  of  $75.6  million  related  to  our  investment  in 
FiberTower,  (2)  the  asset  write-down  and  restructuring  charges  related  to  Modeo  totaling  $60.7  million,  and  (3) 
integration  costs  related  to  the  Global  Signal  Merger  of  $25.4  million.    The  improvement  in  net  loss  was 
predominately due to the incremental gross margin in our site rental business of $103.3 million and the impact of the 
previously mentioned charges and benefits. 

2006 and 2007.  Our consolidated results of operations for 2006 and 2007, respectively, consist predominately 
of our CCUSA segment, which accounted for (1) 92% and 94% of consolidated net revenues, (2) 92% and 94% of 
consolidated gross margins, and (3) 88% and 96% of consolidated net loss.  Our operating segment results for 2006 
and  2007,  including  CCUSA,  are  discussed  below  (see  ―Item  7.  MD&A—Results  of  Operations—Comparison  of 
Operating Segments‖). 

Net  revenues  for  2007  increased  by  $597.3  million,  or  76%,  from  2006,  of  which  site  rental  revenues 
represented 99% of the overall increase.  This increase in site rental revenues was driven by (1) the towers acquired 
in connection  with the Global Signal Merger, and to a lesser extent, (2) tenant additions on our pre-Global Signal 
Merger  towers  (occurring  during  or  after  2006),  and  (3)  the  474  towers  acquired  from  Mountain  Union.    Tenant 
additions were influenced by the previously mentioned growth trends in the wireless communications industry.  

Site rental gross margins (site rental revenues less site rental costs of operations) for 2007 increased by $358.9 
million,  or  74%,  from  2006.    The  increase  in  the  site  rental  gross  margins  was  predominately  driven  by  the 
previously  mentioned  increase  in  site  rental  revenues.    We  expect  that  future  increases  in  site  rental  revenues 
resulting from tenant additions on our towers  will  have  a  high incremental  margin (percentage of revenue  growth 
converted to gross margin) given the relatively fixed nature of the costs to operate our towers.   

In  addition,  the  Global  Signal  Merger  resulted  in  (1)  an  increase  in  general  and  administrative  expenses  in 
nominal dollars but a decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues as a result of 
synergies from operating a larger tower portfolio, (2) the vast majority of the increase in depreciation, amortization 
and accretion expense, (3) the integration costs for 2007, (4) additional interest expense and amortization of deferred 
financing costs relating to the $1.8 billion of mortgage loans, and (5) our recording of income tax benefits resulting 
from the deferred tax liability recorded in purchase accounting that resulted in a change from a net deferred tax asset 
position to a net deferred tax liability position.   

Our net loss for 2007 increased by $180.9 million from 2006, predominately due to (1) the net impact of the 
previously  mentioned  Global  Signal  Merger,  (2)  a  non-cash  impairment  charge  of  $75.6  million  relating  to  our 
investment in FiberTower, and (3) asset write-down charges ($57.6 million) and restructuring charges ($3.1 million) 
related to Modeo totaling $60.7 million, offset by (4) growth in our site rental business on pre-Global Signal Merger 
towers. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparison of Operating Segments 

Our reportable operating segments for 2008 are (1) CCUSA, primarily consisting of our U.S. (including Puerto 
Rico)  tower  operations,  and  (2)  CCAL,  our  Australian  tower  operations.    Our  financial  results  are  reported  to 
management and the board of directors in this manner.   

See  note  18  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  for  segment  results  and  a  reconciliation  of  net  income 

(loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (defined below).  

Our measurement of profit or loss currently used to evaluate our operating performance and operating segments 
is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted (―Adjusted EBITDA‖).   Our 
measure  of  Adjusted  EBITDA  may  not  be  comparable  to  similarly  titled  measures  of  other  companies,  including 
companies in the tower sector, and is  not a  measure  of performance calculated in accordance  with  U.S.  generally 
accepted accounting principles (―GAAP‖).  

We  define  Adjusted  EBITDA  as  net  income  (loss)  plus  restructuring  charges  (credits),  asset  write-down 
charges,  integration  costs,  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion,  interest  expense  and  amortization  of  deferred 
financing costs, losses on purchases and redemptions of debt,  net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of 
available-for-sale  securities,  interest  and  other  income  (expense),  benefit  (provision)  for  income  taxes,  minority 
interests,  cumulative  effect  of  a  change  in  accounting  principle,  income  (loss)  from  discontinued  operations  and 
stock-based  compensation  expense  (see  note  12  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements).    The  calculation  of 
Adjusted  EBITDA  for  our  operating  segments  is  set  forth  in  note  18  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements.  
Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flows from operations as 
determined in accordance with GAAP, and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of 
other  companies.    Adjusted  EBITDA  is  discussed  further  under  ―Item  7.  MD&A—Accounting  and  Reporting 
Matters—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.‖  

CCUSA—2007  and  2008.    Net  revenues  for  2008  increased  by  $133.4  million,  or  10%,  from  2007.    This 
increase  in  net  revenues  resulted  from  an  increase  in  site  rental  revenues  of  $109.7  million,  or  9%,  for  the  same 
periods.  This increase in site rental revenues was driven primarily by $82 million from new tenant additions across 
our entire portfolio inclusive of the impact of straight-line accounting for certain lease escalators.  In addition to new 
tenant  additions,  our  site  rental  revenues  are  influenced  by  various  factors  (in  no  particular  order)  including  (1) 
escalations  net  of  the  impact  of  straight  line  accounting,  (2)  impact  of  straight  line  accounting  from  renewal  of 
customer leases, (3) new towers acquired or constructed, (4) a full year of revenues from our Spectrum lease, and (5) 
cancelation of customer leases.  See MD&A―Accounting and Reporting Matters―Critical Accounting Policies and 
Estimates‖  for  a  further  discussion  of  our  revenue  recognition  policies.    Tenant  additions  were  influenced  by  the 
previously mentioned growth in the wireless communications industry.  We continue to derive a large portion of our 
site rental revenues and new tenant additions from the four largest carriers in the U.S.  In addition to the four largest 
carriers, our 2008 net revenues and new tenant additions  were also derived from second tier and emerging wireless 
customers such as those offering flat rate calling plans and wireless data technologies. 

Network services and other revenues for 2008 increased by $23.7 million, or 26%, from 2007.  The increase in 
network services and other revenues was as a result of performing services on a larger portfolio of towers due to the 
Global Signal Merger.  Global Signal did not operate a network services business, so the network services and other 
revenues performed on the Global Signal towers increased during 2007 and 2008 as we began marketing services for 
those  towers.    The  network  services  business  is  typically  non-recurring,  and  the  volume  of  activity  can  vary 
significantly from period to period in relation to tenant additions on our towers.   

Site  rental  gross  margins  for  2008  increased  by  $98.3  million,  or  12%,  from  2007.    The  increase  in  the  site 
rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned 9% increase in site rental revenues primarily driven by 
tenant  additions.    Site  rental  gross  margins  as  a  percentage  of  site  rental  revenues  for  2008  increased  by  two 
percentage  points  from  2007  to  67%  primarily  as  a  result  of  the  high  incremental  margins  associated  with  tenant 
additions given the relatively fixed costs to operate a tower.  The $98.3 million incremental margin represents 90% 
of the related increase in site rental revenues. 

General and administrative expenses for 2008 increased by $7.3 million, or 6%, from 2007 but decreased to 9% 
of total net revenues from 10% of total net revenues.  General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-
based compensation charges as discussed further in note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.  The increase in 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
general and administrative expenses was primarily due to the increase in stock-based compensation.  Typically, our 
general and administrative expenses do not significantly increase as a result of the co-location of additional tenants 
on our towers as indicated by the decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues 
from 2007 to 2008. 

Adjusted EBITDA for 2008 increased by $102.9 million, or 14%, from 2007.  Adjusted EBITDA was positively 

impacted by the growth in our site rental business including the high incremental margin on the tenant additions. 

Integration costs for 2008 were $2.5 million compared to $25.4 million in 2007.  The decrease resulted from the 
completion  of  the  integration  of  the  Global  Signal  tower  portfolio  during  the  first  quarter  of  2008.    See  ―Item  7. 
MD&A—General  Overview—Acquisition  of  Global  Signal‖  and  notes  2  and  19  to  our  consolidated  financial 
statements.   

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for 2008 decreased by $13.6 million, or 3%, from 2007.  The decrease 
resulted  from  towers  acquired  from  Global  Signal  with  short  useful  lives  (as  defined  by  GAAP)  that  were  fully 
depreciated  at  December  31,  2007.    Our  tower  assets  are  recorded  at  cost  (estimated  replacement  cost  for  those 
acquired) and are depreciated using a useful life that is defined as the period equal to the shorter of 20 years or the 
term of the underlying ground lease (including renewal options).  See  ―Item 7. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting 
Matters—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.‖ 

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs for 2008 increased by $4.3 million, or 1%, from 
2007.  We made no material changes in our indebtedness during 2007 and 2008 other than the mortgage loans ($1.8 
billion)  that  remained  outstanding  as  obligations  after  the  Global  Signal  Merger  (on  January  11,  2007)  and  the 
issuance of term loans ($650.0 million) in January and March 2007.  Our  weighted-average interest rate  for 2008 
was relatively consistent with 2007 as a result of virtually all of our debt having fixed rate coupons.   See ―Item 7. 
MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Overview.‖ 

In 2007 and 2008, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $75.6 million and $55.9 million, respectively, 
related to declines in the fair value of our investment in FiberTower that was deemed other-than-temporary.   Any 
potential future write-downs are limited to the carrying value of our investment of $4.2 million as of December 31, 
2008.  See note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.   

Benefit (provision) for income taxes  for  2008  was a benefit of $106.6 million compared to  $95.3 million for 
2007.    The  tax  benefits  for  2008  include  tax  benefits  of  $74.9  million  resulting  from  the  completion  of  the  IRS 
examination of our U.S. federal tax return for 2004.  The effective tax rate for 2008 differs from the federal statutory 
rate  due  predominately  to  income  tax  benefits  resulting  from  the  completion  of  the  IRS  examination  and  a  full 
valuation  allowance  on  our  unrealized  capital  losses  from  our  investment  in  FiberTower.    See  note  8  to  our 
consolidated financial statements. 

Net loss for 2008 was $38.4 million inclusive of (1) non-cash impairment charges of $55.9 million related to 
our investment in FiberTower, (2) losses on the change in fair value of certain interest rate swaps of $37.9 million, 
and (3) tax benefits of $74.9 million resulting from the completion of an IRS examination.  Net loss for 2007 was 
$214.9  million  inclusive  of  (1)  a  non-cash  impairment  charge  of  $75.6  million  related  to  our  investment  in 
FiberTower,  (2)  the  asset  write-down  and  restructuring  charges  related  to  Modeo  totaling  $60.7  million,  and  (3) 
integration  costs  related  to  the  Global  Signal  Merger  of  $25.4  million.    The  improvement  in  net  loss  was 
predominately due to the incremental gross margin in our site rental business of $98.3 million and the impact of the 
previously mentioned charges and benefits.   

CCAL—2007 and 2008.  The increases and decreases between  2007 and  2008  are inclusive of exchange rate 
fluctuations.  The average exchange rate of Australian dollars to U.S dollars for 2008  was approximately 0.85, an 
increase  of  2%  from  approximately  0.84  for  the  same  period  in  the  prior  year.    See  ―Item  7A.  Quantitative  and 
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.‖   

Total net revenues for  2008 increased by  $7.6 million, or  9%,  from  2007.  The increase in total net revenues 
was  influenced  by  various  factors,  including  tenant  additions  on  our  towers  and  towers  acquired  after  the  third 
quarter  of  2007.    Network  services  and  other  revenues  and  tenant  additions  were  influenced  by  the  continued 
development of several 3G networks in Australia.  See ―Item 1. Business—The Company—CCAL.‖ 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA for 2008 increased by $5.6 million, or 14%, from 2007.  Adjusted EBITDA was positively 
impacted  by  the  same  factors  that  drove  the  increase  in  site  rental  revenues.    More  specifically,  site  rental  gross 
margins  increased  by  $5.0  million,  or  10%,  for  2008  from  $49.7  million.    The  $5.0  million  incremental  margin 
represents 78% of the related increase in site rental revenues.  

Net income (loss) for 2008 was a loss of $10.5 million, an increase of $2.6 million from 2007.  The increase in 
net loss was primarily driven by a $8.9 million increase in interest expense and amortization of deferred financing 
costs resulting predominately from an inter-company borrowing between segments, partially offset by the growth in 
the  site rental business.  The  proceeds of the inter-company borrowing  were  primarily  utilized to fund the  capital 
return in May 2007 in order to increase the leverage of the CCAL business.   

CCUSA—2006  and  2007.    Net  revenues  for  2007  increased  by  $576.3  million,  or  79%,  from  2006.    This 
increase  in net revenues resulted from an increase  in  site rental revenues of $570.9 million, or 89%, for the same 
period.  This increase in site rental revenues  was driven by (1) the towers acquired in connection with the Global 
Signal  Merger,  and  to  a  lesser  extent,  (2)  new  tenant  additions,  and  (3)  the  474  towers  acquired  from  Mountain 
Union.    Tenant  additions  were  influenced  by  the  previously  mentioned  growth  in  the  wireless  communications 
industry.  Although we continue to derive a large portion of our site rental revenues from the four largest carriers in 
the  U.S.,  we  have  experienced  an  increase  in  tenant  additions  during  2007  from  emerging  wireless  carriers  and 
second tier carriers, such as those offering wireless data technologies and flat rate calling plans.   

Network services and other revenues  for 2007 increased by $5.4  million, or 6%,  from 2006.  The increase  in 
network services and other revenues was as a result of performing services on a larger portfolio of towers due to the 
Global Signal Merger.  Global Signal did not operate a network services business, so the network services and other 
revenues  performed  on  the  Global  Signal  towers  increased  during  each  quarter  of  2007  as  we  began  marketing 
services for those towers.  Exclusive of network services and other revenues derived from the Global Signal towers, 
network  services  and  other  revenues  declined  modestly  from  2006  to  2007.    The  network  services  business  is 
typically non-recurring, and the volume of activity can vary significantly from period to period in relation to tenant 
additions on our towers.   

Site rental  gross  margins  for  2007 increased by  $345.6  million, or  77%, from 2006.  The increase in the site 
rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned 89% increase in site rental revenues primarily driven 
by the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger and, to a lesser extent, from tenant additions.  
Site rental gross margins as a percentage of site rental revenues for 2007 decreased by 4.2 percentage points from 
2006 to 65% primarily as a result of the less mature Global Signal towers that have lower revenues per tower and 
higher ground rent expense as a percentage of revenues than our pre-Global Signal Merger towers.  We believe the 
Global  Signal  towers  have  significant  additional  revenue  and  margin  growth  opportunities  provided  by  potential 
future tenant additions on those towers.    

General and administrative  expenses for 2007 increased by $33.8 million from 2006 but decreased to 10% of 
total net revenues from 13% of total net revenues.  General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-based 
compensation charges as discussed further below.  The increase in general and administrative expenses in nominal 
dollars  was  primarily  related  to  headcount  additions  and  related  employee  costs  as  a  result  of  the  Global  Signal 
Merger partially offset by cost reductions from the termination of the Modeo employees (see notes 17 and 19 to our 
consolidated  financial  statements).    The  decrease  in  general  and  administrative  expenses  as  a  percentage  of  net 
revenues was driven by synergies from operating a larger tower portfolio as a result of the Global Signal Merger.   

Adjusted EBITDA for 2007 increased by $319.5 million, or 80%, from 2006.  Adjusted EBITDA was positively 
impacted by the same factors that drove the increase of 89% in our site rental revenues including the towers acquired 
in connection with the Global Signal Merger and tenant additions. 

We  recognized  stock-based  compensation  expense  from  continuing  operations  of  $14.9  million  and  $23.5 
million,  respectively,  for  2006  and  2007.    The  primary  reason  for  fluctuations  in  the  stock-based  compensation 
expense  during 2006 to 2007 is (1) accelerated vesting of  awards  granted in 2004 and 2005 and (2) our grants in 
2006 and 2007.  During 2005, restricted stock granted during 2004 and 2005 accelerated vested based on the market 
performance of our common stock.  This accelerated vesting resulted in the recognition of $15.2 million of expense 
in 2005 that was originally to be recognized over the original vesting period (through 2009 and 2010).  In addition, 
during 2006 and 2007 we granted 1.2 million and 1.4 million shares, respectively, of restricted stock with grant date 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
weighted-average  requisite  service  periods  of  2.5  and  2.1  years,  respectively.    See  note  12  to  our  consolidated 
financial statements.   

In  July  2007,  we  entered  into  a  lease  of  our  Spectrum.    The  Spectrum  is  leased  to  a  venture  formed  by 
Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd., Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P., Telcom 
Ventures, LLC and Columbia Capital LLC (―HHTC‖) for a $13 million annual lease fee with an initial term from 
July 23, 2007 until October 1, 2013.  As a result, we eliminated substantially all of the future Modeo operating and 
administrative expenses, which for 2007 were $4.0 million.  In addition, for 2007, we recorded (1) site revenues of 
$5.7 million from the Spectrum lease, (2) asset write-down charges of $57.6 million as a result of the write-off of 
substantially all of our Modeo assets other than the Spectrum, and (3) restructuring charges of $3.1 million related to 
the termination of the Modeo employees.  See notes 17and 19 to our consolidated financial statements. 

Integration costs for 2007 were $25.4 million and related to the Global Signal Merger.  These integration costs 
included, among other things, expenses for retention bonus obligations with employees of the former Global Signal, 
costs for contracted employees directly related to the integration and stock-based compensation charges with respect 
to  restricted  stock  awards  assumed  in  the  Global  Signal  Merger.    See  ―Item  7.  MD&A—General  Overview—
Acquisition of Global Signal‖ and notes 2 and 19 to our consolidated financial statements.   

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for  2007 increased by $254.3 million, or 99%, from 2006.  The vast 
majority of this increase was related to the depreciation and amortization attributable to property and equipment and 
intangible assets recorded in connection with the purchase price allocation for the Global Signal Merger.  Our tower 
assets are recorded at cost (estimated replacement cost for those acquired) and are depreciated using a useful life that 
is defined as the period equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the underlying ground lease (including renewal 
options).  See ―Item 7. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.‖ 

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs for  2007 increased by $188.0 million, or 118%, 
from 2006.  The increase was primarily attributable to additional indebtedness.  The components of the increase in 
indebtedness primarily include (1) the issuance of the tower revenue notes ($1.55 billion) in November 2006, (2) the 
mortgage loans ($1.8 billion) that remained outstanding as obligations after the Global Signal Merger, and (3) the 
issuance of term loans ($650.0 million) during the first half of 2007.  This additional indebtedness was offset by our 
repayment  of  $1.0  billion  of  borrowings  under  a  credit  facility  using  proceeds  of  the  $1.55  billion  tower  revenue 
notes.  Exclusive of the mortgage loans, our net increase in debt during 2007 primarily related to (1) funding $550 
million  for  the  Global  Signal  Merger  and  (2)  purchases  of  our  common  stock  in  2007.    See  ―Item  7.  MD&A—
Liquidity and Capital Resources—Overview.‖ 

In  2007,  we  recorded  a  non-cash  impairment  charge  of  $75.6  million  related  to  a  decline  in  the  value  of  our 

investment in FiberTower that was deemed other-than-temporary.   

Benefit (provision) for income taxes for 2007 was a benefit of $95.3 million compared to a provision of $0.5 
million  for 2006.  We recorded a deferred tax liability of  $556.6 million as part of the  allocation of the purchase 
price  of  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  which  was  offset  in  part  by  the  reversal  of  our  federal  valuation  allowance  of 
$259.7 million.   As a result,  we (1) are no longer in a  net  deferred tax asset position, (2) are  generally no longer 
recording a valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets because of our historical net operating losses, and (3) can 
generally record the benefit of tax impacts of our results in the statement of operations and comprehensive income 
(loss). 

Income  from  discontinued  operations  of  $5.7  million  for  2006  relates  primarily  to  the  reversal  of  liabilities 
previously established in conjunction with the sale of our former CCUK operations, as a result of the termination of 
related contingencies during 2006.  

Net  income (loss) for 2007 was a loss of $214.9 million,  compared to a loss of $37.0 million  for 2006.  The 
increased  loss  was  primarily  due  to  (1)  the  increases  in  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion  and  interest 
expense, all of which were predominately related to the Global Signal Merger, (2) a non-cash impairment charge of 
$75.6  million  related  to  our  investment  in  FiberTower,  and  (3)  asset  write-down  charges  ($57.6  million)  and 
restructuring charges ($3.1 million) related to Modeo totaling $60.7 million, partially offset by (1) the increase in 
Adjusted  EBITDA  as  a  result  of  the  towers  acquired  in  the  Global  Signal  Merger  and  growth  in  our  site  rental 
business and (2) our benefit for income taxes.  

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CCAL—2006 and 2007.  The increases and decreases between  2006 and  2007  are inclusive of exchange rate 
fluctuations.  The average exchange rate of Australian dollars to U.S. dollars for 2007 was approximately 0.84, an 
increase  of  11%  from  approximately  0.75  for  the  same  period  in  the  prior  year.    See  ―Item  7A.  Quantitative  and 
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.‖   

Total net revenues for 2007 increased by $21.0 million, or 35%, from 2006.  The increase in total net revenues 
was due to growth in site rental revenues primarily related to (1) tenant additions on our towers, (2) exchange rate 
fluctuations,  (3)  contractual  escalations  on  existing  leases  with  variable  escalations,  and  (4)  new  towers  acquired 
after the third quarter of 2006.  See ―Item 1. Business—The Company—CCAL.‖ 

Adjusted EBITDA for 2007 increased by $11.7 million, or 40%, from 2006.  Adjusted EBITDA was positively 
impacted  by  the  same  factors  that  drove  the  increase  in  site  rental  revenues.    More  specifically,  site  rental  gross 
margins increased by $13.3 million, or 37%, to 70% of site rental revenues, for 2007 from $36.4 million, or 69% of 
site rental revenues, for 2006.  The $13.3 million incremental margin represents 71% of the related increase in site 
rental revenues.  

In  May  2007,  CCAL  (our  77.6%  majority-owned  subsidiary)  issued  a  capital  return  of  approximately  $166.0 
million, including $37.2 million to the  minority  shareholders  of CCAL.  The capital return  was  funded by CCOC 
through  an  intercompany  borrowing  by  CCAL.    Upon  issuance  of  the  capital  return,  we  recorded  a  reduction  in 
additional  paid-in  capital  of  $8.9  million  as  a  result  of  the  capital  return  to  the  CCAL  minority  shareholders 
exceeding the carrying value of the minority interests in CCAL.  The intercompany borrowing  and related capital 
return was issued to increase the leverage of the CCAL business.   

Net income (loss) for 2007 was a loss of $7.9 million, an increase in the loss of $3.0 million from 2006.  The 
increased net loss was primarily driven by a $9.1 million increase in interest expense and amortization of deferred 
financing costs predominately as a result of an intercompany borrowing between segments and the increase in stock-
based  compensation  charges  of  $2.9  million,  partially  offset  by  the  same  factors  that  drove  the  improvement  in 
Adjusted EBITDA (see note 12 to our consolidated financial statements).   

Impact  of  Inflation.    Other  than  the  towers  acquired  from  Global  Signal,  the  majority  of  our  towers  were 
acquired between 1999 and 2001; tower assets and related depreciation expense do not reflect the impact of inflation 
occurring subsequent to the acquisition of these towers.  The impact of inflation on our results of operations for the 
2006, 2007 and 2008 was not significant.   

Liquidity and Capital Resources  

Overview  

General.  Our site rental business is generally characterized by a stable cash flow stream generated by revenues 
under long-term contracts that should be recurring for the foreseeable future.  Over the last five years, our cash from 
operations have exceeded our cash interest payments and sustaining capital expenditures and provided us  with cash 
available for discretionary investments.  We seek to allocate the cash produced by our operations in a manner that 
will enhance per share operating results.  Given the current conditions in the credit markets, we currently expect to 
limit our discretionary investments and use the majority of our cash to purchase or repay our debt.  Historically, we 
invested  our  available  cash  in  discretionary  investments  such  as  those  discussed  in  ―Item  1.  Business―Strategy,‖ 
which we expect to resume in the future depending upon the credit environment and availability of liquidity in the 
capital markets.   

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity  Position.    The  following  is  a  summary  of  our  capitalization  and  liquidity  position.    See  ―Item  7A. 
Quantitative  and  Qualitative  Disclosures  About  Market  Risk‖  and  notes  6  and  7  to  our  consolidated  financial 
statements for additional information regarding our debt. 

December 31, 2008 Pro Forma(a) 

(In thousands of dollars) 

Cash and cash equivalents(b) .................................................................................................  
Undrawn revolver availability(c) ...........................................................................................  
Debt .......................................................................................................................................  
Redeemable preferred stock ...................................................................................................  
Stockholders’ equity ..............................................................................................................  

$ 

825,471 
30,000 
6,775,681 
314,726 
2,715,865 

(a)  Pro  forma  for  the  issuance  of  9%  senior  notes  in  January  2009  and  purchases  of  debt  in  January  and  February  2009.    See  ―Item  7. 

MD&A―Liquidity and Capital Resources―Financing Activities.‖ 

(b)  Exclusive of $152.9 million of restricted cash.  
(c)  As of February 17, 2009. 

Debt  Maturities  and  Recent  Events.    Our  debt  and  preferred  stock  maturities  as  of  February  17,  2009  are 

summarized as follows: 

 

  We  have  $411.0  million  of  debt  maturing  by  January  2010,  including  debt  under  our  revolving  credit 
facility ($158.0  million) and  a  mortgage loan  ($246.5  million).   We currently  have sufficient liquidity  to 
repay all of these short-term debt service obligations including our revolving credit facility. 
In  2011  and  2014,  our  debt  maturities  include  a  mortgage  loan  ($1.46  billion)  and  a  term  loan  ($606.1 
million).  We do not anticipate the need to access the capital markets to refinance our existing debt until 
February  2011  when  the  $1.46  billion  mortgage  loan  matures,  but  we  may  access  the  capital  markets 
sooner depending upon the state of the capital markets and our ability to obtain financing at commercially 
reasonable terms. 

  We are required to redeem all outstanding shares of our 6.25% convertible preferred stock in  August 2012 

for approximately $318.0 million. 

  Our tower revenue notes (totaling $3.45 billion) have final maturities in 2035 and 2036.  However, if our 
tower revenue notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates (June 2010―$1.9 billion or 
November 2011―$1.55 billion) then the interest rates increase by approximately 5% per annum and  then 
substantially all of the cash flows of the subsidiaries issuing the tower revenue notes (Excess Cash Flow as 
defined in the tower revenue notes indenture) will be used to repay principal.  The Excess Cash Flow of the 
issuers of the tower revenue notes was nearly $350 million for the annualized quarter ended December 31, 
2008, representing approximately two-thirds of our consolidated cash flows from operations for 2008. 

  Our 9% senior notes ($900 million) issued in January 2009 are due in 2015.   

In  light  of  the  global  economic  recession  and  the  current  challenging  credit  markets,  we  have  taken  the 

following actions to manage our debt maturities and build liquidity with cash flows from operations.   

  We plan to reduce discretionary capital expenditures in 2009 in order to increase liquidity available for debt 
service.    Of  the  roughly  $500  million of cash  flows  from  operating activities that  we currently expect to 
generate during full year 2009, we currently expect to use approximately $150 million of such cash flow on 
capital expenditures, although our aggregate capital expenditures may be greater than or less than this range 
depending upon several factors, including the availability of financing.   
In January 2009, we issued 9% senior notes due in 2015 and received net proceeds of $796 million.  While 
we  are  still evaluating  the  use of the  proceeds from the 9% senior notes,  which  may be used  for general 
corporate  purposes,  we  currently  expect  to  use  most,  if  not  all,  of  such  proceeds  for  the  purchase  or 
repayment  of  certain  of  our  existing  debt. 
  See  ―Item  7.  MD&A―Liquidity  and  Capital 
Resources―Financing Activities‖ for a further discussion of these 9% senior notes. 

 

  During January and February 2009, we purchased an aggregate $134.8 of our debt securities, consisting of 
$47.0  of  mortgage  loans  due  December  2009  and  $87.8  million  of  mortgage  loans  due  February  2011, 
using an aggregate $125.3 million of cash (excluding accrued interest).  We expect to  use cash on  hand, 
including most, if not all, of the proceeds from our issuance of 9% senior notes in January 2009, and cash 
flows from operations to effect purchases or repayments of certain of our existing debt.   

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
These efforts to increase liquidity and purchase our debt are being undertaken to prudently manage our liquidity 
as a result of the global economic recession and the current credit environment.  However, we plan on endeavoring 
to  refinance  the  tower  revenue  notes  and  mortgage  loans  with  new  debt  on  or  before  their  repayment  dates.    Our 
ability to obtain borrowings that are securitized by tower cash flows and are at commercially reasonable terms will 
depend  on  various  factors,  such  as  our  ability  to  generate  cash  flows  on  our  existing  towers  and  the  state  of  the 
capital  markets.    If  we  are  unable  to  refinance  our  debt  with  similar  instruments,  we  may  explore  other  forms  of 
financing, which may include other forms of debt or issuances of equity or equity related securities.   See ―Item 7. 
MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity.‖   

Long-term Strategy.  Our long-term strategy contemplates funding our discretionary investments primarily with 
operating  cash  flows  and,  in  certain  instances,  potential  future  debt  financings  and  issuances  of  equity  or  equity 
related securities.  Over the long-term, we may continue to increase our debt if we realize anticipated future growth 
in  our  operating  cash  flows  in  order  to  maintain  debt  leverage  that  we  believe  is  appropriate  to  drive  long-term 
stockholder  value.    The  amount  of  future  debt  financings  is  influenced  by  such  factors  as  (1)  the  availability  of 
financing at attractive rates, particularly in light of the current economic and credit environment, (2) our belief in the 
potential long-term return of our previously mentioned discretionary investments, (3) self-imposed limits such as our 
targeted leverage ratio of generally  five to  seven times Adjusted EBITDA and interest coverage  ratio of Adjusted 
EBITDA to interest expense of at least two times, and (4) our restrictive debt covenants, discussed further below. 

Summary Cash Flows Information 

Years Ended December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Change 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities ...............   $ 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities ...............  
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities ...............  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash .................................  

350,355 
(791,448) 
(77,782) 
1,404 

(In thousands of dollars) 
$ 

513,001 
(476,613) 
47,717 
(4,131) 

$ 

162,646 
314,835 
125,499 
(5,535) 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .............   $ 

(517,471) 

$ 

79,974 

$ 

597,445 

Operating Activities 

The  increase  in  net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  for  2008  of  $162.6  million  from  2007  was  due 
primarily  to  the  growth  in  our  core  site  rental  business.    Net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  is  inclusive  of 
prepayments for long-term easements and ground leases for land under our towers.  These prepayments are part of 
our efforts to renegotiate and extend the  terms of our interests in the land under our towers.   We expect  net cash 
provided  by  operating  activities  for  2009  will  be  less  than  2008,  primarily  as  a  result  of  higher  interest  costs 
resulting  from  the  9%  senior  notes  issued  in  2009  offset  by  anticipated  growth  in  our  core  site  rental  business.  
Changes in working capital, and particularly changes in deferred rental revenues, prepaid ground leases and accrued 
interest, can have a dramatic impact on our net cash from operating activities for interim periods, largely due to the 
timing of payments and receipts.  

Investing Activities 

Capital  Expenditures.    Our  capital  expenditures  can  be  generally  categorized  as  sustaining  or  discretionary.  
Sustaining  capital  expenditures  include  capitalized  costs  related  to  (1)  maintenance  activities  on  our  towers,  (2) 
vehicles,  (3)  information  technology  equipment,  and  (4)  office  equipment.    Discretionary  capital  expenditures, 
which we commonly also refer to as ―revenue-generating capital expenditures,‖ include (1) purchases of land under 
towers, (2) tower improvements in order to support additional site rentals, (3) the construction or purchase of towers, 
and (4) the construction of distributed antenna systems.   

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A summary of our capital expenditures for 2007 and 2008 is as follows:  

For Years Ended December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Change 

Land purchases .............................................................................   $ 
Construction or purchases of towers .............................................  
Modeo ...........................................................................................  
Sustaining .....................................................................................  
Tower improvements and other ....................................................  

133,032 
91,490 
6,347 
23,318 
45,818 

$ 

$ 

(In thousands of dollars) 
201,255 
132,301 
― 
27,065 
90,111 

68,223 
40,811 
(6,347) 
3,747 
44,293 

Total ..............................................................................................   $ 

300,005 

$ 

450,732 

$ 

150,727 

As previously mentioned, we expect to reduce our capital expenditures from recent levels in order to  increase 
liquidity available for debt service.  We expect these reductions to include our purchases of land, construction and 
purchase of towers and the construction of distributed antenna systems.  We expect to continue to extend the terms 
of ground leases which requires substantially less liquidity than purchases of land.  Given current capital constraints, 
we  may  seek  alternative  arrangements  with  third  parties  in  order  to  continue  discretionary  investments  including 
capital expenditures.  Other than sustaining capital expenditures, which we expect to be approximately $25 million 
to $30 million for full year 2009, our capital expenditures are discretionary and are made with respect to activities 
we  believe  exhibit  sufficient  potential  to  improve  our  long-term  results  of  operations  on  a  per  share  basis.    Such 
decisions are influenced by the availability and cost of capital and expected returns on alternative investments.   

Acquisition of Global Signal.  See ―Item 7. MD&A—General Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal.‖  

Financing Activities  

In light of the current challenges in the credit markets and consistent with our previously mentioned strategy to 
prudently  manage  liquidity,  our  financing  activities  for  2008  included  purchases  of  common  stock  and  additional 
borrowings at reduced levels from our past practices.  However, we are still committed to our long-term strategy to 
allocate our capital to drive long-term stockholder value, which may include making discretionary investments such 
as purchases of our debt and common stock.  The following is a summary of the significant financing transactions 
completed in 2008 and the beginning of 2009. 

9% Senior Notes.  On January 27, 2009,  CCIC  issued $900 million principal amount of  9% senior notes due 
2015  in  a  public  offering.    These  9%  senior  notes  are  general  obligations  of  CCIC,  which  rank  equally  with  all 
existing and future senior debt of CCIC.  The 9% senior notes are effectively subordinated to all liabilities (including 
trade payables) of each subsidiary of ours.  These 9% senior notes bear interest at a rate of 9.0% per annum, payable 
semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2009.    

The  net  proceeds  from  these  9%  senior  notes  were  $795.7  million  inclusive  of  $86.3  million  original  issue 
discount and $18.0 million of fees.  The effective yield of these 9% senior notes is approximately 11.3%, inclusive 
of the discount.  We may use these net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including our anticipated purchases 
or repayments of our existing debt.    

At our option, we may redeem these 9% senior notes in whole or in part prior to January 15, 2013, by paying 
100% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a ―make whole‖ premium.  We 
may also redeem some or all of these 9% senior notes on or after January 15, 2013, at the redemption prices set forth 
in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, until January 15, 2012 and subject to certain 
conditions, we may, at our option, redeem up to 35% of these 9% senior notes at the redemption price set forth in the 
indenture with the proceeds of certain equity offerings.  

The 9% senior notes contain restrictive covenants that are discussed in ―Item 7. MD&A―Liquidity and Capital 

Resources―Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity.‖ 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt  Purchases.    The  following  is  a  summary  of  our  purchases  of  debt  during  January  and  February  2009.  
These debt purchases were made by CCIC because of restrictions upon the subsidiaries issuing the debt; as a result, 
the  debt  remains  outstanding  at  our  subsidiaries.    We  expect  to  continue  to  purchase  or  redeem  our  debt  in  the 
future.   

2004 Mortgage Loans ....................................................... 
2006 Mortgage Loans ....................................................... 

Total purchases ................................................................. 

$ 

$ 

47,050 
87,757 

134,807 

(In thousands of dollars) 
46,315 
78,979 

$ 

$  125,294 

Principal Amount 

Cash Paid(a) 

Gains (losses) on 
Purchases 

$ 

$ 

1,209 
8,868 

10,077 

(a)  Exclusive of accrued interest.   

Credit  Agreement.    In  January  2007,  CCOC  entered  into  a  credit  agreement  that  provided  a  $250.0  million 
senior  secured  revolving  credit  facility.    In  January  2009,  we  amended  the  revolving  credit  facility  to  extend  the 
maturity until January 2010 and reduce the total revolving commitment to $188 million.  We paid an extension fee 
of $9.4 million, but our credit spreads were not impacted by this amendment.   As of December 31, 2008, we had 
$169.4  million  outstanding  under  the  revolving  credit  facility.    Availability  of  the  revolving  credit  facility  at  any 
time  is  determined  by  certain  financial  ratios.    We  may  use  the  availability  under  the  revolving  credit  facility  for 
general corporate purposes, which may include financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions, and purchases of our 
common or preferred stock.  The revolving credit facility bears interest at prime rate or LIBOR plus a credit spread 
based  on  our  consolidated  leverage  ratio.    As  of  December  31,  2008,  the  weighted-average  interest  rate  of  the 
revolving credit facility was 2.5% (including the credit spread). 

For  a  further  discussion  of  the  revolving  credit  facility  and  the  term  loans,  see  note  6  to  our  consolidated 

financial statements and ―Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.‖ 

Common Stock Activity.  A summary of common stock activity in 2007 and 2008 is as follows: 

Shares outstanding at December 31, 2006 ...............................................................................................  
Shares issued in the Global Signal Merger ..............................................................................................  
Restricted stock awards granted ...............................................................................................................  
Restricted stock awards assumed in the Global Signal Merger ................................................................  
Common stock purchased ........................................................................................................................  
Stock options and warrants exercised ......................................................................................................  
Other activity, net ....................................................................................................................................  

Shares outstanding at December 31, 2007 ...............................................................................................  
Restricted stock awards granted ...............................................................................................................  
Restricted stock awards forfeited .............................................................................................................  
Common stock purchased ........................................................................................................................  
Stock options exercised ...........................................................................................................................  
Convertible notes converted ....................................................................................................................  
Other activity, net ....................................................................................................................................  

Shares outstanding at December 31, 2008 ...............................................................................................  

(In thousands of shares) 
202,081 
98,049 
1,390 
92 
(21,043) 
2,053 
(115) 

282,507 
1,400 
(682) 
(1,211) 
526 
5,891 
33 

288,464 

During 2007 and 2008, we purchased 21.0 million and 1.2  million shares of our common stock, respectively.  
We  utilized  $729.8  million  and  $44.7  million  in  cash,  respectively,  to  affect  these  purchases  and  paid  an  average 
price per share of $34.86 and $36.90, respectively.  See note 11 to our consolidated financial statements.  See ―Item 
7.  MD&A—General  Overview—Acquisition  of  Global  Signal‖  for  a  discussion  of  common  stock  issued  in  the 
Global Signal Merger.   

During 2008, the holders converted $63.8 million of the 4% convertible senior notes into 5.9 million shares of 

our common stock.  As of December 31, 2008, there are no 4% convertible senior notes outstanding. 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred Stock Dividends.  We have the option to pay dividends on our  6.25% convertible preferred stock in 
cash or shares of common stock (valued at 95% of the current market value of the common stock, as defined) (see 
―Item  5.  Market  for  Registrant’s  Common  Equity,  Related  Stockholder  Matters  and  Issuer  Purchases  of  Equity 
Securities‖).    Since  2005  we  have  elected  to  pay  the  dividends  in  cash  and  expect  to  continue  to  do  so  for  the 
foreseeable future.  We are required to redeem all outstanding shares of our  6.25% convertible preferred stock  on 
August 15, 2012 at a price equal to the liquidation preference plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.  The shares of 
6.25% convertible preferred stock are convertible, at the option of the holder, in whole or in part at any time, into 
shares of common stock at a conversion price of $36.875 per share of common stock.  Under certain circumstances, 
we generally  have the right to convert the  6.25% convertible preferred stock, in  whole or in part, into  8.6 million 
shares of common stock if the price per share of our common stock equals or exceeds 120% of the conversion price 
or $44.25 for at least 20 trading days in any consecutive 30-day trading period. 

Interest  Rate  Swaps.   We  have  used,  and  may  continue  to  use  when  we  deem  prudent,  interest  rate  swaps  to 
manage  and  reduce  our  interest  rate  risk,  including  the  use  of  interest  rate  swaps  to  hedge  the  variability  in  cash 
flows  from  changes  in  LIBOR  on  anticipated  refinancing  and  outstanding  variable  rate  debt.    See  ―Item  7A. 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk‖ and note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for 
a further discussion of our use of interest rate swaps. 

Restricted  Cash.    Pursuant  to  the  indenture  governing  the  tower  revenue  notes  and  the  loan  agreements 
governing the mortgage loans, all rental cash receipts of the issuers of these debt instruments and their subsidiaries 
are  restricted  and  held  by  an  indenture  trustee.    The  restricted  cash  in  excess  of  required  reserve  balances  is 
subsequently  released  to  us  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  indentures.    See  also  notes  1  and  6  to  our 
consolidated financial statements. 

Contractual Cash Obligations 

The  following  table  summarizes  our  contractual  cash  obligations,  which  relate  primarily  to  our  outstanding 
borrowings  and  ground  lease  obligations,  as  of  December  31,  2008  after  giving  effect  to  (1)  the  extension  of  the 
revolving  credit  facility  maturity  to  January  2010  from  January  2009,  (2)  the  purchases  of  debt  in  January  and 
February 2009, and (3) the issuance of the 9% senior notes exclusive of the impact of using the proceeds to make 
future purchases or repayments of debt.  The debt maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider 
the  impact  of  the  principal  payments  that  will  commence  following  the  anticipated  repayment  dates  on  the  tower 
revenue notes.  See footnote (a). 

Contractual Obligations (f)  

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Thereafter 

Totals 

Years Ending December 31, 

(In thousands of dollars) 

Debt(a) (d) ......................................................................  
Interest payments on debt(a) (d) .....................................  
Lease obligations(b) .......................................................  
Interest rate swaps(e) ......................................................  
Redeemable preferred stock ...........................................  
Dividend payments on redeemable 

252,955  $ 
401,345   
280,071   
55,427   
―   

$ 

175,900  $  1,468,743  $ 
409,757   
429,195   
284,172   
281,278   
332,322   
228,467   
―   
―   

6,500  $ 

469,277    469,277   
287,208    287,481   
―   
―   

―   
318,050   

6,551  $  4,956,125  $  6,866,774 
7,948,515    10,127,366 
4,925,935 
3,505,725   
616,216 
―   
318,050 
―   

preferred stock(c) .....................................................  
Other ..............................................................................  

19,877   
13,194   

19,877   
1,155   

19,877   
3,113   

14,907   
453   

―   
118   

―   
―   

74,538 
18,033 

 Total contractual obligations .........................................  

$  1,022,869  $  1,135,872  $  2,517,984  $  1,096,395  $  763,427  $  16,410,365  $  22,946,912 

(a)  As  previously  discussed, if  the  tower  revenue  notes  are  not  repaid  in  full  by  their  anticipated  repayment  dates  (June  2010  or  November 
2011) then the interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum and monthly principal payments commence using the 
Excess Cash Flow of the  Issuers  of the tower revenue  notes.  The tower  revenue notes are presented based on their contractual maturity 
dates  in  2035  and  2036  and  include  the  impact  of  an  assumed  5%  increase  in  interest  rate  that  would  occur  following  the  anticipated 
repayment dates but exclude the impact of monthly principal payments that would commence using Excess Cash Flow of the Issuers of the 
tower revenue notes.  The annualized Excess Cash Flow of the Issuers is currently nearly $350 million. 

(b)  Amounts  relate  primarily  to  ground  lease  obligations  for  the  land  on  which  our  towers  reside,  and  are  based  on  the  assumption  that 
payments will be made through the end of the period for which we hold renewal rights.  See table below summarizing remaining terms to 
expiration. 

(c)  The  dividends  on  the  preferred  stock  can  be  paid  in  cash  or  common  stock  at  our  election.    See  note  10  to  our  consolidated  financial 

statements. 

(d)  Reflects the quarterly principal installments of $1.6 million on the term loans issued in 2007 and the remaining outstanding amount due in 
January 2014.  Interest payments on the floating rate debt are based on estimated rates in effect during the first quarter of 2009 exclusive of 
the impact of our interest rate swaps. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
  
   
 
 
 
(e)  Our interest rate swaps require cash settlement to or from us in the future.  Amounts represent cash settlement values as of December 31, 

2008.  See ―Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.‖ 

(f)  The following items are in addition to the obligations disclosed in the above table: 

  We  have  a  legal  obligation  to  perform  certain  asset  retirement  activities,  including  requirements  upon  lease  termination  to  remove 
towers or remediate the land upon which our towers reside.  The cash obligations disclosed in the above table, as of December 31, 
2008, are exclusive of estimated undiscounted future cash outlays for asset retirement obligations of approximately $1.8 billion.  As of 
December 31, 2008, the net present value of these asset retirement obligations was approximately $53.8 million. 

  We are obligated under letters of credit to various landlords, insurers and other parties in connection with certain contingent retirement 
obligations under various tower land leases and certain other contractual obligations.  The letters of credit were issued through one of 
CCUSA’s lenders in amounts aggregating $14.6 million and expire on various dates through August 2011. 

  We  are  obligated  to  pay  or  reimburse  others  for  property  taxes  related  to  our  towers.    See  note  15  to  our  consolidated  financial 

statements. 

  We have unrecognized tax benefits of $3.2 million as of December 31, 2008.  See note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. 

The following table summarizes as of December 31, 2008 the remaining terms to expiration (including renewal 
terms at our option) of (1) the ground leases, subleases, or licenses for the land on which approximately 17,900 of 
our  towers  reside  and  (2)  agreements  to  manage  approximately  700  towers  owned  by  third  parties  where  we  had 
sublease agreements with the tower owner.  In addition, we own in fee or have perpetual or long-term easements in 
the land on which approximately 5,500 of our towers reside (23% of total towers).  See ―Item 1A. Risk Factors.‖ 

Remaining Term, In Years 

Percent of Total Towers  

15+ years ...................................................................................  
10 – 15 years ..............................................................................  
6 – 9 years ..................................................................................  
4 – 5 years ..................................................................................  
2 – 3 years ..................................................................................  
0 – 1 year ...................................................................................  

Total ...........................................................................................  

  45% 
  21% 
  6% 
  2% 
  1% 
  2% 

  77% 

Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity  

Holding Companies.  As holding companies, CCIC and CCOC will require distributions or dividends from their 
subsidiaries,  or  will  be  forced  to  use  their  remaining  cash  balances,  to  fund  their  debt.    The  terms  of  the  current 
indebtedness of their subsidiaries allow them to distribute cash to their holding companies unless they experience a 
deterioration of financial performance.   

Compliance with Debt Covenants.  Our debt obligations contain certain financial covenants with which CCIC or 
our subsidiaries must maintain compliance in order to avoid the imposition of certain restrictions.  Various of our 
debt  obligations  also  place  other  restrictions  on  CCIC  or  our  subsidiaries,  including  the  ability  to  incur  debt  and 
liens,  purchase  our  securities,  make  capital  expenditures,  dispose  of  assets,  undertake  transactions  with  affiliates, 
make  other  investments  and  pay  dividends.    See  note  6  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  for  further 
discussion of our debt covenants. 

The financial maintenance covenants under our credit agreement are as follows: 

Covenant Requirement 

Actual as of  
December 31, 2008 Pro forma 

Consolidated Leverage Ratio(b) ..........................................................  
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio(c) .............................................  

<8.25 
>2.00 

6.87 
2.28(a) 

(a)  Pro forma for (1) 9% senior notes issued in January 2009 exclusive of the impact of using the proceeds to make future purchases or 

repayments of debt and (2) our debt purchases in January and February 2009. 

(b)  For consolidated CCOC, ratio of Consolidated Total Debt (as defined in the credit agreement) to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as 

defined in the credit agreement) for the most recent completed quarter multiplied by four. 

(c)  For consolidated CCIC, ratio of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the most recent completed quarter multiplied by four to Consolidated 

Pro forma Debt Service (as defined in the credit agreement). 

The 9% senior notes contain restrictive covenants with which we and our restricted subsidiaries must comply, 
subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications, including restrictions on our ability to incur incremental debt, 
issue  preferred  stock,  guarantee  debt,  pay  dividends,  repurchase  our  capital  stock,  use  assets  as  security  in  other 
transactions,  sell  assets  or  merge  with  or  into  other  companies,  and  make  certain  investments.    Certain  of  these 
covenants are not applicable if there is no event of default and if the ratio of our Consolidated Debt (as defined in 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the senior notes indenture) and to our Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flows (as defined in the senior notes indenture) is 
less than 7.0 to 1.   Our Consolidated Debt to Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow  is  7.6 times, as of December 31, 
2008 pro forma for (1) the 9% senior notes exclusive of the impact of using the proceeds to make future purchases 
or repayments of debt and (2) our debt purchases in January and February 2009.  The 9% senior notes contain the 
previously mentioned restrictive covenants but do not contain any financial maintenance covenant that could result 
in default. 

Factors  that  are  likely  to  determine  our  subsidiaries’  ability  to  comply  with  their  current  and  future  debt 
covenants  include  their  (1)  financial  performance,  (2)  levels  of  indebtedness,  and  (3)  debt  service  requirements.  
Given the current level of indebtedness of our subsidiaries, the primary risk of a debt covenant violation would  be 
from a deterioration of a subsidiary’s financial performance.  Should a covenant violation occur in the future as a 
result  of  a  shortfall  in  financial  performance  (or  for  any  other  reason),  we  might  be  required  to  make  principal 
payments earlier than currently scheduled and may not have access to additional borrowings under these facilities as 
long  as  the  covenant  violation  continues.    Any  such  early  principal  payments  would  have  to  be  made  from  our 
existing cash balances or cash from operations.  If our subsidiaries that issued the tower revenue notes and mortgage 
loans were to default on the debt, the trustee could seek to foreclose upon or otherwise convert the ownership of the 
securitized  towers,  in  which  case  we  could  lose  the  towers  and  the  revenues  associated  with  the  towers.    We 
currently have no financial covenant violations; and based upon our current expectations, we believe our operating 
results will be sufficient to comply with our debt covenants.  See ―Item 1A. Risk Factors.‖ 

Financial Performance of Our Subsidiaries.  A factor affecting our continued generation of cash flows from 
operating activities is our ability to maintain our existing recurring site rental revenues and to convert those revenues 
into operating cash flows by efficiently managing our operating costs.  Our ability to service (pay principal and cash 
interest)  or  refinance  our  current  debt  obligations  and  obtain  additional  debt  will  depend  on  our  future  financial 
performance, which, to a certain extent, is subject to various factors that are beyond our control as discussed further 
herein and in ―Item 1A. Risk Factors.‖ 

Levels of Indebtedness and Debt Service Requirements.  Our ability to obtain cash financing in the form of debt 
instruments,  preferred  stock  or  common  stock  in  the  capital  markets  depends  on,  among  other  things,  general 
economic  conditions,  conditions  of  the  wireless  industry,  wireless  carrier  consolidation  or  network  sharing,  new 
technologies, our financial performance and the state of the capital markets.  We anticipate refinancing the majority, 
if not all, of our debt and redeemable preferred stock within the next six years.  There can be no assurances we will 
be able to effect this anticipated financing on commercially reasonable terms or on terms, including with respect to 
interest rates, as favorable as our current debt and preferred stock.  Assuming we meet certain financial ratios, we 
have  the  ability  under  our  debt  instruments  to  incur  additional  indebtedness,  and  any  additional  indebtedness  we 
incur could exacerbate our liquidity risks. 

If  we  are  unable  to  refinance  or  renegotiate  our  debt,  we  cannot  guarantee  that  we  will  be  able  to  generate 
enough  cash  flows  from  operations  or  that  we  will  be  able  to  obtain  enough  capital  to  service  our  debt,  pay  our 
obligations  under  our  convertible  preferred  stock  or  fund  our  planned  capital  expenditures.    In  such  an  event,  we 
could face substantial liquidity issues and might be required to issue equity securities or securities convertible into 
equity securities, or sell some of our assets to meet our debt payment obligations. Failure to refinance indebtedness 
when required could result in a default under such indebtedness.  If our tower revenue notes are not repaid in full by 
their anticipated repayment dates (June 2010 or November 2011) then the interest rates increase by  approximately 
5% per annum and Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the Issuers of the tower revenue notes will be 
used to repay principal resulting in a reduction in cash available for discretionary investments.   In particular, CCIC 
and  CCOC  are  holding  companies  with  no  operations  of  their  own,  and  as  such  will  require  distributions  or 
dividends from their subsidiaries to fund their debt.  See ―Item 1A. Risk Factors.‖ 

The current credit environment has resulted in a substantial widening of credit spreads in the  market since the 
issuance of a majority of our existing debt.  As we refinance our existing debt or borrow additional debt, changes in 
our credit spreads may impact our interest expense and interest coverage ratios. 

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting and Reporting Matters 

Related Party Transactions  

See notes 11 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The following is a discussion of the accounting policies and estimates that we believe (1) are most important to 
the  portrayal  of  our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  and  (2)  require  our  most  difficult,  subjective  or 
complex judgments, often  as  a  result of the need to  make  estimates about the  effect of  matters that are inherently 
uncertain.  The critical accounting policies and estimates for 2008 are not intended to be a comprehensive list of our 
accounting  policies  and  estimates.    See  note  1  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  for  a  summary  of  our 
significant accounting policies.  In  many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular  transaction is specifically 
dictated by  GAAP,  with no  need for management’s judgment in their application.  In other cases,  management is 
required to exercise judgment in the application of accounting principles with respect to particular transactions. 

Revenue  Recognition.    Site  rental  revenues  are  recognized  on  a  monthly  basis  over  the  fixed,  non-cancelable 
term of the relevant lease or agreement with terms generally ranging from five to fifteen years.  In accordance with 
applicable  accounting  standards,  these  revenues  are  recognized  on  a  monthly  basis,  regardless  of  whether  the 
payments from the customer are received in equal monthly amounts. If the payment terms call for fixed escalations 
(as in fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or rent free periods, the effect is recognized on a straight-line basis 
over  the  fixed,  non-cancelable  term  of  the  agreement.    When  calculating  our  straight-line  rental  revenues,  we 
consider all fixed elements of tenant leases escalation provisions, even if such escalation provisions also include a 
variable  element.    As  a  result  of  recognizing  revenue  on  a  straight-line  basis,  a  portion  of  the  revenue  in  a  given 
period represents cash collected in other periods.  For 2006, 2007 and 2008, the non-cash portion of our site rental 
revenues  related  to  recognizing  revenue  on  a  straight-line  basis  amounted  to  approximately  $20.5  million,  $42.9 
million and $40.3 million, respectively.  See note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. 

We provide network services, such as antenna installations and subsequent augmentation, network design and 
site selection, site acquisition services, site development and other services,  on a  limited basis.  Network  services 
revenues are generally recognized under a method which approximates the completed contract method.   Under the 
completed contract method, revenues and costs for a particular project are recognized in total at the completion date.  
When  using  the  completed  contract  method  of  accounting  for  network  services  revenues,  we  must  accurately 
determine  the completion date  for the project in order to record the revenues and costs  in the proper period.   For 
antenna installations, we consider the project complete when the customer can begin transmitting its signal through 
the antenna.  We must also be able to estimate losses on uncompleted contracts, as such losses must be recognized 
as soon as they are known.  The completed contract method is used for projects that require relatively short periods 
of time to complete (generally less than one year), such as our network services agreements and contracts.   We do 
not believe that our use of the completed contract method for network services projects produces financial position 
and operating results that differ substantially from the percentage-of-completion method. 

Some  of  our  arrangements  with  our  customers  call  for  the  performance  of  multiple  revenue-generating 
activities.  Generally, these arrangements include both site rental and network services.  In such cases, we determine 
whether the multiple deliverables are to be accounted for separately or on a combined basis. In order to be accounted 
for separately, the undelivered items must (1) have stand-alone value to the customer, (2) have reliably determinable 
fair  value  on  a  separate  basis,  and  (3)  have  delivery  which  is  probable  and  under  our  control.  In  addition,  the 
delivered item must have stand-alone value to the customer.  Allocation of recognized revenue in such arrangements 
is  based  on  the  relative  fair  value  of  the  separately  delivered  items.    We  have  generally  determined  that  it  is 
appropriate to account for antenna installation activities separately from the customer’s subsequent site rentals. 

Accounting  for  Long-Lived  Assets.    We  allocate  the  purchase  price  of  acquisitions  to  the  assets  acquired  and 
liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.  Any purchase price in excess of the 
net fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill.  The fair value of certain of our 
assets  and  liabilities  is  determined  by  (1)  using  estimates  of  replacement  costs  for  tangible  fixed  assets  (such  as 
towers)  and  (2)  using  discounted  cash  flow  valuation  methods  for  estimating  identifiable  intangibles  (such  as  site 
rental  contracts  and  above-market  and  below-market  leases).    The  purchase  price  allocation  requires  subjective 
estimates  that,  if  incorrectly  estimated,  could  be  material  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  including  the 
amount  of  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion  expense.    The  determination  of  the  final  purchase  price 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
allocation  could  extend  over  several  quarters  resulting  in  the  use  of  preliminary  estimates  that  are  subject  to 
adjustment until finalized.  During 2007, we completed the purchase price allocation for the Global Signal Merger 
and had no significant acquisitions in 2008. 

We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of our tangible and intangible assets for 
purposes  of  determining  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion  expense  that,  if  incorrectly  estimated,  could  be 
material to our consolidated financial statements.  Depreciation expense for our property and equipment is computed 
using  the  straight-line  method  over  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  our  various  classes  of  tangible  assets.    The 
substantial  portion  of  our  property  and  equipment  represents  the  cost  of  our  towers  which  is  depreciated  with  an 
estimated useful life equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the lease (including optional renewals) for the 
land  under  the  tower.    The  useful  life  of  our  intangible  assets  are  estimated  based  on  the  period  for  which  the 
intangible asset will benefit us.  Our intangible assets predominately consist of site rental contracts that generally are 
amortized over a 20 year useful life. 

We  record  the  fair  value  of  obligations  to  perform  certain  asset  retirement  activities,  including  requirements, 
pursuant to our ground leases, to remove towers or remediate the land upon which our towers reside.  In determining 
the fair value of these asset retirement obligations we must make several subjective and highly judgmental estimates 
such as those related to: (1) timing of cash flows, (2) future costs and (3) discount rates.  See notes 1 and 15 to our 
consolidated financial statements. 

We  review  the  carrying  values  of  property  and  equipment,  intangible  assets  and  other  long-lived  assets  for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  
If  the  sum  of  the  estimated  future  cash  flows  (undiscounted)  from  the  asset  is  less  than  its  carrying  amount,  an 
impairment  loss  is  recognized.    Measurement  of  an  impairment  loss  is  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  asset.    Our 
determination that an adverse event or change in circumstance has occurred will generally involve (1) a deterioration 
in an asset’s financial performance compared to historical results, (2) a shortfall in an asset’s financial performance 
compared to forecasted results, or (3) a change in strategy affecting the utility of the asset.  Our measurement of the 
fair value of an impaired asset will generally be based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows. 

We  test  goodwill  for  impairment  on  an  annual  basis,  regardless  of  whether  adverse  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances  have  occurred.    The  annual  test  begins  with  goodwill  and  all  intangible  assets  being  allocated  to 
applicable reporting units.  Goodwill is then tested using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of fair 
value  of  the  reporting  unit  using  an  income  approach,  which  looks  to  the  present  value  of  expected  future  cash 
flows.  The first step is a screen for potential impairment while the second step measures the amount of impairment 
if  there  is  an  indication  from  the  first  step  that  one  exists.    Our  reporting  units  are  the  operating  segments  since 
segment management operates their respective tower portfolios as a single network.  Our measurement of the fair 
value for goodwill is based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit.  The most important 
estimates for such calculations are the expected additions of new tenants on our towers, the terminal multiple for our 
projected cash flows, our weighted-average cost of capital and control premium.   

On October 1, 2008, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test.  The results of this test indicated that 
goodwill was not impaired at any of our reporting units.  Despite the decline in our common stock price during the 
fourth quarter, our market capitalization was in excess of 80% above the aggregate carrying amount of the reporting 
units as of December 31, 2008.  Future declines in our site rental business could result in an impairment of goodwill, 
property  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets  in  the  future.    If  impairment  were  to  occur  in  the  future,  the 
calculations  to  measure  the  impairment  could  result  in  the  write-off  of  some  portion,  to  substantially  all,  of  our 
goodwill, property and equipment and intangible assets.  

Interest  Rate  Swaps.    We  enter  into  interest  rate  swaps  to  manage  and  reduce  our  interest  rate  risk.    The 
designation of our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges requires judgment including with respect to the required 
assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  hedging  relationships  both  at  inception  and  on  an  on-going  basis.    We  have 
designated certain of our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges.  The effective portion  of changes in fair value of 
interest  rate  swaps  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  is  recorded  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income 
(―AOCI‖) and is recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings.  In contrast, the change in fair value 
of  interest  rate  swaps  related  to  hedge  ineffectiveness  and  for  those  not  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  is 
immediately marked to market in earnings. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our interest rate swaps are predominately forward-starting.  In assessing effectiveness of our forward starting 
swaps both at inception and on an on-going basis, we must make several highly subjective and judgmental estimates 
such as: (1) those related to the timing, amount, nature and probability of these future expected refinancings and (2) 
assessing whether it is probable that the counterparties to our swaps will not default.  The state of the current credit 
markets makes these estimates regarding future refinancings especially difficult.  As of December 31, 2008, we have 
estimated that it is probable the expected refinancings will occur.  Changes in our assessment of hedge effectiveness 
including  as  result  of  changes  in  estimates  regarding  these  future  refinancings  may  result  in  prospectively 
discontinuing  hedge  accounting  or  the  immediate  reclassification  of  the  current  unrealized  loss  from  AOCI  to 
earnings. 

The fair value of our interest rate swaps is determined using the income approach and is predominately based on 
observable  interest  rate  yield  curves  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  the  contract  counterparty’s  credit  risk  and  our  non-
performance risk.  The determination of  the credit risk input is highly  subjective and is primarily based  on  credit 
default  swap  spreads  including  indexes  of  comparable  securities  and  management’s  knowledge  of  current  credit 
spreads in the debt market.  As of December 31, 2008, a 50 basis point change in our credit spread would change the 
fair value of our interest rate swaps by less than one percent.   

As of December 31, 2008, our outstanding forward-starting interest rate swaps had a combined notional amount 
of $5.3 billion and totaled $598.1 million on a settlement basis.  In addition, we have two interest rate swaps with a 
combined notional amount of $625.0 million and which totaled $18.1 million on a settlement basis.  As of December 
31, 2008, we have recorded $435.2 million, net of tax, in AOCI related to interest rate swaps designated as hedges.  
During  2008,  we  recorded  $22.2  million,  net  of  tax,  in  earnings  related  to  interest  rate  swaps  not  designated  as 
hedges and $2.5 million, net of tax, related to hedge ineffectiveness.    

See also  ―Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk‖ and notes 1, 6 and 7 to our 

consolidated financial statements.   

Deferred Income Taxes.  We record deferred income tax assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet 
related to events that impact our financial statements and tax returns in different periods.  In order to compute these 
deferred  tax  balances,  we  first  analyze  the  differences  between  the  book  basis  and  tax  basis  of  our  assets  and 
liabilities (referred to as ―temporary differences‖).   These temporary differences are then multiplied by current tax 
rates to arrive at the balances for the deferred income tax assets and liabilities.  A valuation allowance is provided on 
deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.  We recognize 
a tax position if it is more likely than not it will be sustained upon examination.  The tax position is measured at the 
largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. 

The change in our net deferred income tax balances during a period generally results in a deferred income tax 
provision  or  benefit  in  our  consolidated  statement  of  operations  and  comprehensive  income  (loss).    If  our 
expectations  about  the  future  tax  consequences  of  past  events  should  prove  to  be  inaccurate,  the  balances  of  our 
deferred income tax assets and liabilities could require significant adjustments in future periods.  Such adjustments 
could  cause  a  material  effect  on  our  results  of  operations  for  the  period  of  the  adjustment.    See  note  8  to  our 
consolidated financial statements. 

Impact of Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted and Those Adopted in 2008 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (―SFAS 157‖), Fair 
Value  Measurements,  which  defines  fair  value,  establishes  a  framework  for  measuring  fair  value  in  GAAP,  and 
expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  On January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 157, 
with  the  exception  of  a  one-year  deferral  of  implementation  for  non-financial  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not 
recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually).  The requirements of SFAS 157 were 
applied prospectively.  As a result of the adoption of SFAS 157, the interest rate swap fair value as of December 31, 
2008 included $75.0 million related to the combined impact of counterparty and our credit risk.  We are currently 
evaluating the impact of the adoption of FAS 157 as of January 1, 2009 on our non-financial assets and liabilities 
that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. 

In  December  2007,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  160  (―SFAS  160‖), 
―Noncontrolling  Interests  in  Consolidated  Financial  Statements—an  Amendment  to  Accounting  Research  Bulletin 
No. 51.‖  SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  SFAS 160 clarifies that a 
noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as 
equity  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.    SFAS  160  requires  consolidated  net  income  to  be  reported  at 
amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest.  The provisions of 
SFAS  160  are  effective  for  us  as  of  January  1,  2009.    We  expect  that  the  adoption  of  SFAS  160  will  not  have  a 
material  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial  statements.    Although  we  will  prospectively  record  the  income  or 
losses applicable to the non-controlling interest of CCAL even if their share of the CCAL cumulative losses exceeds 
their equity interests. 

In  December  2007,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  141(R)  (―SFAS 
141(R)‖),  Business  Combinations  (revised  2007).    SFAS  141(R)  replaces  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting 
Standards  No.  141  (―SFAS  141‖),  Business  Combinations.    SFAS  141(R)  establishes  principles  and  requirements 
for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling 
interest  in  an  acquisition,  at  their  fair  value  as  of  the  acquisition  date.    SFAS  141(R)  will  change  the  accounting 
treatment of certain items, including (1) acquisition and restructuring costs will be generally expensed as incurred, 
(2) noncontrolling interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date, (3) acquired contingent liabilities will 
be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and subsequently measured at either the higher of such amount or the 
amount  determined  under  existing  guidance  for  non-acquired  contingencies,  and  (4)  changes  in  deferred  tax  asset 
valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date will affect provision for income taxes.  
The  provisions  of  SFAS  141(R)  are  applied prospectively  to  our  business  combinations  for  which  the  acquisition 
date  is  on  or  after  January  1,  2009.    SFAS  141(R)  may  have  a  material  impact  on  business  combinations  after 
adoption.    The  impact  from  application  of  SFAS  141(R)  depends  on  the  facts  and  circumstances  of  the  business 
combinations after adoption.  

See  note  1  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  for  further  discussion  of  recently  issued  accounting 

standards and the related impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures  

Our  measurement  of  profit  or  loss  currently  used  to  evaluate  the  operating  performance  of  our  operating 
segments  is  earnings  before  interest,  taxes,  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion,  as  adjusted,  or  Adjusted 
EBITDA.  Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA is set forth in ―Item 7. MD&AResults of Operations—Comparison 
of Operating Segments.‖  Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of 
other companies, including companies in the tower sector and as used in the historical financial statements of Global 
Signal, and is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP.  Adjusted EBITDA should not be 
considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income or loss, net income or loss, cash flows provided by 
(used  for)  operating,  investing  and  financing  activities  or  other  income  statement  or  cash  flow  statement  data 
prepared in accordance with GAAP.  

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because:  

 

 

 

 

it is the primary measure used by our management to evaluate the economic productivity of our operations, 
including  the  efficiency  of  our  employees  and  the  profitability  associated  with  their  performance,  the 
realization  of  contract  revenue  under  our  long-term  contracts,  our  ability  to  obtain  and  maintain  our 
customers and our ability to operate our site rental business effectively; 
it is the primary measure of profit and loss used by management for purposes of making decisions about 
allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, our operating segments; 
it  is  similar  to  the  measure  of  current  financial  performance  generally  used  in  our  debt  covenant 
calculations; 
although  specific  definitions  may  vary,  it  is  widely  used  in  the  tower  sector  to  measure  operating 
performance  without  regard  to  items  such  as  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion,  which  can  vary 
depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets; and 

  we  believe  it  helps  investors  meaningfully  evaluate  and  compare  the  results  of  our  operations  from  (1) 
period  to  period  and  (2)  to  our  competitors  by  removing  the  impact  of  our  capital  structure  (primarily 
interest  charges  from  our  outstanding  debt)  and  asset  base  (primarily  depreciation,  amortization  and 
accretion) from our operating results.  

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA:  

  with respect  to compliance  with our debt covenants,  which require us  to  maintain certain  financial ratios 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 

including, or similar to, Adjusted EBITDA; 
as the primary measure of profit and loss for purposes  of making decisions about allocating resources to, 
and assessing the performance of, our operating segments; 
as a performance goal in employee annual incentive compensation; 
as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance 
on a consistent basis as it removes the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest charges from our 
outstanding  debt)  and  asset  base  (primarily  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion)  from  our  operating 
results; 
in  presentations  to  our  board  of  directors  to  enable  it  to  have  the  same  measurement  of  operating 
performance used by management; 
for planning purposes, including preparation of our annual operating budget; 
as a valuation measure in strategic analyses in connection with the purchase and sale of assets; and 
in  determining  self-imposed  limits  on  our  debt  levels,  including  the  evaluation  of  our  leverage  ratio  and 
interest coverage ratio. 

There are material limitations to using a measure such as Adjusted EBITDA, including the difficulty associated 
with  comparing  results  among  more  than  one  company,  including  our  competitors,  and  the  inability  to  analyze 
certain  significant  items,  including  depreciation  and  interest  expense,  that  directly  affect  our  net  income  or  loss.  
Management compensates  for these limitations by considering  the  economic effect of the excluded expense items 
independently as well as in connection with their analysis of net income (loss).  

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

Our  primary  exposures  to  market  risks  are  related  to  changes  in  interest  rates  and  foreign  currency  exchange 
rates which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.   We seek to manage exposure to 
changes in interest rates where economically prudent to do so by utilizing predominately fixed rate debt and interest 
rate swaps.  We do not currently hedge against foreign currency exchange risks. 

Interest Rate Risk 

Our interest rate risk relates primarily to the impact of interest rate movements on the following, inclusive of the 
9% senior notes issued January 2009 and  the  purchase of  debt in January and February 2009:  (1) the anticipated 
refinancing  of  the  vast  majority  of  our  existing  $6.8  billion  of  debt,  (2)  our  $808.0  million  of  floating  rate  debt 
representing  12%  of  our  total  debt,  and  (3)  potential  future  borrowings  of  incremental  debt.    The  following 
discussion and tables below summarize our market risk exposure to interest rates, including our use of interest rate 
swaps to manage and reduce this risk.  See also ―Item 1A. Risk Factors.‖ 

By the end of 2011, we expect to have refinanced a substantial amount of our outstanding debt; and  we have 
entered into interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in cash flows from changes in LIBOR on these anticipated 
refinancings.  We do not hedge our exposure to changes in credit spreads on these anticipated refinancings, as the 
rates fixed by our interest rate swaps are exclusive of any credit spread.  We typically do not hedge our exposure to 
interest rates on potential future borrowings of additional debt for a substantial period prior to issuance.  The current 
credit environment has resulted in a significant widening of credit spreads in the market since the original issuance 
of  our  existing  debt.    Unless  the  credit  markets  improve,  our  prospective  debt  financings  will  likely  have  higher 
costs, including in 2010 and 2011 when we anticipate refinancing a significant portion of our debt.  In addition, if 
our tower revenue  notes are not  paid in full by their anticipated repayment dates (June 2010  or November 2011), 
then the interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. 

We have managed our exposure to market interest rates on our existing debt by (1) controlling the mix of fixed 
and floating rate debt and (2) utilizing interest rate swaps to hedge variability in cash flows from changes in LIBOR 
on  our  outstanding  floating  rate  debt.    As  of  December  31,  2008,  we  had  $808.0  million  of  floating  rate  debt,  of 
which $625.0 million is effectively converted to a fixed rate through an interest rate swap until December 2009.  As 
a result, a hypothetical unfavorable fluctuation in market interest rates on our existing debt of one percentage point 
over a twelve-month period would increase our interest expense by approximately $1.8 million.   

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A hypothetical decrease of 50 basis points in the prevailing LIBOR yield curve as of December 31, 2008 would 
increase  the  liability  for  our  swaps  by  nearly  $140  million.    We  are  exposed  to  non-performance  risk  from  the 
counterparties  to  our  interest  rate  swaps.    In  October  2008,  a  subsidiary  of  Lehman  Brothers  that  was  our 
counterparty  for  two  interest  rate  swaps  filed  for  bankruptcy.    These  two  interest  rate  swaps  have  a  combined 
notional  value of $475 million and represent a  liability of  approximately $46.3 million  as of  December 31, 2008.  
Our other interest rate swaps are with Morgan Stanley and the Royal Bank of Scotland plc who have credit ratings 
of ―A‖ or better.  See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements and the tables below.   

As of February 17, 2009, the fair value of debt was $6.3 billion representing an amount less than carrying value 
of  approximately  $422  million,  compared  to  an  amount  less  than  carrying  value  of  approximately  $1.3  billion  at 
December 31, 2008.  As of February 17, 2009, the settlement value of interest rate swaps was a liability of $520.5 
million, a decrease of $95.7 million from December 31, 2008. 

41 

 
 
 
The following tables provide information about our market risk related to changes in interest rates.  The future principal payments, weighted-average interest rates 
and the interest rate swaps are presented as of December 31, 2008, after giving effect to (1) the extension of the revolving credit facility maturity to January 2010 from 
January  2009,  (2)  purchases  of  debt  in  January  and  February  2009,  and  (3)  issuance  of  the  9%  senior  notes  in  January  2009  exclusive  of  the  impact  of  using  the 
proceeds to make future purchases and repayments of debt.  These debt maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the impact of the principal 
payments  that  will  commence  following  the  anticipated  repayment  dates  on  the  tower  revenue  notes  (see  footnote  (b)).    See  note  6  to  our  consolidated  financial 
statements for additional information regarding our debt and interest rate swaps. 

Future Principal Payments and Interest Rates by the Debt Instruments’ Contractual Year of Maturity 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Thereafter 

Total 

Fixed rate debt (b) ................................................  $ 
Average interest rate (a)(b) ..................................   

246,455 
4.7% 

Variable rate debt (c)............................................  $ 
Average interest rate (d) .......................................   

6,500 
5.4% 

$ 

$ 

― (b) 
― (b) 

175,900 
2.7% 

$ 

$ 

1,462,243 
5.7% 

6,500 
5.4% 

$ 

$ 

(Dollars in thousands) 

— 
— 

6,500 
5.4% 

$ 

$ 

51 
7.5% 

6,500 
5.4% 

$ 

$ 

4,350,000 
10.0% 

606,125 
5.4% 

$ 

$ 

6,058,749 
8.8% 

808,025 
4.8% 

Fair Value(g) 

$ 

4,874,361 

$ 

622,824 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Thereafter 

Total 

Fair Value(i) 

Notional Amounts and Interest Rates by the Year of Maturity of the Interest Rate Swaps 

Interest Rate Swaps(h): 

Variable to Fixed—Forward starting (e) .............  
Average Fixed Rate(f) .........................................  

Variable to Fixed ................................................  
Average Fixed Rate(f) .........................................  

$ 

$ 

293,825 
5.1% 

625,000(d) 
4.1%(d) 

$ 

$ 

1,900,000 
5.2% 

— 
— 

$ 

$ 

3,100,000 
5.2% 

— 
— 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

$ 

$ 

— 
— 

— 
— 

$  5,293,825 
5.2% 

$ 

(523,740) 

$ 

625,000(d)  $ 
4.1%(d) 

(17,431) 

(Dollars in thousands) 

(a)  The average interest rate represents the weighted-average stated coupon rate (see footnote (b)).   
(b)  As previously discussed, if the tower revenue notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates (June 2010 or November 2011) then the interest rate increases by an 
additional approximately 5% per annum and monthly principal payments commence using the Excess Cash Flow of the Issuers of the tower revenue notes.  The tower revenue notes 
are  presented  based  on  their  contractual  maturity  dates  in  2035  and  2036  and  include  the  impact  of  an  assumed  5%  increase  in  interest  rate  that  would  occur  following  the 
anticipated repayment dates but exclude the impact of monthly principal payments that would commence using Excess Cash Flow of the Issuers of the tower revenue notes.  The 
Excess Cash Flow of the Issuers is nearly $350 million for the annualized quarter ended December 31, 2008. 

(c)  Our variable rate debt consists of $169.4 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility and $638.6 million outstanding under our term loans. 
(d)  The interest rate on our revolving credit facility and term loans represents the rate currently in effect, exclusive of the effect of our interest rate swaps.  LIBOR on $625.0 million of 

the 2007 term loans has effectively been converted to a fixed rate of 4.1% until December 2009 through interest rate swaps.  See the table below. 

(e)  These interest rate swaps are forward starting interest rate swaps that hedge exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR on the expected future 
refinancing of our fixed rate debt.  These interest rate swaps have a contractual maturity on their respective effective dates (projected refinancing dates of the hedged debt) upon 
which they will be terminated and settled in cash.  See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our forward starting interest rate swaps. 

(f)  Exclusive of any applicable credit spreads. 
(g)  The fair value of our debt is based on indicative quotes (that is, non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information, including implied credit 
spreads  for  similar  borrowings  on  recent  trades  or  bid/ask  offers.    These  fair  values  are  not  necessarily  indicative  of  the  amount  which  could  be  realized  in  a  current  market 
exchange.  See discussion above regarding the change in fair value from December 31, 2008 to February 17, 2009. 
Inclusive of the previously mentioned swaps with a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers that filed bankruptcy. 

(h) 
(i)  The  fair  value  of  interest  rate  swaps  is  determined  using  the  income  approach  and  is  predominately  based  on  observable  interest  rates  and  yield  curves.    The  fair  value 
predominately results from the difference between the fixed rate and the prevailing LIBOR yield curve and, to a lesser extent, the contract counterparties and our credit risk.  As of 
December 31, 2008, the liability on a cash settlement basis of approximately $616.2 million has been reduced by $75.0 million, related to credit risk (primarily our non-performance 
risk), to reflect the interest rate swaps at fair.  See discussion above regarding the change in fair value from December 31, 2008 to February 17, 2009. 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Risk 

The vast majority of our foreign currency risk is related to the Australian dollar which is the functional currency 
of CCAL.  CCAL represented 6% of both our consolidated revenues and operating income for 2008.  As of February 
17, 2009, the Australian dollar exchange rate had declined approximately 24% from the average rate for 2008.  If the 
foreign currency exchange rate had been 0.65 for 2008, our consolidated revenues and operating income would have 
been reduced by approximately $21 million and $4 million, respectively. 

Foreign exchange markets have recently been volatile, and we expect foreign exchange markets to continue to 
be volatile over the near term.  We believe the risk related to our financial instruments (exclusive of inter-company 
financing deemed a long-term investment) denominated in Australian dollars should not be material to our financial 
condition.    However,  our  revenues  and  costs  have  been,  and  will  continue  to  be,  impacted  by  changes  in  the 
Australian dollar exchange rates.   

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Crown Castle International Corp. and Subsidiaries 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ............................................................   44 
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 ..........................................................................   45 
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three years in the 

period ended December 31, 2008 .....................................................................................................................   46 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 .......   47 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended  
  December 31, 2008 ...........................................................................................................................................   48 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .........................................................................................................   49 

Page 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Crown Castle International Corp.:  

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Crown  Castle  International  Corp.  and 
subsidiaries  (the  Company)  as  of  December  31,  2007  and  2008,  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of 
operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholders' equity for each of the years in the three-
year period ended December 31, 2008.  In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we 
also  have  audited  financial  statement  schedule  II.    These  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the  financial 
statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on these consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.  

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.    An  audit  includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the 
accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall 
financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial position of Crown Castle International Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, and the 
results of  their  operations and  their  cash  flows  for each of  the  years in the three-year period ended December 31, 
2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also in our opinion, the related financial 
statement  schedule,  when  considered  in  relation  to  the  basic  consolidated  financial  statements  taken  as  a  whole, 
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. 

As  discussed  in  Note  8,  the  Company  adopted  the  provisions  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board 
Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, 
effective January 1, 2007.  As discussed in Note 1, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, effective January 1, 2008. 

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United  States),  Crown  Castle  International  Corp.'s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31, 
2008,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 2009 expressed 
an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  

/s/ KPMG LLP  

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 
February 26, 2009  

44 

 
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
(In thousands of dollars, except share amounts) 

December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Current assets: 

ASSETS 

Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................................................................   $ 
Restricted cash ..............................................................................................................................  
Receivables net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,684 and $6,267, respectively .............  
Deferred site rental receivables .....................................................................................................  
Prepaid expenses ..........................................................................................................................  
Deferred income tax assets ...........................................................................................................  
Other current assets ......................................................................................................................  

75,245 
165,556 
33,842 
22,261 
72,518 
113,492 
14,341 

$ 

Total current assets ......................................................................................................  
Restricted cash ......................................................................................................................................  
Deferred site rental receivables .............................................................................................................  
Available-for-sale securities..................................................................................................................  
Property and equipment, net .................................................................................................................  
Goodwill ...............................................................................................................................................  
Other intangible assets, net: 

Site rental contracts ......................................................................................................................  
Other .............................................................................................................................................  
Deferred financing costs and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $26,358 and $40,096, 
respectively .....................................................................................................................................  

497,255 
5,000 
127,388 
60,085 
  5,051,055 
  1,970,501 

  2,554,729 
121,559 

155,219 
147,852 
37,621 
29,650 
74,295 
28,331 
12,200 

485,168 
5,000 
144,474 
4,216 
5,060,126 
1,983,950 

2,441,254 
110,078 

100,561 

127,456 

 Total assets...........................................................................................................................................   $ 10,488,133 

$ 10,361,722 

Current liabilities: 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Accounts payable..........................................................................................................................   $ 
Accrued compensation and related benefits ..................................................................................  
Deferred revenues .........................................................................................................................  
Interest rate swaps ........................................................................................................................  
Other accrued liabilities ................................................................................................................  
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt  ............................................................  

37,366 
29,525 
144,760 
3,985 
74,851 
81,500 

$ 

Total current liabilities .................................................................................................  
Long-term debt .....................................................................................................................................  
Deferred ground lease payables ............................................................................................................  
Deferred income tax liabilities ..............................................................................................................  
Interest rate swaps .................................................................................................................................  
Other liabilities .....................................................................................................................................  

371,987 
  5,987,695 
172,508 
281,259 
61,356 
132,619 

Total liabilities .............................................................................................................  

  7,007,424 

33,808 
28,483 
174,213 
52,539 
79,098 
466,217 

834,358 
5,630,527 
199,399 
40,446 
488,632 
137,769 

7,331,131 

Commitments and contingencies (note 15) 
Minority interests ..................................................................................................................................  
Redeemable preferred stock, $0.1 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and 

outstanding: December 31, 2007 and 2008—6,361,000; stated net of unamortized issue costs; 
mandatory redemption and aggregate liquidation value of $318,050 ..............................................  

— 

― 

313,798 

314,726 

Stockholders’ equity: 

Common stock, $.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: 

December 31, 2007—282,507,106 and December 31, 2008—288,464,431 .............................  
Additional paid-in capital .............................................................................................................  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ........................................................................  
Accumulated deficit ......................................................................................................................  

2,825 
  5,561,454 
26,166 
  (2,423,534) 

2,885 
5,614,507 
(408,329) 
(2,493,198) 

Total stockholders’ equity ...........................................................................................  

  3,166,911 

2,715,865 

$ 10,488,133 

$ 10,361,722 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.  

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Net revenues: 

Site rental ............................................................................................................................   $ 
Network services and other .................................................................................................    

Operating expenses: 

Costs of operations(a): 

Site rental ....................................................................................................................    
Network services and other .........................................................................................    
General and administrative ..................................................................................................    
Restructuring charges (credits) ............................................................................................    
Asset write-down charges ....................................................................................................    
Integration costs ..................................................................................................................    
Depreciation, amortization and accretion ............................................................................    

Operating income (loss) ...............................................................................................................    
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs......................................................    
Losses on purchases and redemptions of debt ..............................................................................    
Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps ...........................................................................................    
Impairment of available-for-sale securities...................................................................................    
Interest and other income (expense) .............................................................................................    

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests ................    
Benefit (provision) for income taxes ............................................................................................    
Minority interests .........................................................................................................................    

696,724 
91,497 

788,221 

212,454 
60,507 
104,532 
(391) 
2,945 
1,503 
285,244 

121,427 
(162,328) 
(5,843) 
491 
— 
(2,120) 

(48,373) 
(843) 
1,666 

$  1,286,468 
99,018 

$  1,402,559 
123,945 

1,385,486 

  1,526,504 

443,342 
65,742 
142,846 
3,191 
65,515 
25,418 
539,904 

99,528 
(350,259) 
― 
― 
(75,623) 
9,351 

(317,003) 
94,039 
151 

456,123 
82,452 
149,586 
― 
16,888 
2,504 
526,442 

292,509 
(354,114) 
42 
(37,888) 
(55,869) 
2,101 

(153,219) 
104,361 
― 

(48,858) 

― 

(48,858) 
(20,806) 

Income (loss) from continuing operations ....................................................................................    

(47,550) 

(222,813) 

Net gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax ................................................    

5,657 

— 

Net income (loss) .........................................................................................................................    
Dividends on preferred stock ........................................................................................................    

(41,893) 
(20,806) 

(222,813) 
(20,805) 

Net income (loss) after deduction of dividends on preferred stock ...............................................   $ 

(62,699)  $ 

(243,618)  $ 

(69,664) 

Net income (loss) .........................................................................................................................   $ 
Other comprehensive income (loss): 

Available-for-sale securities, net of tax: ..............................................................................    
Unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes $-0-, $18,094 and $0 ......................................    
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of taxes $-0-, $18,094 and $0 .....    

Derivative instruments, net of tax: 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments net of taxes of $-0-, 

(41,893)  $ 

(222,813)  $ 

(48,858) 

19,247 
— 

(76,776) 
57,529 

(55,869) 
55,869 

$27,499 and $52,621 ............................................................................................    

(6,843) 

(40,042) 

(392,993) 

Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of taxes of $-0-, $1,057 and 

$3,742 ................................................................................................................    
Foreign currency translation adjustments ............................................................................    

969 
9,690 

1,963 
18,492 

6,949 
(48,451) 

Comprehensive income (loss) ......................................................................................................   $ 

(18,830) 

$ 

(261,647)  $ 

(483,353) 

Per common share – basic and diluted: 

Income (loss) from continuing operations ...........................................................................   $ 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations ........................................................................    

(0.33)  $ 
0.03 

(0.87)  $ 
— 

Net income (loss).................................................................................................................   $ 

(0.30)  $ 

(0.87)  $ 

(0.25) 
— 

(0.25) 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted (in thousands) ......................    

207,245 

279,937 

282,007 

(a)  Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately. 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
(In thousands of dollars) 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Net income (loss) .......................................................................................................................   $ 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: 

(41,893 )  $ 

(222,813 )  $ 

(48,858 ) 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion ............................................................................    
Gains (losses) on purchases and redemptions of long-term debt ..........................................    
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest .................................    
Stock-based compensation expense .....................................................................................    
Asset write-down charges ....................................................................................................    
Equity in losses and write-downs of unconsolidated affiliates.............................................    
Deferred income tax provision (benefit) ..............................................................................    
Income (expense) from forward-starting interest rate swaps ...............................................    
Impairment of available-for-sale securities .........................................................................    
Net gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations ........................................................    
Other adjustments ................................................................................................................    
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions: 

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest ..........................................................................    
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable ........................................................................    
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other 

accrued liabilities and other liabilities .....................................................................    
Decrease (increase) in receivables .................................................................................    
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables and other 

285,244 
5,843 
11,977 
14,896 
2,945 
9,531 
(2,303 )   
(491 )   
— 
(5,657 )   
(2,288 )   

3,524 
4,768 

27,383 
(13,067 )   

539,904 
― 
23,913 
23,542 
65,515 
1,000 
(98,914 )   

― 
75,623 
— 
(2,331 )   

3,170 
7,592 

2,799 
3,966 

526,442 
(42 ) 
24,830 
25,896 
16,888 
― 
(113,557 ) 
34,111 
55,869 
― 
(1,745 ) 

(1,031 ) 
(2,564 ) 

80,701 
(5,010 ) 

assets.......................................................................................................................    

(24,653 )   

(72,611 )   

(78,929 ) 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities ...............................................    

275,759 

350,355 

513,001 

Cash flows from investing activities: 

Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment ...............................................................    
Payment for acquisitions (net of cash acquired) of businesses ...................................................    
Capital expenditures ..................................................................................................................    
Other..........................................................................................................................................    

2,282 
(303,611 )   
(124,820 )   
(6,350 )   

3,664 
(494,352 )   
(300,005 )   
(755 )   

1,855 
(27,736 ) 
(450,732 ) 
― 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities................................................    

(432,499 )   

(791,448 )   

(476,613 ) 

Cash flows from financing activities: 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt .................................................................................    
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock .....................................................................................    
Principal payments on long-term debt .......................................................................................    
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt ............................................................................    
Purchases of capital stock ($-0-, $600,450 and $0 from related parties) ....................................    
Borrowings under revolving credit agreements..........................................................................    
Payments under revolving credit agreements .............................................................................    
Payments for financing costs .....................................................................................................    
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash...................................................................................    
Interest rate swap receipts (payments) .......................................................................................    
Dividends on preferred stock .....................................................................................................    
Return of capital to minority interest holders of CCAL .............................................................    

2,550,000 
45,540 
(1,000,585 )   
(12,108 )   
(518,028 )   

— 

(295,000 )   
(36,918 )   
(24,750 )   
(9,360 )   
(19,877 )   

— 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities ...............................................    

678,914 

650,000 
31,176 
(4,875 )   
— 

(729,811 )   
75,000 
— 
(9,108 )   
(33,089 )   

— 

(19,879 )   
(37,196 )   

(77,782 )   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash .......................................................................................    

(523 )   

1,404 

Cash flows from discontinued operations: 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities ..................................................................    

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ..................................................................    
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ..........................................................................    

5,657 

527,308 
65,408 

— 

(517,471) 
592,716 

― 
8,444 
(6,500 ) 
(282 ) 
(44,685 ) 
94,400 
― 
(1,527 ) 
17,745 
― 
(19,878 ) 
― 

47,717 

(4,131) 

― 

79,974 
75,245 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year .....................................................................................   $ 

592,716  $ 

75,245  $ 

155,219 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
(In thousands of dollars, except share amounts) 

Common Stock 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) 

Shares 

($.01 Par) 

Additional Paid-
In Capital 

Foreign Currency 
Translation 
Adjustments 

Derivative 
Instruments 

Unrealized Gains 
(Losses) on 
Available-for-sale 
Securities 

Accumulated 
Deficit 

Total 

Balance, January 1, 2006 ...........................................................................................................  

  214,188,524 

$ 

2,142  $ 

3,256,196  $ 

47,090 

$ 

(5,153) 

$ 

— 

$ 

(2,121,899) 

$ 

1,178,376 

Issuances of capital stock, net of forfeitures ........................................................................  
Purchases and retirement of capital stock ............................................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense ....................................................................................  
Foreign currency translation adjustments ............................................................................  
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax ........................................  
Derivative instruments: 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax ...................  
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of tax .....................................  
SAB 51 gain on FiberTower Merger ...................................................................................  
Reclassification of CCAL stock-based compensation .........................................................  
Dividends on preferred stock ..............................................................................................  
Net income (loss) ................................................................................................................  

3,760,597 
(15,868,575) 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
— 
 

38 
(159)   
— 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

45,628 
(517,869) 
13,845 
 
 

 
 
76,381 
(323) 
 
 

 
 
 
9,690 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
— 
 
 

(6,843) 
969 
— 
 
 
— 

 
 
— 
 
19,247 

— 
 
 
 
 
— 

 
 
— 
 
— 

 
 
 
— 
(20,806) 
(41,893) 

45,666 
(518,028) 
13,845 
9,690 
19,247 

(6,843) 
969 
76,381 
(323) 
(20,806) 
(41,893) 

Balance, December 31, 2006 .....................................................................................................  

  202,080,546 

$ 

2,021  $ 

2,873,858  $ 

56,780 

$ 

(11,027) 

$ 

19,247 

$ 

(2,184,598) 

$ 

756,281 

Cumulative effect to prior year accumulated deficit related to the adoption of  

FIN 48 (note 8) .............................................................................................................  

— 

Issuance of common stock and assumption of options and warrants in connection  

with the Global Signal Merger ......................................................................................  
Other issuances of capital stock, net of forfeitures ..............................................................  
Purchases and retirement of capital stock ............................................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense ....................................................................................  
Capital distribution to minority interest holders of CCAL ..................................................  
Foreign currency translation adjustments ............................................................................  
Available-for-sale securities: 

Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax ...........................................................................  
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of tax .....................................  

Derivative instruments: 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax ...................  
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of tax .....................................  
Dividends on preferred stock ..............................................................................................  
Net income (loss) ................................................................................................................  

98,140,929 
3,328,264 
(21,042,633) 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

981 
34 
(211)   
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

3,372,926 
31,591 
(729,600) 
21,621 
(8,942) 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
18,492 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

(40,042) 
1,963 
— 
— 

Balance, December 31, 2007 .....................................................................................................  

  282,507,106 

$ 

2,825  $ 

5,561,454  $ 

75,272 

$ 

(49,106) 

$ 

Issuances of capital stock, net of forfeitures ........................................................................  
Purchases and retirement of capital stock ............................................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense ....................................................................................  
Foreign currency translation adjustments ............................................................................  
Available-for-sale securities: 

Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax ...........................................................................  
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of tax .....................................  

Derivative instruments: 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax ...................  
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of tax .....................................  
Dividends on preferred stock ..............................................................................................  
Net income (loss) ................................................................................................................  

7,168,244 
(1,210,919) 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

72 
(12)   
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

71,830 
(44,673) 
25,896 
— 

— 
— 
— 
(48,451) 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

(392,993) 
6,949 
— 
— 

Balance, December 31, 2008 .....................................................................................................  

  288,464,431 

$ 

2,885  $ 

5,614,507  $ 

26,821 

$ 

(435,150) 

$ 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(76,776) 
57,529 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

(55,869) 
55,869 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

4,682 

4,682 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
(20,805) 
(222,813) 

3,373,907 
31,625 
(729,811) 
21,621 
(8,942) 
18,492 

(76,776) 
57,529 

(40,042) 
1,963 
(20,805) 
(222,813) 

$ 

(2,423,534) 

$ 

3,166,911 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
(20,806) 
(48,858) 

71,902 
(44,685) 
25,896 
(48,451) 

(55,869) 
55,869 

(392,993) 
6,949 
(20,806) 
(48,858) 

$ 

(2,493,198) 

$ 

2,715,865 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

1.  Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  

Basis of Presentation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Crown Castle International Corp. (―CCIC‖) and 
its  majority  and  wholly-owned  subsidiaries,  collectively  referred  to  herein  as  the  ―Company.‖    All  significant 
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Certain reclassifications have been 
made to the prior year’s financial statements to be consistent with the presentation in the current year.   

The Company owns, operates and  leases towers and other communications structures (collectively, ―towers‖).  

The Company’s primary business is the renting of antenna space to wireless communications companies under long-
term contracts.  To a lesser extent, the Company also provides certain network services to its customers, including 
initial  antenna  installation  and  subsequent  augmentation,  network  design  and  site  selection,  site  acquisition,  site 
development, site management and other services.  The Company conducts its operations through tower portfolios in 
the United States (―U.S.‖), Puerto Rico and Canada (collectively referred to as ―CCUSA‖) and Australia (referred to 
as ―CCAL‖).  

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts 
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

On January 12, 2007, the Company completed the merger (―Global Signal Merger‖) of Global Signal Inc. with 
and  into  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the  Company  (see  note  2).    The  results  of  operations  from  the  former 
subsidiaries of Global Signal Inc. have been included in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive 
income (loss) beginning on January 12, 2007.  Unless indicated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, ―Global 
Signal‖ refers to the former Global Signal Inc. and its subsidiaries.   

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Cash Equivalents 

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. 

Restricted Cash 

Restricted cash represents the cash held in reserve by the indenture trustees pursuant to the indenture governing 
the  Senior  Secured  Tower  Revenue  Notes,  Series 2005-1 (―2005 Tower  Revenue Notes‖) and the  Senior  Secured 
Tower  Revenue  Notes,  Series  2006-1  (―2006  Tower  Revenue  Notes‖),  and  the  loan  agreements  governing  the 
Commercial  Mortgage  Pass-through  Certificates,  Series  2004-2  (―2004  Mortgage  Loan‖)  and  the  Commercial 
Mortgage  Pass-through  Certificates,  Series  2006-1  (―2006  Mortgage  Loan‖).    The  restriction  of  all  rental  cash 
receipts is a critical feature of these debt instruments, due to the applicable indenture trustee’s ability to utilize the 
restricted cash for the payment of debt service costs, ground rents, real estate and personal property taxes, insurance 
premiums related to towers, other assessments by governmental authorities and potential environmental remediation 
costs, and to reserve a portion of advance rents from customers.  The restricted cash in excess of required reserve 
balances is subsequently released to the Company in accordance with the terms of the indentures.  The increases and 
decreases in restricted cash have aspects of cash flows from financing as well as cash flows from operating activities 
and, as such, could be classified as either on the consolidated statement of cash flows.  The Company has classified 
these increases and decreases in restricted cash as cash flows from financing activities based on consideration of the 
terms of the related indebtedness. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable 

An  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  is  recorded  as  an  offset  to  accounts  receivable  in  order  to  present  a  net 
balance that the Company believes will be collected.  In estimating the appropriate balance for this allowance, the 
Company considers (1) specific reserves  for accounts  it believes  may prove to be uncollectible and (2) additional 
reserves, based on historical collections, for the remainder of its accounts.  Additions to the allowance for doubtful 
accounts are charged either to ―site rental costs of operations‖ or to ―network services and other costs of operations,‖ 
as appropriate; and deductions from the allowance are recorded when specific accounts receivable are written off as 
uncollectible. 

Investments in Equity Securities  

In  accordance  with  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  115  (―SFAS  115‖),  Accounting  for 
Certain Investments in Debt  and Equity Securities, investments in equity securities classified as available-for-sale 
are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet.  The net unrealized gains or losses on the available-for-
sale  securities,  net  of  tax,  are  reported  as  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  unless  any  losses  are 
deemed  other-than-temporary.    The  Company  periodically  reviews  the  value  of  available-for-sale  securities  and 
records  impairment  charges  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations  and  comprehensive  income  (loss)  for  any 
decline  in  value  that  is  determined  to  be  other-than-temporary.    The  Company  does  not  have  any  investments 
classified as trading.  See note 5. 

Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.   Depreciation is computed utilizing 
the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets.  Depreciation 
of  towers  is  generally  computed  with  a  useful  life  equal  to  the  shorter  of  20  years  or  the  term  of  the  underlying 
ground  lease  (including  optional  renewal  periods).    Additions,  renewals  and  improvements  are  capitalized,  while 
maintenance  and  repairs  are expensed.    Upon  the  sale  or  retirement  of  an  asset,  the  related  cost  and  accumulated 
depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recognized.  The carrying value of property and 
equipment will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount of the assets may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected 
to  result  from  the  use  and  eventual  disposition  of  an  asset  is  less  than  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset,  an 
impairment  loss  is  recognized.    Measurement  of  an  impairment  loss  is  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  asset.  
Construction in process is impaired when projects are abandoned or terminated. 

Asset Retirement Obligations 

The  Company  records  obligations  associated  with  retirement  of  long-lived  assets  and  the  associated  asset 
retirement  costs  in  accordance  with  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 143  (―SFAS  143‖), 
Accounting  for  Asset  Retirement  Obligations  and  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (―FASB‖)  Interpretation 
No. 47 (―FIN 47‖) Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.  The fair value of the liability for asset 
retirement  obligations  is  recognized  in  the  period  in  which  it  is  incurred  and  the  fair  value  of  the  liability  can 
reasonably  be  estimated.    Changes  subsequent  to  initial  measurement  resulting  from  revisions  to  the  timing  or 
amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows are recognized as an increase or decrease in the carrying 
amount  of  the  liability  and  related  carrying  amount  of  the  capitalized  asset.    Asset  retirement  obligations  are 
included in ―other liabilities‖ on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  The liability accretes as a result of the 
passage of time and the related accretion expense is included in ―depreciation, amortization and accretion expense‖ 
on  the  Company’s  consolidated  statement  of  operations  and  comprehensive  income  (loss).    The  associated  asset 
retirement costs are capitalized as an additional carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over 
the useful life of such asset.   

Goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price  for an acquired business over the  allocated value of the 
related net assets.  Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment on an annual basis.  The annual test 
begins with goodwill and all intangible assets being allocated to applicable reporting units.  Goodwill is then tested 
using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of fair value of the reporting unit using an income approach, 
which looks to the present value of expected future cash flows.  The first step is a screen for potential impairment 

50 

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

while the second step measures the amount of impairment if there is an indication from the first step that one exists.  
The Company’s measurement of the fair value for goodwill is based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows 
of  the  reporting  unit.    The  Company  performed  its  annual  goodwill  impairment  test  as  of  October  1,  2008  and 
determined goodwill was not impaired at any reporting units. 

Intangible Assets 

Intangible assets are included in ―other intangible assets, net‖ on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and 
predominately consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: 
(1)  in-place  customer  site  rental  contracts,  (2)  below-market  leases  for  land  under  its  towers,  (3)  term  easement 
rights for land under its towers, and (4) trademarks.  Deferred credits related to above-market leases for land under 
its  towers  recorded  in  conjunction  with  acquisitions  are  recorded  at  the  estimated  fair  value  and  are  included  in 
―other  liabilities‖  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  balance  sheet.    Intangible  assets  with  finite  useful  lives  are 
amortized utilizing the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. 

The carrying value of other intangible assets with finite useful lives will be reviewed for impairment whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.  If the 
sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an 
asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized.  Measurement of an impairment 
loss is based on the fair value of the asset. 

Deferred Financing Costs 

Costs incurred to obtain financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the related borrowing using the 
effective yield method.  Deferred financing costs are included in ―deferred financing costs and other assets, net‖ on 
the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. 

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates 

The Company uses the cost method to account for investments in those entities where the Company owns less 
than  twenty  percent  of  the  voting  stock  of  the  individual  entity,  does  not  exercise  significant  influence  over  the 
entity and is not the primary beneficiary.  The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in those 
entities where the Company does not have control or is not the primary beneficiary but has the ability to exercise 
significant influence over the entity.  The Company reviews investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be greater  than the fair market 
value.    If  an  evaluation  was  required,  the  carrying  value  of  the  investment  would  be  compared  to  the  asset’s  fair 
market value; and an impairment charge would be recorded to adjust the carrying value to the fair market value.  See 
note 5. 

Accrued Estimated Property Taxes 

The accrual for estimated property tax obligations is based on assessments currently in effect and estimates of 
possible additional taxes.  The Company recognizes the benefit of tax appeals upon ultimate resolution of the appeal. 

Sale of Stock of Subsidiaries or Equity Method Investments 

The effects of any changes in the Company’s ownership interests resulting from the issuance of equity capital 
by  consolidated  subsidiaries  or  investments  accounted  for  under  the  equity  method  are  accounted  for  as  capital 
transactions  pursuant  to  the  SEC’s  Staff  Accounting  Bulletin  No.  51,  Accounting  for  the  Sale  of  Stock  of  a 
Subsidiary.  See note 5.   

Dispositions 

The  Company  classifies  as  discontinued  operations  any  components  of  its  business  that  it  holds  for  sale  or 
disposal that has operations and cash flows that are clearly distinguishable operationally and for financial reporting 
purposes  from  the  rest  of  the  Company.    For  those  components,  the  Company  has  no  significant  continuing 
involvement after disposal and its operations and cash flows are eliminated from the Company’s ongoing operations. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

In  2006,  the  Company  reversed  a  liability  previously  established  in  conjunction  with  the  sale  of  its  U.K. 

subsidiary, as a result of the termination of the related contingencies. 

Revenue Recognition 

Site rental revenues are recognized on a monthly basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the relevant lease 
or  agreement,  with  such  terms  generally  ranging  from  five  to  fifteen  years.    In  accordance  with  applicable 
accounting standards, including Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13 (―SFAS 13‖), Accounting for 
Leases, these revenues are recognized on a monthly basis regardless of whether the payments from the customer are 
received in equal monthly amounts.  The Company’s leases contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or 
fixed  percentage  increases)  or  inflation-based  escalation  clauses  (such  as  those  tied  to  the  consumer  price  index 
(―CPI‖)).  If the payment terms call for fixed escalations or rent free periods, the effect is recognized on a straight-
line basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the agreement.  When calculating straight-line rental revenues, the 
Company considers all fixed elements of tenant leases’ escalation provisions, even if such escalation provisions also 
include a variable element.  The Company’s asset related to straight-line site rental revenues is included in ―deferred 
site rental receivables‖ on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. 

Network  services  revenues  are  generally  recognized  under  a  method  which  approximates  the  completed 
contract method.  This method is used because these services are typically completed in relatively short periods of 
time and financial position and results of operations do not vary significantly from those which would result from 
use of the percentage-of-completion method.  These services are considered complete when the terms and conditions 
of the contract or agreement have been completed. Costs and revenues associated with contracts not complete at the 
end of a period are deferred and recognized when the installation becomes operational.  The Company typically bills 
for installation services on a fixed price basis.  Any losses on contracts are recognized at such time as they become 
known. 

Some  of  the  Company’s  arrangements  with  its  customers  call  for  the  performance  of  multiple  revenue-
generating activities. Generally, these arrangements include both site rental and network services.  In such cases, the 
Company determines whether the multiple deliverables are to be accounted for separately or on a combined basis. In 
order to be accounted for separately, the undelivered items must (1) have stand-alone value to the customer, (2) have 
reliably determinable fair value on a separate basis, and (3) have delivery which is probable and under the control of 
the  Company.    In  addition,  the  delivered  item  must  have  stand-alone  value  to  the  customer.    Allocation  of 
recognized revenue in such arrangements is based on the relative fair value of the separately delivered items. 

Sales  taxes  and  value-added  taxes  collected  from  customers  and  remitted  to  governmental  authorities  are 

presented on a net basis. 

Costs of Operations 

Costs  of  operations  consist  predominately  of  ground  lease  expense,  property  taxes,  repairs  and  maintenance, 
employee compensation and related benefit costs, and utilities.  Generally, the ground lease agreements are specific 
to each  site and are for an initial term of  five  years and are renewable  for pre-determined periods.   Ground lease 
expense  is  recognized  on  a  monthly  basis,  regardless  of  whether  the  lease  agreement  payment  terms  require  the 
Company to make payments annually, quarterly, monthly, or for the entire term in advance.  The Company’s ground 
leases  contain  fixed  escalation  clauses  (such  as  fixed  dollar  or  fixed  percentage  increases)  or  inflation-based 
escalation  clauses  (such  as  those  tied  to  the  CPI).    If  the  payment  terms  include  fixed  escalation  provisions,  the 
effect of such increases is recognized on a straight-line basis.  The Company calculates the straight-line ground lease 
expense using a time period that equals or exceeds the remaining depreciable life of the tower asset.  Further, when a 
tenant has exercisable renewal options that  would compel the Company to exercise existing  ground lease renewal 
options,  the  Company  has  straight-lined  the  ground  lease  expense  over  a  sufficient  portion  of  such  ground  lease 
renewals to coincide with the final termination of the tenant’s renewal options.  The Company’s liability related to 
straight-line ground lease expense is included in ―deferred ground lease payables‖ on  the Company’s consolidated 
balance sheet. 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Non-Cash Site Rental Margin 

The following is a summary of the impact on site rental gross margins from the non-cash portions of site rental 
revenues, ground lease expense and stock-based compensation expense for those employees directly related to tower 
operations and the amortization of below-market and above-market leases. 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Non-cash impact on site rental gross margins: 

Non-cash portion of site rental revenues attributable to straight-line 

recognition of revenues ........................................................................   $ 

20,496 

$ 

42,921 

$ 

40,281 

Non-cash portion of ground lease expense attributable to straight-line 

recognition of expenses ........................................................................    
Stock-based compensation expenses directly related to tower operations .    
Net amortization of below-market and above-market leases .....................    

(15,812) 
(174) 
— 

(41,040) 
(396) 
638 

(38,171) 
(935) 
589 

Total ........................................................................................   $ 

4,510 

$ 

2,123 

$ 

1,764 

Acquisition Costs 

Direct out-of-pocket or incremental costs that are directly related to a business combination are included in the cost of 
the  acquired  enterprise.   Costs included  in  the  cost of  the  acquired  enterprise  include  finder’s  fees  or other  fees paid  to 
outside consultants for accounting, legal, engineering reviews or appraisals.  See below for a discussion of the Company’s 
adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R) (―SFAS 141(R)‖) on January 1, 2009.   

Costs  that  do not  meet  the  above  criteria  are  expensed  as  incurred.    Certain  incremental  costs  that  are  expensed  as 
incurred  are  classified  as  integration  costs  in  the  Company’s  consolidated  statement  of  operations  and  comprehensive 
income  (loss),  including  retention  bonuses  paid  to  employees  of  an  acquired  enterprise,  contracted  employees  to  assist 
with the integration of the acquired enterprise’s operations and tower portfolio, travel costs incurred directly related to the 
integration  of  the  acquired  enterprise’s  operations  and  tower  portfolio,  and  certain  other  costs  directly  related  to  the 
integration of the acquired enterprise.  Internal costs, both one-time and recurring in nature, are not included in the cost of 
the  acquired  enterprise,  whether  or  not  the  costs  are  incremental,  non-recurring  or  related  directly  to  a  business 
combination. 

Costs of registering and issuing equity securities in a business combination are treated as a reduction of the fair value 

of equivalent registered securities issued. 

Stock-Based Compensation  

Restricted Stock Awards.  The Company records stock-based compensation expense only  for those  nonvested 
stock awards (―restricted stock awards‖) for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered.  The cumulative 
effect of a change in the estimated number of restricted stock awards for which the requisite service is expected to 
be or has been rendered is recognized in the period of the change in the estimate.  To the extent that the requisite 
service  period  is  rendered,  compensation  cost  for  accounting  purposes  is  not  reversed;  rather,  it  is  recognized 
regardless of whether or not the awards vest.  The Company uses historical data and management’s judgment about 
the future employee turnover rates to estimate the number of shares for which the requisite service period will not be 
rendered.  The fair value of restricted stock awards without market conditions is determined based on the number of 
shares granted and the quoted price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant.  The Company uses a Monte Carlo 
simulation  as  the  method  of  valuation  for  the  Company’s  restricted  stock  awards  with  market  conditions.    The 
Company’s determination of the fair value of restricted stock awards with market conditions on the date of grant is 
affected by its stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables.  
The determination of fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, 
and other reasonable assumptions could provide differing results.  The key assumptions are summarized as follows: 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Valuation  and  Amortization  Method.    The  Company  estimates  the  fair  value  of  restricted  stock  awards  with 
market  conditions  granted  using  a  Monte  Carlo  simulation.    It  amortizes  the  fair  value  of  all  restricted  stock 
awards on a straight-line basis for each separately vesting tranche of the award (graded vesting schedule) over 
the  requisite  service  periods.    In  the  case  of  accelerated  vesting  based  on  the  market  performance  of  the 
Company’s common stock, the compensation costs related to the vested awards that have  not previously been 
amortized are recognized upon vesting.  

Expected Volatility.  The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the 
historical  volatility  of  its  common  stock  and  implied  volatility  on  publicly  traded  options  on  the  Company’s 
common stock. 

Risk-Free Rate.  The Company bases the risk-free rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury 
issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award. 

Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs 

The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows: 

Interest expense on debt obligations ..............................................................................  $  150,351 
8,600 
Amortization of deferred financing costs .......................................................................   
1,301 
Amortization of interest rate swaps................................................................................   
— 
Amortization of purchase price adjustment on long-term debt ......................................   
3,371 
Imputed interest on customer provided financing ..........................................................   
(1,295) 
Less:  capitalized interest (a) ..........................................................................................   

$  326,346 
15,463 
3,020 
3,572 
3,264 
(1,406) 

$  329,284 
15,264 
3,020 
3,771 
2,775 
― 

Total ...............................................................................................................................  $  162,328 

$  350,259 

$  354,114 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

(a)  Related to the build out of the former Modeo network (see note 19). 

Income Taxes 

The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of 
deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  for  the  expected  future  tax  consequences  of  events  that  have  been 
recognized  in  the  Company’s  financial  statements  or  tax  returns.    Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are 
determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities 
using enacted tax rates.  A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more 
likely than not that the asset will not be realized.  The Company records interest or penalties related to income taxes 
as  components  of  ―benefit  (provision)  for  income  taxes‖  in  its  consolidated  statement  of  operations  and 
comprehensive income (loss).  The amount of interest and penalties accrued as of December 31, 2008 is immaterial. 

The company recognizes a tax position if it is more likely than not it will be sustained upon examination.  The 
tax position is measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate 
settlement.  See note 8 for a discussion of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (―FIN 48‖), Accounting for Uncertainty in 
Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. 

Per Share Information 

Per share information is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during 
each period for the basic computation and, if dilutive, the weighted-average number of potential shares of common 
stock  resulting  from  the  assumed  exercise  of  outstanding  stock  options  and  warrants,  conversion  of  convertible 
preferred  stock  and  convertible  senior  notes  and  from  the  vesting  of  restricted  stock  awards  for  the  diluted 
computation.  

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

A  reconciliation  of  the  numerators  and  denominators  of  the  basic  and  diluted  per  share  computations  is  as 

follows: 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Income (loss) from continuing operations .....................................................................  $  (47,550) 
(20,806) 
Dividends on preferred stock .........................................................................................   

$(222,813) 
(20,805) 

$  (48,858) 
(20,806) 

Income (loss) from continuing operations applicable to common stock for basic and 

diluted computations ................................................................................................   
Net gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations ..................................................   

(68,356) 
5,657 

  (243,618) 
— 

(69,664) 
— 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for basic and diluted computations ......  $  (62,699) 

$(243,618) 

$  (69,664) 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period for 

basic and diluted computations (in thousands) .........................................................    207,245 

  279,937 

  282,007 

Per common share – basic and diluted: 

 Income (loss) from continuing operations ..............................................................  $ 
Net gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations ..........................................   

(0.33) 
0.03 

$ 

(0.87) 
— 

$ 

(0.25) 
— 

 Net income (loss) ...................................................................................................  $ 

(0.30) 

$ 

(0.87) 

$ 

(0.25) 

The  calculations  of  common  shares  outstanding  for  the  diluted  computations  exclude  the  following  potential 
common  shares.    The  inclusion  of  such  potential  common  shares  in  the  diluted  per  share  computations  would  be 
anti-dilutive  since the Company  incurred net losses  from continuing operations for each of the  years in the  three-
year period ended December 31, 2008. 

Options to purchase shares of common stock(1) ....................................................  
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.508 per 

share ..................................................................................................................  
Shares of 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock which are convertible into shares of 
common stock at a conversion price of $36.875 per share (note 10) .................  
Shares of restricted stock awards (note 12) ............................................................  
4% Convertible Senior Notes which were convertible into shares of common stock 
at a conversion price of $10.83 per share (note 6) .............................................  

590 

8,625 
1,227 

5,895 

  Total potential common shares .......................................................................  

  22,376 

(1)  See note 12 for a tabular presentation of the outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2008. 

Foreign Currency Translation 

December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

(In thousands of shares) 

6,039 

4,603 

3,999 

— 

8,625 
2,255 

5,891 

21,374 

— 

8,625 
2,749 

— 

15,373 

The  Company’s  international  operations  use  the  local  currency  as  their  functional  currency.    The  Company 
translates the results of these international operations using the applicable average exchange rate for the period, and 
translates the assets and liabilities using the applicable exchange rate at the end of the period.  The cumulative effect 
of  changes  in  the  exchange  rate  is  recorded  as  ―foreign  currency  translation  adjustments‖  in  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income (loss).  See note 18. 

Fair Values 

The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy in 
accordance  with  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  157  (―SFAS  157‖)  Fair  Value  Measurements.  
The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair value. 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The  following  is  a  description  of  the  levels  of  the  fair  value  hierarchy.    The  Company  evaluates  level 

classifications quarterly, and transfers between levels are effective at the end of the quarterly period.  

  Level  1  inputs  are  quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities  that  the 

Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. 

  Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset 
or liability, either directly or indirectly.  If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 
input  must  be  observable  for  substantially  the  full  term  of  the  asset  or  liability.    Level  2  inputs  include 
quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active  markets, as  well as inputs other than quoted prices 
that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates.     

  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs and are not corroborated by market data. 

Assets  and  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  are  based  on  one  or  more  of  three  valuation  techniques  noted  in 

SFAS 157.  The three valuation techniques are described below.  

  Market approach.  Uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving 

identical or comparable assets or liabilities. 

  Cost  approach.    Based  on  the  amount  that  would  be  required  to  replace  the  service  capacity  of  an  asset 

 

(replacement cost). 
Income approach.  Uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based 
on market expectations. 

The fair value of available-for-sale securities is based on quoted market prices.  The fair value of interest rate 
swaps is determined using the income approach and  is predominately based on observable interest rates and yield 
curves and, to a lesser extent, the Company’s and the contract counterparty’s credit risk.  The credit risk input for 
interest  rate  swap  fair  values  is  primarily  based  on  credit  default  swap  spreads  including  indexes  of  comparable 
securities  and  management’s  knowledge  of  current  credit  spreads  in  the  debt  market.    The  fair  value  of  cash  and 
cash  equivalents  and  restricted  cash  approximate  the  carrying  value.    The  estimated  fair  value  of  the  Company’s 
debt  securities  is  based  on  indicative  quotes  (that  is  non-binding  quotes)  from  brokers  that  require  judgment  to 
interpret  market  information  including  implied  credit  spreads  for  similar  borrowings  on  recent  trades  or  bid/ask 
prices.  There were no changes since December 31, 2007  in the Company’s valuation techniques used to measure 
fair values, with the exception of its consideration of the Company’s and the contract counterparty’s credit risk when 
measuring the fair value of interest rate swaps.   

See notes 6 and 7 for a further discussion of fair values. 

Derivative Instruments 

The Company enters into interest rate swaps, to  manage and reduce its interest rate risk.  Derivative financial 
instruments are entered into for periods that match the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions 
independent  of  these  exposures.    The  Company  can  designate  derivative  financial  instruments  as  hedges.    The 
Company can also enter into derivative financial instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges. 

Derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value.  If the derivative is designated as a 
cash  flow  hedge,  the  effective  portion  of  the  change  in  the  fair  value  of  the  derivative  is  recorded  as  a  separate 
component of stockholders’ equity, captioned ―accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),‖ and recognized as 
increases  or  decreases  to  ―interest  expense  and  amortization  of  deferred  financing  costs‖  when  the  hedged  item 
affects  earnings.    Any  hedge  ineffectiveness  is  included  in  ―net  gain  (loss)  on  interest  rate  swaps‖  on  the 
consolidated  statement  of  operations  and  comprehensive  income  (loss).    If  a  hedge  ceases  to  qualify  for  hedge 
accounting, any change in the fair value of the derivative since the date it ceased to qualify is recorded to ―net gain 
(loss)  on  interest  rate  swaps.‖    However,  any  amounts  previously  recorded  to  ―accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income (loss)‖ would remain there until the original forecasted transaction affects earnings.  In a situation where it 
becomes probable the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains or losses that have been recorded to 
―accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)‖ is immediately reclassified to earnings.  Derivatives that do not 
meet the requirements for hedge accounting are marked to market through ―net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps‖ on 
the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).   

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

To  qualify  for  hedge  accounting,  the  details  of  the  hedging  relationship  must  be  formally  documented  at  the 
inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged item, specific risks 
that are being hedged, the derivative instrument, how effectiveness is being assessed and how ineffectiveness will be 
measured.  The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows for the risk being hedged.  In 
the  context of hedging relationships, effectiveness refers to the  degree to which fair value changes in the hedging 
instrument  offset  the  corresponding  expected  earnings  effects  of  the  hedged  item.    The  Company  assesses  the 
effectiveness  of  hedging  relationships  using  regression  analysis  both  at  the  inception  of  the  hedge  and  on  an  on-
going basis.  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

In  September  2006,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  157,  which  defines  fair  value,  establishes  a  framework  for 
measuring  fair  value  in  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  and  expands  disclosures  about  fair  value 
measurements.    SFAS  157  also  requires  the  Company  to  consider  its  own  credit  risk  when  measuring  fair  value, 
including derivatives.  The FASB amended SFAS 157 to exclude leases accounted for pursuant to SFAS 13 from its 
scope.  On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of  SFAS 157,  with the exception of a one-year 
deferral of implementation for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value on 
a recurring basis (at least annually).  In October 2008, the FASB clarified SFAS 157 as it relates to determining the 
fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is inactive.  The significant categories of assets 
and  liabilities  included  in  the  Company’s  deferred  implementation  of  SFAS  157  are  (1)  non-financial  assets  and 
liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, (2) impairment assessments of long-lived assets, 
goodwill,  and  other  intangible  assets,  and  (3)  asset  retirement  obligations  initially  measured  at  fair  value.    The 
requirements of SFAS 157 were applied prospectively.  As a result of adoption of SFAS 157, the interest rate swap 
fair value as of December 31, 2008 included $75.0 million related to the combined impact of counterparty and the 
Company’s  own  credit  risk.    The  Company  is  currently  evaluating  the  impact  of  the  adoption  of  FAS  157  as  of 
January  1,  2009  on  its  non-financial  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not  recognized  or  disclosed  at  fair  value  on  a 
recurring basis.  See notes 6 and 7.   

In  December  2007,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  160  (―SFAS  160‖), 
―Noncontrolling  Interests  in  Consolidated  Financial  Statements—an  Amendment  to  Accounting  Research  Bulletin 
No. 51.‖  SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards 
for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.   SFAS 160 clarifies that a 
noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as 
equity  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.    SFAS  160  requires  consolidated  net  income  to  be  reported  at 
amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest.  The provisions of 
SFAS 160 are effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009.  The Company expects that the adoption of SFAS 
160  will  not  have  a  material  impact  on  its  consolidated  financial  statements;  however,  the  Company  will 
prospectively  record  the  income  or  losses  applicable  to  the  non-controlling  interest  of  CCAL  even  if  the  non-
controlling stockholders’ share of the cumulative losses exceeds its equity interest.  See note 9. 

In  December  2007,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  141(R),  Business  Combinations  (revised  2007).    SFAS  141(R) 
replaces  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  141  (―SFAS  141‖),  Business  Combinations.    SFAS 
141(R)  establishes  principles  and  requirements  for  recognizing  and  measuring  identifiable  assets  and  goodwill 
acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in an acquisition, at their fair value as of the acquisition 
date.  SFAS 141(R) will change the accounting treatment of certain items, including (1) acquisition and restructuring 
costs  will  be  generally  expensed  as  incurred,  (2)  noncontrolling  interests  will  be  valued  at  fair  value  at  the 
acquisition  date,  (3)  acquired  contingent  liabilities  will  be  recorded  at  fair  value  at  the  acquisition  date  and 
subsequently  measured at either the  higher of such amount or the  amount determined under existing guidance  for 
non-acquired contingencies, and (4) changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties 
after the acquisition date will affect the provision for income taxes.  The provisions of SFAS 141(R) will be applied 
prospectively to the Company’s business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009.  
SFAS 141(R) may have a material impact on business combinations after adoption.  The impact from application of 
SFAS 141(R) will depend on the facts and circumstances of the business combinations after adoption.   

57 

 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

In  March  2008,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standard  No.  161  (―SFAS  161‖), 
―Disclosures  about  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities.‖    SFAS  161  enhances  the  disclosure 
requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  The Company adopted SFAS 161 on December 31, 
2008.    The  adoption  of  SFAS  161  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial 
statements.   

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3 (―FSP 142-3‖), ―Determination of the Useful 
Life  of  Intangible  Assets.‖    FSP  142-3  amends  the  factors  that  should  be  considered  in  developing  renewal  or 
extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset.  Specifically, the Company 
shall consider its own historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements, even when there is likely 
to be substantial cost or material modifications.  Also, in the absence of its own experience, an entity shall consider 
the  assumptions  that  market  participants  would  use.    The  provisions  of  FSP  142-3  are  applied  prospectively  to 
intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009.  FSP 142-3 may have a material impact on the determination of the 
useful  lives  of  intangible  assets  acquired  after  January  1,  2009.   This  impact,  if  any,  from  the  application  of  FSP 
142-3 will depend on the facts and circumstances of the intangible assets acquired after adoption. 

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1 (―APB 14-1‖), ―Accounting for Convertible 
Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash  Settlement).‖  APB 14-1 
clarifies  that  the liability and  equity components of convertible debt instruments  that  may be settled in cash  upon 
conversion should be accounted for separately.  The liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments 
within  the  scope  of  APB  14-1  shall  be  separately  accounted  for  in  a  manner  that  will  reflect  the  entity’s 
nonconvertible  debt  borrowing  rate  when  interest  costs  are  recognized  in  subsequent  periods.    The  provisions  of 
APB  14-1  are  applied  retrospectively  and  are  effective  for  the  Company  as  of  January  1,  2009.    The  Company 
expects that the adoption of APB 14-1 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In  November  2008,  the  Emerging  Issues  Task  Force  reached  a  consensus  on  Issue  No.  08-6  (―EITF  08-6‖), 
Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations.  EITF 08-6 addresses questions about the potential effect of 
SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 on equity-method accounting.  The provisions of EITF 08-6 are effective January 1, 
2009 and will be applied prospectively.  The Company does not expect the adoption of EITF 08-6 to have a material 
impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

2.  Acquisition 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  Company’s  significant  acquisitions  during  the  years  ended  December  31, 
2006, 2007  and  2008.  The Company entered into these acquisitions and paid purchase  prices that resulted in  the 
recognition of goodwill primarily because of the anticipated growth opportunities in the tower portfolios. 

Mountain Union Acquisition  

On  July  1,  2006,  the  Company  acquired  approximately  98%  of  the  outstanding  equity  interests  of  Mountain 
Union  Telecom,  LLC  (―Mountain  Union‖)  for  $305.3  million.    Mountain  Union’s  assets  at  closing  included  474 
completed towers, as well as 77 towers in various stages of development.  The results of operations from the towers 
acquired from Mountain Union have been included in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive 
income (loss) from July 1, 2006.  The Company utilized borrowings under a previously existing credit facility, as 
discussed  in  note  6,  to  acquire  the  Mountain  Union  equity  interests  and  pay  off  the  outstanding  indebtedness  of 
Mountain Union.  On January 2, 2007, the Company purchased the remaining minority interest in Mountain Union 
for $4.4 million.   

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The following is the allocation of the purchase price to acquire 100% of Mountain Union.  

Cash and cash equivalents ......................................................................................................................  
Other current assets ................................................................................................................................  
Property and equipment .........................................................................................................................  
Goodwill ................................................................................................................................................  
Other intangible assets ...........................................................................................................................  
Other assets ............................................................................................................................................  
Deferred rental revenues and other accrued liabilities ...........................................................................  
Other liabilities.......................................................................................................................................  

$ 

1,647 
1,872 
89,784 
50,519 
170,200 
283 
(3,603) 
(1,021) 

Net assets acquired ..................................................................................................................  

$ 

309,681 

Global Signal Acquisition 

On October 5, 2006, the Company entered into a merger agreement which contemplated Global Signal merging 
into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  On January 12, 2007, the Global Signal Merger was completed for 
a  purchase  price  of  approximately  $4.0  billion,  exclusive  of  debt  of  approximately  $1.8  billion  that  remained 
outstanding as obligations following the Global Signal Merger.  The results of operations from Global Signal have 
been included in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) from January 12, 2007. 

In connection  with the Global Signal  Merger, each outstanding  share  of common stock  of Global Signal  was 
converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder thereof, either 1.61 shares of the Company’s common 
stock or $55.95 in cash.  In addition, in connection with the Global Signal Merger, the obligation pursuant to each 
warrant  (―GSI  Warrants‖)  entitling  the  holder  thereof  to  purchase  shares  of  Global  Signal  common  stock  was 
assumed by the Company with appropriate adjustments made to the number of shares and exercise price per share.  
Accordingly, each such warrant entitled the holder thereof to purchase 3.22 shares of the Company’s common stock.  
As a result of the Global Signal Merger, the Company issued approximately 98.1 million shares of common stock to 
the stockholders of Global Signal and paid the maximum $550.0 million in cash (―GS $550M Consideration‖) and 
reserved  for  issuance  approximately  0.6  million  shares  of  common  stock  issuable  pursuant  to  warrants  described 
above.  The Company primarily financed the GS $550M Consideration with cash obtained from the issuance of the 
2006  Tower  Revenue  Notes  in  November  2006.    At  the  closing  of  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  Global  Signal’s 
subsidiaries  had  debt  outstanding  of  approximately  $1.8  billion,  which  has  a  structure  similar  to  the  2005  Tower 
Revenue Notes and the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes (see note 6).   

The  purchase  price  of  approximately  $4.0  billion  includes  the  fair  value  of  common  stock  issued,  the  GS 
$550M  Consideration,  the  fair  value  of  the  GSI  Warrants  and  restricted  stock  awards  assumed  and  estimated 
transaction costs.  The components of the purchase price are as follows: 

Issuance of common stock to stockholders of Global Signal (98.1 million shares at $34.20) .................  
GS $550M Consideration ........................................................................................................................  
Fair value of warrants assumed ................................................................................................................  
Fair value of restricted stock awards assumed .........................................................................................  
Transaction costs .....................................................................................................................................  

$ 

3,353,275 
550,013 
18,392 
2,240 
31,500 

Total purchase price .................................................................................................................  

$ 

3,955,420 

The fair value of the common stock and restricted stock awards issued was determined using a value of $34.20 
per  share  which  represents  the  average  closing  price  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  for  the  five-day  period 
comprised  of  the  two  days  prior  to,  the  day  of  and  the  two  days  subsequent  to  the  date  of  the  merger  agreement 
(October 4, 2006).  The fair value of the warrants was determined using a Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model.   

Through  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  the  Company  acquired  10,749  towers  including  6,553  towers  (―Sprint 
Towers‖)  leased  (including  managed)  through  May  2037, which  are  accounted  for  as  capital  leases,  under  master 
leases and subleases (―Sprint Master Leases‖) with Sprint Corporation (a predecessor of Sprint Nextel) and certain 
Sprint  Corporation  subsidiaries  entered  into  in  May  2005.    Global  Signal  prepaid  the  rent  owed  under  the  Sprint 
Master Leases in May 2005.  During the period commencing one year prior to the expiration of the Sprint Master 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Leases  and  ending  120  days  prior  to  expiration,  the  Company,  after  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  has  the  option  to 
purchase all (but not less than all) of the Sprint Towers then leased for approximately $2.3 billion.   Following the 
Global Signal Merger, the Company is entitled to all revenues from the Sprint Towers during the term of the Sprint 
Master  Leases,  including  amounts  payable  under  existing  leases  with  third  parties.    In  addition,  under  the  Sprint 
Master  Leases,  certain  Sprint  Corporation  subsidiaries  have  agreed  to  sublease  space  on  substantially  all  of  the 
Sprint  Towers  for  an  initial  period  through  May  2015.    The  Sprint  Master  Leases  remain  effective  as  assets  and 
commitments following the closing of the Global Signal Merger. 

The allocation of the total purchase price for the Global Signal Merger is shown below.   

Assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents............................................................................................................   $ 
Restricted cash .............................................................................................................................  
Other current assets ......................................................................................................................  
Property and equipment ...............................................................................................................  
Goodwill(a) ..................................................................................................................................  
Other intangible assets .................................................................................................................  
Other assets ..................................................................................................................................  

Total assets .............................................................................................................................  

Liabilities: 

Deferred rental revenues and other accrued liabilities .................................................................  
Deferred tax liability ....................................................................................................................  
Long-term debt ............................................................................................................................  
Other liabilities ............................................................................................................................  

Total liabilities ........................................................................................................................  

96,686 
16,964 
38,872 
1,964,026 
1,843,653 
2,569,934 
2,814 

6,532,949 

98,825 
556,634 
1,831,644 
90,426 

2,577,529 

Net assets acquired .................................................................................................................   $ 

3,955,420 

(a)  On a consolidated basis, goodwill was reduced by approximately $264.1 million related to the reversal of the Company’s federal valuation 

allowance as a result of recording deferred tax liabilities in purchase accounting for the Global Signal Merger.  See note 8. 

Unaudited Pro Forma Operating Results 

The  following  table  presents  the  unaudited  pro  forma  condensed  consolidated  results  of  operations  of  the 
Company  as  if  the  Global  Signal  Merger  were  completed  as  of  January  1  for  the  period  presented  below.    The 
unaudited  pro  forma  amounts  are  presented  for  illustrative  purposes  only,  are  not  necessarily  indicative  of  future 
consolidated results of operations and reflect cost savings from the Global Signal Merger in the period in which such 
cost savings are achieved. 

Site rental revenues .................................................................................................................  $ 
Net revenues ...........................................................................................................................   
Site rental costs of operations(c) .............................................................................................   
Costs of operations(c) .............................................................................................................   
Operating income (loss) ..........................................................................................................   
Income (loss) from continuing operations(a)(b) .....................................................................   
Basic and diluted income (loss) from continuing operations per common share(a)(b) ...........   

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2007 

1,302,174 
1,401,192 
450,473 
516,215 
96,536 
(226,489) 
(0.87) 

(a) 

(b) 

Inclusive of non-recurring integration costs related to the Global Signal Merger of $16.5 million, net of tax, or $0.06 per share, net of tax, 
and asset write-down charges and restructuring charges of $39.4 million, net of tax, or $0.14 per share related to Modeo.  See note 19. 
Inclusive of an impairment charge of $57.5 million, net of tax, or $0.21 per share related to  the Company’s investment in FiberTower 
Corporation (―FiberTower‖).  See note 5. 

(c)  Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion.  

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 
include  pro  forma  adjustments  including  (1)  a  $6.0  million  increase  in  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion 
related to depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of acquired intangibles and (2) a $2.1 million increase in tax 
benefits. 

The  pro  forma  consolidated  basic  and  diluted  income  (loss)  per  common  share  from  continuing  operations 
amounts  are  based  on  the  consolidated  basic  and  diluted  shares  of  the  Company  and  former  Global  Signal.    The 
historical  basic  and  diluted  weighted-average  shares  of  the  former  Global  Signal  were  converted  for  the  actual 
number of shares issued upon the closing of the Global Signal Merger.  The per share calculations do not include 
potential common shares as their effect is anti-dilutive.  

3.  Property and Equipment 

The major classes of property and equipment are as follows: 

Estimated 
Useful Lives 

December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Land ........................................................................................................................  
Buildings .................................................................................................................   40 years 
Telecommunication towers .....................................................................................   1-20 years 
Transportation and other equipment .......................................................................   3-5 years 
Office furniture and equipment ...............................................................................   2-10 years 
Construction in process ...........................................................................................  

— 

— 

Total gross property and equipment ........................................................................    
Less:  accumulated depreciation .............................................................................    

$  414,871 
32,681 
  6,702,103 
25,249 
106,704 
74,652 

$  596,100 
35,040 
  6,802,316 
26,505 
110,997 
103,623 

  7,356,260 
  (2,305,205) 

  7,674,581 
  (2,614,455) 

Total property and equipment, net ..........................................................................    

$  5,051,055 

$  5,060,126 

Depreciation  expense  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2006,  2007  and  2008  was  $271.0  million,  $400.3 
million  and  $380.5  million,  respectively.    As  a  result  of  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  the  Company  recorded  an 
increase to property and equipment of $2.0 billion, $1.8 billion of which was related to telecommunication towers.  
See note 2. 

4.  Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Deferred Credits 

The following is a summary of goodwill at CCUSA.   

Balance as of December 31, 2006 .............................................................................................................  
Addition from the Global Signal Merger ..................................................................................................  
Reduction in connection with reversal of federal valuation allowance (note 8) ........................................  
Other adjustments .....................................................................................................................................  

$ 

391,448 
1,843,653 
(264,083) 
(517) 

Balance at December 31, 2007 .................................................................................................................  

$  1,970,501 

Additions ..................................................................................................................................................  

13,449 

Balance at December 31, 2008 .................................................................................................................  

$  1,983,950 

Goodwill of $1.8 billion recorded in the Global Signal Merger is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

Virtually all of the intangible assets are recorded at CCUSA.  The accumulated amortization on these intangible 
assets  as  of  December  31,  2007  and  2008  is  $180.3  million  and  $327.5  million,  respectively,  of  which  $173.4 
million and $314.0 million, respectively, relate to site rental contracts.  Intangible assets not subject to amortization, 
relate to the U.S. nationwide 1650-1675 spectrum license (―Spectrum‖) and have a carrying value of $15.0 million 
and $15.1 million, as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.  

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The components of the additions to intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008 are as 

follows:   

Site rental contracts .................................................................   $ 2,463,113 
81,402 
Below-market leases ...............................................................  
33,977 
Other .......................................................................................  

Total intangible assets acquired ...............................................   $ 2,578,492 

Amount 

Years Ended December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Weighted-
Average 
Amortization 
Period 

(In years) 
20.0 
16.9 
27.3 

19.7 

Amount 

$  30,394 
― 
― 

$  30,394 

Weighted-
Average 
Amortization 
Period 

(In years) 
20.0 
― 
― 

20.0 

Amortization  expense  related  to  intangible  assets  is  classified  as  follows  on  the  Company’s  consolidated 

statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss): 

Classification 

For Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion ..............................................................   $ 
Site rental costs of operations ................................................................................  

12,418 
― 

$  137,160 
4,394 

$  143,409 
4,452 

Total amortization expense ....................................................................................   $ 

12,418 

$  141,554 

$  147,861 

The  estimated  annual  amortization  expense  related  to  intangible  assets  (inclusive  of  those  recorded  to  ―site 

rental costs of operations‖) for the years ended December 31, 2009 to 2013 is as follows:   

Years Ending December 31, 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Estimated annual amortization .................   $  148,232 

$ 

148,184 

$ 

148,144 

$  144,723 

$ 

144,306 

See  note  1  for  a  further  discussion  of  deferred  credits  related  to  above-market  leases  for  land  under  the 
Company’s  towers  recorded  in  connection  with  acquisitions.    During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007,  the 
Company  recorded  $80.6  million  at  CCUSA  related  to  above-market  leases  as  a  result  of  the  allocation  of  the 
purchase price for the Global Signal Merger (see note 2).  The above-market leases recorded during the year ended 
December 31, 2007 had an initial weighted-average amortization period of 15.3 years.  For each of the years ended 
December 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company recorded $5.0 million as a decrease to ―site rental costs of operations.‖  
As  of  December  31,  2007  and  2008,  the  net  book  value  of  the  above-market  leases  was  $73.2  million  and  $63.9 
million, respectively, and the accumulated amortization was $4.9 million and $9.6 million, respectively. 

5.  Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Available-for-Sale Securities 

On  August 29, 2006, FiberTower and First  Avenue Networks, Inc. completed an all-stock  merger transaction 
(―FiberTower  Merger‖).    Prior  to  the  FiberTower  Merger,  the  Company  had  invested  cash  of  $84.1  million  and 
owned an approximately 36% minority interest in FiberTower, which was accounted for under the equity method.  
Following  the  FiberTower  Merger,  the  Company  owns  26.4  million  shares  of  common  stock  of  FiberTower 
(NASDAQ: FTWR) or approximately 18% of the outstanding equity interests as of December 31, 2008.  After the 
FiberTower Merger, the investment in FiberTower is classified as an available-for-sale equity security in accordance 
with SFAS 115.   

For the year ended December 31, 2006, losses from the investment in FiberTower under the equity method were 
$9.7 million and are included in ―interest and other income (expense)‖ on the Company’s consolidated statement of 
operations  and  comprehensive  income  (loss).    These  losses  resulted  from  the  accounting  for  the  minority  interest 
position in FiberTower under the equity method that was applied by the Company prior to the FiberTower Merger. 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

As of December 31, 2007 and 2008, the fair value of the investment in FiberTower was $60.1 million and $4.2 
million, respectively (at a per FiberTower share price of $2.28 and $0.16), and no unrealized investment gain (loss) 
was included in accumulated other comprehensive income.  For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, the 
Company  recorded  impairment  charges  included  in  ―impairment  of  available-for-sale  securities‖  of  $75.6  million 
and $55.9 million, respectively ($57.5 million and $55.9 million, respectively, net of tax) related to an other-than-
temporary decline in the value of FiberTower.  The other-than-temporary decline determination was based primarily 
on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than the adjusted cost basis, and the impact 
of the current broad-based economic and market conditions on the Company’s views about the short-term prospects 
for recovery of the FiberTower stock price. 

6.  Debt and Interest Rate Swaps 

The Company’s indebtedness consists of the following: 

Original 
Issue Date 

Contractual 
Maturity Date 

Outstanding 
Balance as of 
December 31, 
2007 

Outstanding 
Balance as of 
December 31, 
2008(c) 

Stated Interest 
Rate as of 
December 31, 
2008(d) 

Bank debt – variable rate: 

Revolver ...........................................  
2007 Term Loans ..............................   Jan./March 2007 

  Jan. 2007 

Total bank debt ..............................  

 Jan. 2009(e) 
 March 2014 

$ 

75,000 
645,125 

720,125 

$ 

169,400 
638,625 

808,025 

Securitized debt – fixed rate: 

2006 Mortgage Loan ........................  
2004 Mortgage Loan ........................  
2006 Tower Revenue Notes .............  
2005 Tower Revenue Notes .............  

Total securitized debt ....................  

  Feb. 2006(a) 
  Dec. 2004(a) 
  Nov. 2006 
  June 2005 

  Feb. 2011 
  Dec. 2009 
  Nov. 2036(b) 
  June 2035(b) 

Convertible and other – fixed rate: 

4% Convertible Senior Notes ...........  
7.5% Senior Notes ............................  

  July 2003 
  Dec. 2003 

  July 2010 
  Dec. 2013 

Total convertible and other ............  

Total indebtedness ..................................  

Less:  current maturities and short-term 

debt ....................................................  

Non-current portion of long-term debt ....  

1,548,351 
290,317 
1,550,000 
1,900,000 

5,288,668 

1,547,608 
287,609 
1,550,000 
1,900,000 

5,285,217 

63,802 
51 

63,853 

6,069,195 

6,096,744 

81,500 

466,217 

$  5,987,695 

$  5,630,527 

2.5%(f) 
5.4%(f) 

5.7% 
4.7% 
5.7%(b) 
4.9%(b) 

― 
51 

51 

4.0% 
7.5% 

(a)  The 2004 Mortgage Loan and 2006 Mortgage Loan remained outstanding as obligations of Global Signal following the completion of the 

(b) 

Global Signal Merger. 
If the 2005 Tower Revenue Notes and the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to June 2010  or November 2011, 
respectively, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the Issuers (as defined in the indenture) will be used to repay principal 
of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (by an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the Tower Revenue 
Notes. 

(c)  The 2004 Mortgage Loan and 2006 Mortgage Loan are net of unamortized purchase price adjustments of an aggregate $4.8 million as of 

December 31, 2008. 

(d)  Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.  The effective interest rate for the 2004 Mortgage Loan and 2006 Mortgage Loan is 

5.8% and 5.7%, respectively, after giving effect to the fair value purchase price adjustments. 

(e)  During January 2009, the maturity of the $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (―Revolver‖) was extended from January 

2009 to January 2010.  See note 22. 

(f)  The  Revolver  currently  bears  interest  at  a  rate  per  annum,  at  the  election  of  Crown  Castle  Operating  Company  (―CCOC‖),  equal  to  the 
prime rate of The Royal Bank of Scotland plc plus a credit spread ranging from 0.25% to 0.63% or LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging 
from 1.25% to 1.63%, in each case based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.  See note 22.  The 2007 term loans (―2007 Term 
Loans‖) bear interest at a rate per annum, at CCOC’s election, equal to the prime rate of The Royal Bank of Scotland plc plus 0.50% or 
LIBOR plus 1.50%.  See ―Interest Rate Swaps‖ below. 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The Company’s debt obligations contain certain financial covenants with which CCIC or its subsidiaries must 
comply.    Failure  to  comply  with  such  covenants  may  result  in  imposition  of  restrictions.    As  of  and  for  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2008,  CCIC  and  its  subsidiaries  had  no  financial  covenant  violations.    Various  of  the 
Company’s debt obligations also place other restrictions on CCIC or its subsidiaries including the ability to incur 
debt  and  liens,  purchase  Company  securities,  make  capital  expenditures,  dispose  of  assets,  undertake  transactions 
with affiliates, make other investments and pay dividends. 

Bank Debt 

In  January,  2007,  CCOC  entered  into  a  credit  agreement  (as  amended,  supplemented  or  otherwise  modified, 
―2007 Credit Agreement‖) with a syndicate of lenders pursuant to which such lenders agreed to provide CCOC with 
a  $250.0 million  senior secured revolving credit  facility.   In January 2008, the revolver  maturity  was extended to 
January 2009 (see note 22).  In January 2007, CCOC entered into a term loan joinder (as amended, ―2007 Joinder 
A‖) pursuant to which the lenders agreed to provide CCOC with a $600.0 million senior secured term loan  under 
the 2007 Credit Agreement.  In March 2007, CCOC also entered into a second term loan joinder (―2007 Joinder B‖) 
pursuant to which the lenders agreed to provide CCOC with a $50.0 million senior secured term loan under the 2007 
Credit Agreement. 

As of December 31, 2008, the 2007 Credit Agreement provides for aggregate commitments of $900.0 million 
consisting of (1) the $250.0 million Revolver (see note 22) and (2) the $650.0 million 2007 Term Loans.  The 2007 
Term Loans will mature in consecutive quarterly installments of an aggregate $1.6 million and the entire remaining 
outstanding amount will mature on March 6, 2014.   

The Revolver and 2007 Term Loans are secured by a pledge of certain equity interests of certain subsidiaries of 
CCIC,  as  well  as  a  security  interest  in  CCOC’s  deposit  accounts  ($40.3  million  as  of  December  31,  2008)  and 
securities accounts.  The Revolver and 2007 Term Loans are guaranteed by CCIC and certain of its subsidiaries.  

The proceeds of the Revolver may be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of 
capital  expenditures,  acquisitions  and  purchases  of  the  Company’s  securities.    The  proceeds  from  the  term  loans 
were used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock (see note 11).  Availability under the Revolver at any 
time  is  determined  by  certain  financial  ratios.    The  Company  pays  a  commitment  fee  on  the  undrawn  available 
amount that ranges from 0.13% to 0.38%.  See note 22. 

Securitized Debt 

The  2004  Mortgage  Loan,  2006  Mortgage  Loan,  and  the  Tower  Revenue  Notes  (collectively,  ―Securitized 
Debt‖) are obligations of special purposes entities and their direct and indirect subsidiaries (each an ―issuer‖), all of 
which are wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company.  The 2004 Mortgage Loan, 2006 Mortgage Loan and 
Tower  Revenue  Notes  are  governed  by  separate  indentures  and  each  consists  of  separate  classes  with  each  class 
subordinated  in  right  of  payment  to  any  other  class  issued  under  the  respective  indenture  which  has  an  earlier 
alphabetical designation. The Tower Revenue Notes are governed by one indenture and each class ranks pari passu 
with each class that bears the same alphabetical designation.  Interest is paid monthly on the Securitized Debt.   

The Securitized Debt is paid solely from the cash flows generated by the operation of the towers held directly 
and indirectly by the issuers of the respective Securitized Debt.  The Securitized Debt is secured by, among other 
things, (1) a security interest in substantially all of the applicable issuers’ personal property and (2) a pledge of the 
equity interests in each applicable issuer.  The Mortgage Loans are also secured by mortgage liens on the interest 
(fee, leasehold or easement) in the issuers’ towers.  The Tower Revenue Notes are also secured by a security interest 
in the applicable issuers’ contracts with customers to lease space on their towers (space licenses).  The  governing 
instruments  of  two  indirect  subsidiaries  (―Crown  Atlantic  and  Crown  GT‖)  of  the  issuers  of  the  Tower  Revenue 
Notes  generally  prevent  them  from  issuing  debt  and  granting  liens  on  their  assets  without  the  approval  of  a 
subsidiary of Verizon Communications.  Consequently, while distributions paid by Crown Atlantic and Crown GT 
will service the Tower Revenue Notes, the Tower Revenue Notes are not obligations of, nor are the Tower Revenue 
Notes secured by the cash flows or any other assets of, Crown Atlantic and Crown GT.  As of December 31,  2008, 
the  Securitized  Debt  was  collateralized  with  property  and  equipment  with  a  net  book  value  of  an  aggregate 
approximately $3.3 billion, exclusive of Crown Atlantic and Crown GT property and equipment.     

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The excess cash flows from the issuers of the Securitized Debt, after the payment of principal, interest, reserves, 
expenses, and management fees are distributed to the Company in accordance with the terms of the indentures.  If 
the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (―DSCR‖) (as defined in the applicable governing loan agreement) as of the end of 
any calendar quarter falls to a certain level, then all excess cash flow of the issuers of the applicable debt instrument 
will be deposited into a reserve account instead of being released to the Company.  The funds in the reserve account 
will not be released to the Company until the DSCR exceeds a certain level for two consecutive calendar quarters.  If 
the DSCR falls below a certain level as of the end of any calendar quarter, then all funds on deposit in the reserve 
account  along  with  future  excess  cash  flows  of  the  issuers  will  be  applied  to  prepay  the  debt  with  applicable 
prepayment consideration. 

As of December 31, 2008, prepayment of the securitized debt is permitted provided it is accompanied by any 
applicable  prepayment  consideration.    The  Securitized  Debt  has  covenants  and  restrictions  customary  for  rated 
securitizations including prohibiting the issuers from incurring additional indebtedness or further encumbering their 
assets.   

Derivative Instruments Between Indenture Trustee and Noteholders.  Swap contracts are in place on the Class A 
– FL of both the 2005 Tower Revenue Notes and 2006 Tower Revenue Notes, having initial principal balances of 
$250.0 million and $170.0 million, respectively.  The swap contracts are between the indenture trustee and Morgan 
Stanley  Capital  Services,  Inc.  and  were  entered  into  to  provide  investors  a  floating  rate  note  alternative,  via 
exchanging a fixed rate paid by the Company into a floating rate coupon for investors.  The Company is not party to 
the  swap  contracts  and  has  no  obligations  under  the  swap  contracts;  rather,  the  Company’s  obligation  for  interest 
relating to the Class A – FL of the Tower Revenue Notes is the same as the Class A  – FX of the Tower Revenue 
Notes. 

Other 

See note 22 for discussion of 9% senior notes issued in January 2009. 

Previously Outstanding Indebtedness 

4% Convertible Senior Notes.  In 2003, the Company issued $230.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 
4% Convertible Senior Notes for proceeds of $223.1 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, holders 
converted  $63.8  million  of  the  4%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  into  5.9  million  shares  of  common  stock.    The  4% 
Convertible Senior Notes were convertible, at the option of the holder, in whole or in part at any time, into shares of 
common stock at a conversion price of $10.83 per share of common stock.  As of December 31, 2008, there were no 
4% Convertible Senior Notes outstanding. 

2006 Credit Facility.  On June 1, 2006, certain subsidiaries of the Company, including CCOC, entered into the 
now terminated 2006 Credit Facility with a syndicate of lenders, pursuant to which such lenders agreed to provide 
the borrowers with a $1.25 billion credit facility, consisting of a $1.0 billion 2006 Term Loan and a $250.0 million 
senior  secured  revolving  credit  facility.    A  portion  of  the  proceeds  of  the  2006  Term  Loan  was  used  to  repay 
CCOC’s  previously  existing  revolving  credit  facility  (―2005  Credit  Facility‖),  under  which  $295.0  million  was 
outstanding  at  the  time  of  repayment  and  to  fund  the  acquisition  of  Mountain  Union  with  approximately  $305.0 
million.    The  remaining  proceeds  of  the  2006  Credit  Facility  were  utilized  to  purchase  the  Company’s  common 
stock  in  public  market  transactions.    In  November  2006,  the  Company  terminated  the  2006  Credit  Facility  and 
repaid the remaining $997.5 million outstanding balance of the 2006 Term Loan with proceeds from the 2006 Tower 
Revenue Notes.   

2005  Credit  Facility.    In  2005,  CCOC  entered  into  the  now  terminated  credit  agreement  with  a  syndicate  of 
lenders, pursuant to which such lenders agreed to provide a $325.0 million revolving credit facility, as amended.  In 
2005, a portion of the proceeds was used to fund the acquisition of towers from Trintel Communications Inc. and to 
partially  fund  the  redemption  of  the  Company’s  8¼%  Convertible  Preferred  Stock.    In  June  2006,  the  Company 
terminated the 2005 Credit Facility and repaid the $295.0 million outstanding balance with proceeds from the 2006 
Credit Facility.   

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

10¾% Senior Notes due 2011 (―10¾% Senior Notes‖).  In 2000, the Company issued $500.0 million aggregate 
principal  amount  of  its  10¾%  Senior  Notes.    In  June  2005,  the  Company  purchased  a  significant  portion  of  the 
outstanding 10¾% Senior Notes and redeemed the remaining outstanding balance in August 2006.   

9⅜% Senior Notes due 2011 (―9⅜% Senior Notes‖).   In 2001, the Company issued $450.0 million aggregate 
principal  amount  of  its  9⅜%  Senior  Notes  for  proceeds  of  $441.0  million  (after  underwriting  discounts  of  $9.0 
million).    In  June  2005,  the  Company  purchased  a  significant  portion  of  the  outstanding  9⅜%  Senior  Notes  and 
redeemed the remaining outstanding balance in August 2006.   

Contractual Maturities 

The  following  are  the  scheduled  contractual  maturities  of  the  total  debt  outstanding  at  December  31,  2008, 
exclusive of the 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock.  These maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not 
consider  the  principal  payments  that  will  commence  following  the  anticipated  repayment  dates  on  the  Tower 
Revenue  Notes.    If  the  Tower  Revenue  Notes  are  not  paid  in  full  on  or  prior  to  June  2010  or  November  2011, 
respectively, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the Issuers (as defined in the indenture) will be 
used to repay principal of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (by an additional approximately 5% per 
annum) will accrue on the Tower Revenue Notes.  See also notes 10 and 22. 

Scheduled contractual maturities .......................  

$  469,404 

$ 

6,500  $  1,556,500  $ 

6,500 

$ 

6,551  $  4,056,125 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Thereafter 

Years Ending December 31, 

Purchases and Redemptions of the Company’s Debt Securities 

The  losses  on  purchases  and  redemptions  of  debt  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2006  consisted  of  the 

following: 

10¾% Senior Notes(c) ........................................................................   $ 
9⅜% Senior Notes(c) ..........................................................................  
2005 Credit Facility(d)........................................................................  
2006 Credit Facility(e) ........................................................................  

9,976 
1,695 
295,000 
997,500 

Principal 
Amount and 
Carrying Value 

Cash Paid(a) 

$ 

10,334 
1,774 
295,000 
998,085 

Total purchases and redemptions ........................................................   $ 

1,304,171 

$  1,305,193 

Including losses from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of an aggregate $4.8 million. 

(a)  Exclusive of cash paid for accrued interest. 
(b) 
(c)  Redeemed in August 2006. 
(d)  Terminated in June 2006. 
(e)  Terminated in November 2006 

Losses on 
Purchases(b) 

$ 

$ 

358 
78 
740 
4,667 

5,843 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Interest Rate Swaps 

The Company only enters into interest rate swaps to manage and reduce its interest rate risk, including the use 
of  (1)  forward  starting  interest  rate  swaps  to  hedge  its  exposure  to  variability  in  future  cash  flows  attributable  to 
changes in LIBOR on anticipated financing, including refinancings and potential future borrowings and (2) interest 
rate swaps to hedge the interest rate variability on a portion of the Company’s floating rate debt.  The Company does 
not enter into interest rate swaps for speculative or trading purposes.  The forward  starting interest rate swaps call 
for the Company to pay interest at a fixed rate in exchange for receiving interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR.  
The forward starting interest rate swaps are exclusive of any credit spread that would be incremental to the interest 
rate of the anticipated financing.   

The  Company  is  exposed  to  non-performance  risk  from  the  counterparties  to  its  interest  rate  swaps.    The 
Company  generally  uses  master  netting  arrangements  to  mitigate  non-performance  risk.    The  Company  does  not 
require collateral as security for its interest rate swaps.  In September 2008, the Company de-designated as hedging 
instruments two interest rate swaps with a combined notional value of $475 million that are held by a subsidiary of 
Lehman  Brothers  Holdings  Inc.  (―Lehman  Brothers‖)  because  of  the  probability  the  counterparty  would  default.  
The  Company’s other interest rate  swaps are  with Morgan  Stanley and the Royal Bank  of Scotland plc  who have 
credit ratings of ―A‖ or better. 

The following is a summary of the outstanding interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2008.   

Hedged Item(a) 

Combined 
Notional 

Start Date(d) 

End Date 

Pay Fixed 
Rate(b) 

Receive 
Variable Rate 

Variable to fixed – forward starting(c): 
2004 Mortgage Loan anticipated refinancing  ................................  $  293,825 
2005 Tower Revenue Notes anticipated refinancing(e) ..................    1,900,000 
2006 Tower Revenue Notes anticipated refinancing(e) ..................    1,550,000 
2006 Mortgage Loan anticipated refinancing .................................    1,550,000 

Dec. 2009 
June 2010 
Nov. 2011 
Feb. 2011 

Dec. 2014 
June 2015 
Nov. 2016 
Feb. 2016 

5.1% 
5.2% 
5.1% 
5.3% 

LIBOR 
LIBOR 
LIBOR 
LIBOR 

Variable to fixed: 
2007 Term Loans(f) ........................................................................   

625,000 

Dec. 2007 

Dec. 2009 

4.1% 

LIBOR 

Total ...............................................................................................  $  5,918,825 

Inclusive of interest rate swaps not designated as hedging instruments. 

(a) 
(b)  Exclusive of any applicable credit spreads. 
(c)  The forward starting interest rate swaps are cash flow hedges of the interest rate risk related to the variability in LIBOR on the forecasted 

refinancing of 87% of the outstanding debt as of December 31, 2008.   

(d)  On the respective effective dates (projected issuance dates), the forward-starting interest rate swaps will be terminated and settled in cash. 
(e)  The  hedges  of  the  anticipated  refinancing  of  the  2005  Tower  Revenue  Notes  and  2006  Tower  Revenue  Notes  are  inclusive  of  notional 

values of $275 million and $200 million, respectively, and are held by a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers. 

(f)  The  Company  has  effectively  fixed  the  interest  rate  for  two  years  on  $625.0  million  of  the  2007  Term  Loans  at  a  combined  rate  of 

approximately 4.1% (plus the applicable credit spread). 

The following is the effect of interest rate swaps on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement 
of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  The estimated net  pre-tax loss  that is expected to be reclassified 
into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive  income (loss) is $16.7 million for the  year ended December 
31, 2009.  See also notes 7 and 22. 

Interest Rate Swaps 

Classification 

Designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133: 

Current .........................................................................................  
Non-current ..................................................................................  
Not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 ..................  

Interest rate swaps, current 
Interest rate swaps, non-current 
Interest rate swaps, non-current 

Total ..................................................................................................  

Fair Value of Interest Rate Swaps 
Liability Derivatives 

December 31, 
2007 

December 31, 
2008 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,985 
61,356 
— 

52,539 
442,286 
46,346 

65,341 

$ 

541,171 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Years Ended December 31, 

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Hedging Instruments 
Under SFAS 133(a) 

Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion) ................   $ 
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into 
income (effective portion) ....................................................  
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income (ineffective 
portion and excluded from effectiveness testing) .................  

2006 

2007 

2008 

Classification 

(6,843) 

$  (67,541)  $ (445,614) 

(1,301) 

(3,020) 

(10,691) 

Other comprehensive income (―OCI‖) 
Interest expense and amortization of 
deferred financing costs 

333 

― 

(3,777) 

Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps 

Interest Rate Swaps Not Designated as Hedging 
Instruments Under SFAS 133(a) 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Classification 

Years Ended December 31, 

Gain (loss) recognized in income ...............................................................  

158 

$ 

$ 

― 

$  (34,111) 

Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps 

(a)  Exclusive of benefit (provision) for income taxes. 

7.  Fair Value Disclosures 

The  following  is  the  estimated  fair  values  of  the  Company’s  financial  instruments,  along  with  the  carrying 

amounts of the related assets (liabilities).  See also note 22. 

December 31, 2007 

December 31, 2008 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair 
Value 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair 
Value 

Cash and cash equivalents ...................................................................  $ 
Restricted cash .....................................................................................  
Available-for-sale securities ................................................................  
Short-term and long-term debt (a) .......................................................  
Interest rate swaps, net (b) ...................................................................  

75,245 
170,556 
60,085 
  (6,069,195) 
(65,341) 

$ 

75,245 
170,556 
60,085 
  (6,127,887) 
(65,341) 

$ 

155,219 
152,852 
4,216 
  (6,096,744) 
(541,171) 

$ 

155,219 
152,852 
4,216 
  (4,803,540) 
(541,171) 

(a)  The decline in fair value of debt from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2008 is predominately due to (1) the decline in fair value of the 
tower  revenues  notes  and  mortgage  loans  in  the  aggregate  of  approximately  $1.0  billion  and  (2)  the  impact  of  the  conversion  of  the 
remaining  4%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  which  had  a  fair  value  and  carrying  value  of  approximately  $243  million  and  $63.8  million, 
respectively, as of December 31, 2007.   

(b)  See note 6. 

As discussed in note 1, the Company adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008  with the exception of a one-year 
deferral of implementation for certain non-financial assets and liabilities.  The following table presents information 
about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008 and 
indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.   

Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2008 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

Cash and cash equivalents .........................................................   $  155,219 
152,852 
Restricted cash ...........................................................................  
4,216 
Available-for-sale securities ......................................................  

$  312,287 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

$ 

155,219 
152,852 
4,216 

$ 

312,287 

Interest rate swaps ......................................................................  

— 

$ 

― 

541,171 (a)  $ 

541,171 

(a)  As of December 31, 2008, $75.0 million of the fair value related to credit risk and the amount of the liability on a cash settlement basis is 
approximately $616.2 million.  The credit risk adjustment primarily related to the Company’s non-performance risk. 

Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2008 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The following is a summary of the activity for fair value classified as level 3 during the year ended December 

31, 2008: 

Beginning balance .....................................................................................  
Transfers in (out) of level 3(a) ...........................................................  

Ending balance...........................................................................................  

Fair Value Measurements Using 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) 

Interest Rate Swaps 

$ 

$ 

― 
541,171 

541,171 

(a)  The Company reclassified its interest rate swaps to level 3 effective December 31, 2008 based on the  increase in the  significance of the 

unobservable input related to credit risk. 

8.  Income Taxes 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and  minority interests by geographic area is as 

follows: 

Domestic ....................................................................................................  $ 
Foreign .......................................................................................................   

(43,201)    $ 
(5,172)     

(307,953)    $ 
(9,050)     

(145,086) 
(8,133) 

$ 

(48,373)    $ 

(317,003)    $ 

(153,219) 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

The benefit (provision) for income taxes consists of the following: 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Current: 
  Federal ..................................................................................................  $ 
  Foreign .................................................................................................   
  State ......................................................................................................   
Deferred: 
  Federal ..................................................................................................   
  State ......................................................................................................   

  $ 

(2,003) 
(378) 
(765) 

(1,535)    $ 
(1,583)     
(1,757)     

— 
2,303 

97,763 
1,151 

$ 

(843) 

  $ 

94,039 

  $ 

(1,958) 
(2,496) 
(4,742) 

111,728 
1,829 

104,361 

For  the  year  ended  December  31  2008,  the  Company  has  incurred  $4.1  million  of  alternative  minimum  tax 
liability and recognized the related alternative minimum tax carryforward.  The alternative minimum tax credit has 
an indefinite carryforward period. 

A  reconciliation  between  the  benefit  (provision)  for  income  taxes  and  the  amount  computed  by  applying  the 
federal statutory income tax rate to the loss from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests is 
as follows: 

Benefit for income taxes at statutory rate...................................................  $ 
Tax effect of foreign losses ........................................................................   
Expenses for which no federal tax benefit was recognized ........................   
Losses for which no tax benefit was recognized ........................................   
State tax (provision) benefit .......................................................................   
Foreign tax .................................................................................................   
Change in unrecognized tax benefits .........................................................   
Other ..........................................................................................................   

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

16,931    $ 
(1,810)    
(1,737)    
(12,311)    
(1,538)    
(378)    
―     
—     

110,951 

  $ 

(3,168)     
(742)     
(8,373)     
(606)     
(1,583)     
― 
(2,440)     

53,626 
(2,846) 
(675) 
(19,554) 
(2,913) 
(2,496) 
71,687 
7,532 

$ 

(843)    $ 

94,039 

  $ 

104,361 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
 
     
     
 
  
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Deferred income tax liabilities: 

Property and equipment .......................................................................................................   $ 
Deferred site rental receivable .............................................................................................    
Intangible assets ...................................................................................................................    

497,274  $ 

56,084 
762,486 

464,335 
66,757 
736,933 

Total deferred income tax liabilities ............................................................................    

1,315,844 

1,268,025 

Deferred income tax assets: 

Net operating loss carryforwards .........................................................................................    
Deferred ground lease payable .............................................................................................    
Alternate minimum tax credit carryforward ........................................................................    
Accrued liabilities ................................................................................................................    
Receivables allowance .........................................................................................................    
Prepaid lease ........................................................................................................................    
Derivative instruments .........................................................................................................    
Available-for-sale securities ................................................................................................    
Valuation allowances ...........................................................................................................    

660,284 
68,611 
14,666 
50,356 
2,604 
464,834 
26,442 
8,373 
(148,093) 

681,827 
82,874 
13,629 
53,068 
2,470 
461,030 
189,410 
27,927 
(256,325) 

Total deferred income tax assets, net ...........................................................................    

1,148,077 

1,255,910 

Net deferred income tax asset (liabilities) ....................................................................................   $ 

(167,767)  $ 

(12,115) 

Valuation allowances of $148.1 million and $256.3 million were recognized to offset net deferred income tax 

assets as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.  The components of the valuation allowance are as follows: 

December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Statement of operations: 

Federal ...................................................................................................................  
State .......................................................................................................................  
Foreign ...................................................................................................................  
Other comprehensive income (loss) ...............................................................................  

$ 

8,373 
81,948 
57,772 
― 

$ 

27,927 
74,815 
50,239 
103,344 

$ 

148,093 

$ 

256,325 

The  valuation  allowance  recorded  in  other  comprehensive  income  relates  to  the  changes  in  the  Company’s 
overall deferred tax position due to the deferred tax asset recorded in conjunction with the decline in the fair market 
value of the Company’s interest rate swaps. 

At  December  31,  2008,  the  Company  had  U.S.  federal,  state  and  foreign  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  of 
approximately  $1.7  billion,  $1.1 billion  and  $0.1  billion,  respectively,  which  are  available  to offset  future  taxable 
income.    The  federal  loss  carryforwards  will  expire  in  2021  through  2027.    The  state  net  operating  loss 
carryforwards  expire  in  2012  through  2027.    The  foreign  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  predominately  remain 
available  indefinitely  provided  certain  continuity  of  business  requirements  is  met.    The  utilization  of  the  loss 
carryforwards is subject to certain limitations.  The Company’s U.S. federal and state income tax returns  generally 
remain open to examination by taxing authorities until three years after the applicable loss carryforwards have been 
used or expired.   

On January 12, 2007, the Company recorded deferred tax  liabilities of $556.6  million in connection  with the 
purchase  accounting  related  to  the  Global  Signal  Merger.    Additionally,  as  a  result  of  recording  this  deferred  tax 
liability,  the  Company  reversed  $259.7  million  of  its  federal  deferred  tax  valuation  allowance  in  purchase 
accounting with an offsetting adjustment to predominately decrease goodwill arising from the Global Signal Merger. 

As  discussed  in  note  1,  the  Company  adopted  FIN  48  on  January  1,  2007.    Upon  adoption  of  FIN  48,  the 
Company recorded (1) a decrease to its tax liabilities related to previously unrecorded tax benefits as an adjustment 

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

to the opening balance of accumulated deficit of $4.7 million and (2) an increase to its deferred tax asset and related 
valuation allowance of $74.9 million related to previously unrecognized tax benefits.   

The aggregate changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2008 were: 

Balance at the beginning of year ..............................................................................................................  
Increases related to prior year tax positions .............................................................................................  
Reductions for settlements with taxing authorities ..................................................................................  

$ 

74,900 
3,213 
(74,900) 

Balance at the end of year ........................................................................................................................  

$ 

3,213 

From time to time, the Company is subject to examination by various tax authorities in jurisdictions in which 
the  Company  has  significant  business  operations.    The  Company  regularly  assesses  the  likelihood  of  additional 
assessments in each of the tax jurisdictions resulting from these examinations.  During 2008, the Internal Revenue 
Service  (―IRS‖)  completed  the  examination  of  the  Company’s  U.S.  federal  income  tax  return  for  2004,  which 
commenced  during  2007;  and  a  refund  of  $0.8  million  was  received.    As  a  result  of  the  completion  of  the 
examination,  for the  year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded income tax benefits of $74.9 million 
from the recording of net operating losses related to previously unrecognized tax benefits.   

9.  Minority Interests 

Minority  interests  primarily  represent  the  minority  shareholders’  22.4%  interests  in  CCAL,  the  Company’s 
77.6%  majority-owned  subsidiary,  and  the  minority  shareholders’  approximately  2%  interests  in  Mountain  Union 
(from  July  1,  2006  to  January  2,  2007).    In  May  2007,  CCAL  issued  a  capital  return  of  approximately  $166.0 
million,  including  $37.2  million  to  its  minority  shareholders.    Upon  issuance  of  the  capital  return,  the  Company 
recorded  a  reduction  in  additional  paid-in  capital  of  $8.9  million  as  a  result  of  the  capital  return  to  the  CCAL 
minority  shareholders  exceeding  the  carrying  value  of  the  minority  interests  in  CCAL.    The  income  or  losses 
applicable to the minority shareholders of CCAL are included in the Company’s results as long as their share of the 
CCAL  cumulative  losses  exceeds  their  equity  interests.    See  note  1  regarding  adoption  of  SFAS  160  effective 
January 1, 2009. 

10.  Redeemable Preferred Stock 

Redeemable preferred stock consists of the following: 

December 31, 

2007 

2008 

6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock .........................................................................................................  $  313,798 $  314,726 

6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock 

The Company originally issued 8.1 million shares of its 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock at a price of $50.00 
per share (the liquidation preference per share).  The holders of the 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled 
to receive  cumulative dividends at the rate  of 6.25% per annum payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and 
November 15 of each year.  The Company has the option to pay dividends in cash or in shares of its common stock.  
The dividends were paid with approximately $19.9 million of cash for each of the years ended December 31, 2006, 
2007  and  2008.    The  amortization  of  the  issue  costs  on  the  6.25%  Convertible  Preferred  Stock  to  ―dividends  on 
preferred stock‖  was $0.9  million  for each of  years ended  December 31,  2006, 2007  and  2008.   The Company is 
required to redeem all outstanding shares of the 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock on August 15, 2012 at a price 
equal to the liquidation preference plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. 

The shares of 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible, at the option of the holder, in whole or in part 
at  any  time,  into  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  at  a  conversion  price  of  $36.875  per  share  of  common 
stock.  Under certain circumstances, the Company generally has the right to convert the 6.25% Convertible Preferred 
Stock, in whole or in part, into 8.6 million shares of common stock, if the price per share of the Company’s common 
stock equals or exceeds 120% of the conversion price, or $44.25, for at least 20 trading days in any consecutive 30-
day trading period.  

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The  Company’s  obligations  with  respect  to  the  6.25%  Convertible  Preferred  Stock  are  subordinate  to  all 
indebtedness  of  the  Company  and  are  effectively  subordinate  to  all  debt  and  liabilities  of  the  Company’s 
subsidiaries.  

11.  Stockholders’ Equity 

Purchases of the Company’s Common Stock 

In 2006, the Company purchased 15.9 million shares of common stock in public market transactions, utilizing 

$518.0 million in cash to affect these purchases.   

In  January  2007,  the  Company  purchased  an  aggregate  of  17.7  million  shares  of  its  common  stock  from  (1) 
certain investment funds affiliated with Fortress Investment Group, (2) Greenhill Capital Partners L.P. and certain of 
its  related  partnerships,  and  (3)  Abrams  Capital  Partners  L.P.  (collectively  ―Global  Signal  Significant 
Stockholders‖).  The Company paid total consideration of $600.5 million in cash to effect these purchases.  These 
purchases of common stock were primarily funded through borrowings under the 2007 Term Loan A.  In addition, 
during  2007, the  Company purchased  3.2  million  shares of common  stock in public  market transactions,  utilizing 
$126.0 million in cash to effect these purchases. 

In  January  2008,  the  Company  purchased  1.1  million  shares  of  common  stock  in  public  market  transactions 

utilizing $42.0 million in cash. 

Issuances of Common Stock 

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the Company issued 24,120, 30,752 and 32,977 shares, 
respectively,  of  common  stock  to  the  non-employee  members  of  its  board  of  directors.    In  connection  with  these 
shares, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31,  2006, 2007 
and 2008 of $0.7 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  

In connection with the Global Signal Merger, the Company issued 98.1 million shares of common stock to the 

stockholders of Global Signal which were recorded at a value of $34.20 per share.  See note 2. 

4% Convertible Senior Notes 

During  2006,  2007  and  2008,  holders  converted  $0.1  million,  less  than  $0.1  million  and  $63.8  million, 
respectively, of the 4% Convertible Senior Notes into 11,541 shares, 3,416 shares and 5.9 million shares of common 
stock, respectively.  As of December 31, 2008, there were no 4% Convertible Senior Notes outstanding. 

Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards 

See note 12 for a discussion of the stock option and restricted stock awards activity.  

Shares Reserved For Issuance  

The following is a summary of the shares reserved for future issuance as of December 31, 2008.   

Common Stock: 

6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock .....................................................................................................................  
U.S. stock-based compensation plans..................................................................................................................  

8,625 
15,782 

Total shares reserved for future issuance ................................................................................................  

24,407 

December 31, 2008 

(In thousands of shares) 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

12.  Stock-based Compensation 

Stock Compensation Plans 

The Crown Castle International Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (―2001 Stock Incentive Plan‖) and the Crown 
Castle  International  Corp.  2004  Stock  Incentive  Plan  (―2004  Stock  Incentive  Plan‖),  which  are  both  stockholder-
approved, permit the grant of stock-based awards to certain employees, consultants and non-employee directors of 
the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  or  affiliates,  of  up  to  8.0  million  and  14.7  million  shares  of  common  stock, 
respectively, as of December 31, 2008.   

Since 2003, the Company  uses CCIC restricted  stock awards as  a long-term incentive to its employees.  The 
Company  has  not  granted  CCIC  stock  options  since  2003  and  has  not  granted  options  to  executive  management 
since October 2001.  In addition, CCAL may award options to its employees and directors for the purchase of CCAL 
shares.    The  CCAL  vested  options  and  shares  may  be  periodically  settled  in  cash.    The  liability  for  the  CCAL 
options was $6.2 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2008. 

Restricted Stock Awards 

The  Company’s  restricted  stock  awards  to  certain  executives  and  employees  include  (1)  annual  performance 
awards that often include provisions for accelerated vesting and provisions for forfeiture by the employee if certain 
market  performance  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  is  not  achieved,  (2)  new  hire  or  promotional  awards  that 
generally  contain  only  service  conditions,  and  (3)  other  awards  related  to  specific  business  initiatives  or 
compensation objectives including retention and merger integration.  The restricted stock awards vest over periods 
up to five years.   

The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity during the year ended December 31, 2008. 

(In thousands of shares) 
Shares outstanding at the beginning of year..............................................................................................................  
Shares granted ...........................................................................................................................................................  
Shares vested ............................................................................................................................................................  
Shares forfeited .........................................................................................................................................................  

2,255 
1,400 
(224) 
(682) 

Number of 
Shares 

Weighted-
Average  
Grant-Date 
Fair Value 

(In dollars 
per share) 
$ 

23.2 
26.4 
30.1 
15.6 

Shares outstanding at end of year .............................................................................................................................  

2,749 

$ 

26.2 

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 the Company granted 1.2 million shares, 1.4 million 
shares and 1.4 million shares, respectively, of restricted stock awards to the Company’s executives and certain other 
employees.  The  weighted-average grant-date  fair value  per share of the  grants for the  years ended December 31, 
2006,  2007  and  2008  was  $23.63,  $23.76  and  $26.38  per  share,  respectively.    The  weighted-average  requisite 
service period for the restricted stock awards granted during 2008 was 2.6 years.   

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Certain  restricted  stock  awards  contain  provisions  that  result  in  forfeiture  by  the  employee  of  any  unvested 
shares in the event that the Company’s common stock does not achieve certain price targets.  To the extent that the 
requisite  service  period  is  rendered,  compensation  cost  for  accounting  purposes  is  not  reversed;  rather,  it  is 
recognized regardless of whether or not the market performance target is achieved.  The following is a summary of 
restricted stock awards granted in 2006, 2007 and 2008 with these forfeiture provisions: 

Restricted Stock Award 

Grant Date 

Shares Awarded 

Market Condition 
Price Target (a) 

Date Unvested Amounts 
May Be Forfeited(d) 

Performance award for executives ..............  February 2006 
Retention award for executives ...................  February 2006 
Performance award for executives ..............  February 2007 
Integration awards ......................................  February 2007 
Performance award for executives ..............  February 2008 
Performance award for non-executives .......  February 2008 

(In thousands of shares) 
349 
416 
279 
673 
329 
306 

(In dollars per share) 
37.1 
$ 
42.5 
41.4 
44.5 
41.5 
41.5 

―(b) 
February 23, 2009 
February 22, 2011 
December 31, 2008(c) 
February 21, 2011 
February 21, 2011 

(a)  Price target must be achieved for 20 consecutive trading days. 
(b)  As discussed below, the price target was met for the first one-third of the award to accelerate vest.  The price target of $37.07 was also met 

for the award to vest on February 23, 2010, if the remaining two-thirds do not otherwise accelerate vest before that date. 

(c)  During 2007, because of the critical importance of successfully integrating Global Signal into Crown Castle, the integration awards were 
granted  to  certain  executives  and  non-executive  employees.    On  December  31,  2008,  the  integration  awards  granted  during  2007  were 
forfeited as the market performance target was not met.  In December 2008, the Company granted new restricted stock awards totaling 0.4 
million  shares  that  vest  over  three  years  and  contain  no  market  conditions  to  the  non-executive  employees  who  previously  received  the 
integration awards. 
If  the  price  target  begins  to  be  met  on  or  prior  to  these  dates  and  the  20  consecutive  trading  days  is  completed  after  these  dates,  the 
remaining unvested restricted stock awards will vest as of the end of 20 consecutive trading day period. 

(d) 

The  performance  restricted  stock  awards  granted  during  2006  and  2007  contain  provisions  for  accelerated 
vesting based on the market performance of the Company’s common stock.  The first one-third of the performance 
awards granted in 2006 and 2007 has accelerated vested.  In  order to reach the second target level for accelerated 
vesting of an additional one-third of the restricted stock awards granted in 2006 and 2007, the market price of the 
common stock would have to close at or above $40.85 per share and $45.63 per share, respectively (115% of each of 
the previous target levels), for 20 consecutive days.  In order to reach the third target level for accelerated vesting of 
an  additional  one-third  of  the  restricted  stock  awards  granted  in  2006  and  2007,  the  market  price  of  the  common 
stock  would  have  to  close  at  or  above  $46.98  per  share  and  $52.47  per  share,  respectively  (115%  of  each  of  the 
previous target levels), for 20 consecutive trading days.   

The  following  table  summarizes  the  assumptions  used  in  the  Monte  Carlo  simulation  to  determine  the  grant-
date  fair  value  for  the  awards  granted  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2008  with  market  conditions  and  the 
derived service period for awards with accelerated vesting provisions.  

Risk-free rate ................................................. 2.4% 
Expected volatility ......................................... 27% 
Expected dividend rate ..................................... 0% 

The  Company  recognized  stock-based  compensation  expense  from  continuing  operations  related  to  restricted 
stock awards of $12.3 million, $20.5 million and $24.7 million for the  years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 
2008, respectively.  The unrecognized compensation (net of estimated forfeitures) related to restricted stock awards 
at  December  31,  2008  is  $30.7  million  and  is  estimated  to  be  recognized  over  a  weighted-average  period  of 
approximately one year.  

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The  following  table  is a summary of the restricted stock awards vested during the  years ended December 31, 

2006 to 2008.   

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 .....................................................................................................................................  
2007 .....................................................................................................................................  
2008 .....................................................................................................................................  

CCIC Stock Options 

Total Shares 
Vested 

(In thousands 
 of shares) 
12 
305 
224 

Fair Value on 
Vesting Date 

$ 

408 
10,686 
8,018 

The  Company  has  not  granted  CCIC  stock  options  since  awarding  55,000  options  during  the  year  ended 

December 31, 2003 and has not granted options to executive management since October 2001.   

A  summary  of  CCIC  stock  option  activity  under  the  various  equity  incentive  plans  is  as  follows  for  the  year 

ended December 31, 2008: 

Options outstanding at beginning of year ..............................................................................................  
Options exercised ...................................................................................................................  
Options expired or forfeited ..................................................................................................................  

4,603 
(526) 
(78) 

Options outstanding at end of year ........................................................................................................  

3,999 

Options exercisable at end of year ........................................................................................................  

3,999 

Number of 
Shares 

(In thousands 
 of shares) 

Weighted-Average 
Exercise 
Price 

(In dollars 
per share) 
16.9 
$ 
16.5 
29.6 

16.7 

16.7 

The intrinsic value of CCIC stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 
was  $37.2  million,  $23.9  million  and  $10.4  million,  respectively.    The  intrinsic  value  of  CCIC  stock  options 
outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2008 was $3.5 million.  The Company received cash from the exercise 
of CCIC stock options during the years ended December 31,  2006, 2007 and 2008 of $45.5 million, $28.6 million 
and  $8.7  million,  respectively.    The  Company  uses  newly  issued  shares  of  common  stock  to  settle  CCIC  option 
exercises.   

A summary of options outstanding as of December 31, 2008 is as follows: 

Exercise Prices 

Number of 
Options 
Outstanding 

Number of Options 
Exercisable 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Term 

$1.74 to $5.00 .......................................................................................  
5.01 to 17.58 .........................................................................................  
17.59 to 39.75 .......................................................................................  

Total/weighted-average ........................................................................  

35 
2,214 
1,750 

3,999 

35 
2,214 
1,750 

3,999 

(In thousands of shares) 

(In years) 
3.8 
2.4 
1.2 

1.9 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Stock-based Compensation by Segment 

The  following  table  discloses  the  components  of  stock-based  compensation  expense.    No  amounts  have  been 
included in the carrying value of assets during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008.  For the years 
ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the Company recorded tax benefits of $-0-, $8.2 million and $9.1 million 
related to stock-based compensation expense. 

Year Ended December 31, 2006 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Consolidated 
Total 

Stock-based compensation expense: 

Site rental costs of operations ........................................................................   $ 
Network services and other costs of operations .............................................  
General and administrative expenses .............................................................  

174 
198 
14,524 

$ 

— 
— 
1,822 

$ 

174 
198 
16,346 

Total stock-based compensation .......................................................   $  14,896 

$ 

1,822 

$  16,718 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Consolidated 
Total  

Stock-based compensation expense: 

Site rental costs of operations ........................................................................   $ 
Network services and other costs of operations .............................................  
General and administrative expenses .............................................................  
Restructuring charges (credits).......................................................................  
Integration costs .............................................................................................  

396 
371 
19,608 
2,377 
790 

$ 

Total stock-based compensation .......................................................   $  23,542 

$ 

— 
— 
4,712 
— 
— 

4,712 

$ 

396 
371 
24,320 
2,377 
790 

$  28,254 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Consolidated 
Total  

Stock-based compensation expense: 

Site rental costs of operations ........................................................................   $ 
Network services and other costs of operations .............................................  
General and administrative expenses .............................................................  

935 
870 
24,091 

$ 

Total stock-based compensation .......................................................   $  25,896 

$ 

― 
― 
2,871 

2,871 

$ 

935 
870 
26,962 

$  28,767 

13.  Employee Benefit Plans 

The  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  have  various  defined  contribution  savings  plans  covering  substantially  all 
employees.  Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their eligible compensation, subject to limits imposed by 
the various plans.  Certain of the plans provide for partial matching of such contributions.  The cost to the Company 
for  these  plans  amounted  to  $3.1  million,  $4.3  million  and  $4.4  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2006, 
2007 and 2008, respectively. 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

14.  Related Party Transactions 

On  January  19,  2007,  the  Company  purchased  17.7  million  shares  from  the  Global  Signal  Significant 

Stockholders in a private transaction.  See note 11. 

15.  Commitments and Contingencies 

The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business 
along with a derivative lawsuit as described below.  While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of 
such  matters, and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate  costs  or losses  that  may be  incurred, if any, 
management believes the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs should not have a material 
adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

In  February  2007,  plaintiffs  filed  a  consolidated  petition  styled  In  Re  Crown  Castle  International  Corp. 
Derivative  Litigation,  Cause  No. 2006-49592;  in  the  234th  Judicial  District  Court,  Harris  County,  Texas  which 
consolidated five stockholder derivative lawsuits filed in 2006.  The lawsuit names various of the Company's current 
and  former  directors  and  officers.    The  lawsuit  makes  allegations  relating  to  the  Company's  historic  stock  option 
practices and alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar matters. Among the forms of relief, the 
lawsuit seeks alleged monetary damages sustained by CCIC. 

Asset Retirement Obligations 

Pursuant  to  its  ground  lease  agreements,  the  Company  has  the  obligation  to  perform  certain  asset  retirement 
activities,  including  requirements  upon  lease  termination  to  remove  towers  or  remediate  the  land  upon  which  its 
towers  reside.    Accretion  expense  related  to  liabilities  for  contingent  retirement  obligations  amounted  to  $1.6 
million,  $2.5  million  and  $2.5  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2006,  2007  and  2008,  respectively.    At 
December 31, 2007 and 2008, liabilities for contingent retirement obligations amounted to $29.2 million and $53.8 
million,  respectively,  representing  the  net  present  value  of  the  estimated  expected  future  cash  outlay.    During  the 
year ended December 31, 2008, the Company increased the liability by $23.7 million as a result of revisions in the 
estimated cash flows.  As of December 31, 2008, the estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement 
obligations was approximately $1.8 billion.  See note 1. 

Property Tax Commitments 

The Company is obligated to pay, or reimburse others for, property taxes related to the Company’s towers pursuant to 
operating leases with landlords and other contractual agreements.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company 
paid, or reimbursed others for, property taxes of approximately $49.7 million, inclusive of the payment to Sprint Nextel 
discussed below.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company estimates that it will pay, or reimburse others for, 
property  taxes  of  approximately  $48  million,  inclusive  of  the  payment  to  Sprint  Nextel  discussed  below.    The  property 
taxes for the year ended December 31, 2009 and future periods are contingent upon new assessments of the towers and the 
Company’s appeals of assessments.     

As a result of a commitment that remained effective at the closing of the Global Signal Merger, the Company has an 
obligation  to  reimburse  Sprint Nextel  for  property  taxes  Sprint  Nextel  will  pay  for  the  Company’s  Sprint  Towers.    The 
Company paid $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 ($2,223 per tower) and expects to pay $14.5 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The amount per tower to be paid to Sprint Nextel increases by 3% each successive 
year through 2037, the expiration of the lease term.  See note 2.   

Letters of Credit 

The  Company  has  issued  letters  of  credit  to  various  landlords,  insurers  and  other  parties  in  connection  with 
certain contingent retirement obligations under various  tower land leases and certain other contractual obligations.  
The letters of credit were issued through the Company’s lenders in amounts aggregating $14.6 million and expire on 
various dates through August 2011. 

Operating Lease Commitments 

See note 16 for a discussion of the operating lease commitments.  

77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

16.  Leases 

Tenant Leases 

The following table is a summary of the rental cash payments to the Company, as a lessor, by tenants pursuant 
to lease agreements in effect as of December 31, 2008.  Generally, the Company’s leases with its tenants provide for 
(1) annual escalations and multiple renewal periods at the tenant’s option and (2) only limited termination rights at 
the tenant’s option through the current term.  The tenant rental payments included in the table below are through the 
current term and do not assume exercise of tenant renewal options. 

Tenant leases .........................  

$  1,296,601  $  1,057,951  $ 

868,469  $ 

727,970  $ 

604,228  $  1,998,092 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Thereafter 

Years Ending December 31, 

Operating Leases 

The  following  table  is  a  summary  of  rental  cash  payments  owed  by  the  Company,  as  lessee,  to  landlords 
pursuant to lease agreements in effect as of December 31, 2008.  The Company is obligated under non-cancelable 
operating  leases  for  land  under  74%  of  its  towers,  office  space  and  equipment.    In  addition,  the  Company  has 
operating  leases  under  which  it  manages  space  on  towers  owned  by  third  parties  under  3%  of  its  towers.    The 
majority  of  these  operating  lease  agreements  have  certain  termination  rights  that  provide  for  cancellation  after  a 
notice period.  The majority of the land and managed tower leases have multiple renewal options at the Company’s 
option and annual escalations.   Lease agreements  may also contain provisions  for a contingent payment based on 
revenues or the gross  margin  derived from the tower located on the leased land.   Approximately  45% of  the  land 
under  the  Company’s  towers  has  remaining  terms  to  expiration  (including  renewals  at  the  Company’s  option)  of 
greater  than  15  years.    The  operating  lease  payments  included  in  the  table  below  include  payments  for  certain 
renewal  periods  at  the  Company’s  option  up  to  the  estimated  tower  useful  life  of  20  years  and  an  estimate  of 
contingent payments based on revenues and gross margins derived from existing tenant leases.   

Operating leases ....................  

$ 

280,071  $ 

281,278  $ 

284,172  $ 

287,208  $ 

287,481  $  3,505,725 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Thereafter 

Years Ending December 31, 

Rental expense from operating leases was $142.7 million, $309.2 million and $313.1 million, respectively, for 
the  years  ended  December  31,  2006,  2007  and  2008.    The  rental  expense  was  inclusive  of  contingent  payments 
based on revenues or gross margin derived from the tower located on the leased land of $15.2 million, $49.3 million 
and $49.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008. 

17.  Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment 

On  July  23,  2007,  the  Company  entered  into  a  lease  of  its  Spectrum.    The  Spectrum  is  leased  to  a  venture 
formed by Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd., Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P., 
Telcom Ventures, LLC and Columbia Capital LLC (―HHTC‖) for a $13 million annual lease fee with an initial term 
from July 23, 2007 until October 1, 2013.  Upon the expiration of the initial term of the lease,  HHTC will have the 
right to acquire the Spectrum for $130 million, escalated at CPI from July 2007, or to renew the lease for a period of 
up  to  ten  years  on  the  same  terms,  subject  to  the  annual  lease  fee  increasing  to  $14.3  million.  As  part  of  such 
transaction, the Company also transferred for nominal consideration the subsidiary holding the assets related to its 
former trial network in New York City.  In addition, the Company is the preferred provider of tower infrastructure 
for future tower sites during the term of the lease if and as the Spectrum is deployed by HHTC.  See note 19 for a 
discussion  of  the  asset  write-down  charges  recorded  that  related  to  the  write-off  of  substantially  all  of  Modeo’s 
assets other than the Spectrum and the restructuring charges related to the termination of the Modeo employees. 

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

18.  Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk 

Operating Segments 

The  Company’s  reportable  operating  segments  are  (1)  CCUSA,  primarily  consisting  of  the  Company’s  U.S. 
(including  Puerto  Rico)  tower  operations,  and  (2)  CCAL,  the  Company’s  Australian  tower  operations.    Financial 
results  for  the  Company  are  reported  to  management  and  the  board  of  directors  in  this  manner.    The  results  of 
operations from Global Signal have been included in the CCUSA segment from January 12, 2007.   

The  measurement of profit or loss currently used by management to evaluate the results of operations for the 
Company and its operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as 
adjusted (―Adjusted EBITDA‖).   The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus  restructuring 
charges  (credits),  asset  write-down  charges,  integration  costs,  depreciation,  amortization  and  accretion,  interest 
expense and amortization of deferred financing costs,  losses on purchases and redemptions of debt,  net gain (loss) 
on  interest  rate  swaps,  impairment  of  available-for-sale  securities,  interest  and  other  income  (expense),  benefit 
(provision) for income taxes, minority interests, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, income (loss) 
from  discontinued  operations  and  stock-based  compensation  expense.    Adjusted  EBITDA  is  not  intended  as  an 
alternative  measure  of  operating  results  or  cash  flows  from  operations  (as  determined  in  accordance  with  U.S. 
generally  accepted  accounting  principles),  and  the  Company’s  measure  of  Adjusted  EBITDA  may  not  be 
comparable  to  similarly  titled  measures  of  other  companies  (including  as  may  be  used  in  the  historical  financial 
statements of Global Signal).  There are no significant revenues resulting from transactions between the Company’s 
operating segments.   Inter-company borrowings and related interest between  segments  are eliminated to reconcile 
segment results and assets to the consolidated basis. 

79 

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The financial results for the Company’s operating segments are as follows: 

Year Ended December 31, 2006 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Elim(b) 

Consolidated 
Total 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Elim(b) 

Consolidated 
Total 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Elim(b) 

Net revenues: 

Site rental ............................................  $ 
Network services and other ................. 

Costs of operations(a): 

Site rental ............................................ 
Network services and other ................. 
General and administrative ........................... 
Restructuring charges (credits) ...................... 
Asset write-down charges ............................. 
Integration costs ............................................ 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion ...... 

Operating income (loss) ................................ 
Interest expense and amortization of 

$ 

644,050 
84,308 

728,358 

$ 

52,674 
7,189  

59,863 

196,166 
56,874 
92,305 
(391) 
2,945 
1,503 
258,067 

120,889 

16,288 
3,633 
12,227 
— 
— 
— 
27,177 

538 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

$ 

696,724 
91,497 

$  1,214,965 
89,706 

$ 

788,221 

  1,304,671 

212,454 
60,507 
104,532 
(391) 
2,945 
1,503 
285,244 

121,427 

421,507 
60,028 
126,108 
3,191 
65,515 
25,418 
512,389 

90,515 

71,503 
9,312 

80,815 

21,835 
5,714 
16,738 
— 
— 
— 
27,515 

9,013 

$  — 
— 

$ 

1,286,468 
99,018 

$  1,324,677 
113,392 

$ 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

1,385,486 

  1,438,069 

443,342 
65,742 
142,846 
3,191 
65,515 
25,418 
539,904 

99,528 

432,896 
77,360 
133,439 
― 
16,696 
2,504 
498,834 

276,340 

$ 

77,882 
10,553 

88,435 

23,227 
5,092 
16,147 
― 
192 
― 
27,608 

16,169 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

Consolidated 
Total 

$ 

1,402,559 
123,945 

1,526,504 

456,123 
82,452 
149,586 
― 
16,888 
2,504 
526,442 

292,509 

deferred financing costs.......................... 

(158,956) 

(7,153) 

3,781 

(162,328) 

(346,995 ) 

(16,210 ) 

  12,946 

(350,259) 

(351,339 ) 

(25,079 ) 

22,304 

(354,114) 

Losses on purchases and redemptions of 

debt 

Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps .................. 
Impairment of available-for-sale securities ... 
Interest and other income (expense) .............. 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes ............. 
Minority interests .......................................... 

Income (loss) from continuing operations ..... 
Income (loss) from discontinued 
operations ..................................................... 

(5,843) 
491 
— 
1,147 
(465) 
75 

― 
― 
— 
514 
(378) 
1,591 

(42,662) 

(4,888) 

5,657 

— 

Net income (loss) ..........................................  $ 

(37,005) 

Capital expenditures .....................................  $ 

119,976 

$ 

$ 

(4,888) 

4,844 

$ 

$ 

Total assets (at year end) ............................... 

― 
― 
— 
(3,781) 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(a)  Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately. 
(b)  Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense. 

5,657 

(41,893) 

124,820 

$ 

$ 

(5,843) 
491 
— 
(2,120) 
(843) 
1,666 

― 
― 
(75,623 ) 
21,515 
95,304 
362 

(47,550) 

(214,922 ) 

― 
― 
— 
782 
(1,265 ) 
(211 ) 

(7,891 ) 

— 

— 

― 
― 
— 
  (12,946 ) 
— 
— 

— 

— 

― 
― 
(75,623) 
9,351 
94,039 
151 

(222,813) 

42 
(37,888 ) 
(55,869 ) 
23,790 
106,553 
― 

(38,371 ) 

― 
― 
― 
615 
(2,192 ) 
― 

(10,487 ) 

— 

— 

— 

― 
― 
— 
(22,304 ) 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

42 
(37,888) 
(55,869) 
2,101 
104,361 
― 

(48,858) 

— 

$ 

$ 

(48,858) 

450,732 

(10,487 ) 

44,667 

$ 

$ 

243,657 

$ (212,368 ) 

$  10,361,722 

$ 

$ 

(214,922 ) 

279,978 

$ 10,444,655 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(7,891 ) 

$  — 

20,027 

$  — 

$ 

$ 

(222,813) 

300,005 

$ 

$ 

(38,371 ) 

406,065 

284,354 

$ (240,876)  $  10,488,133 

$ 10,330,433 

$ 

$ 

$ 

80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008: 

Net income (loss) ....................................................  $ 
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income 

(loss): 
Restructuring charges (credits)(a) .................... 
Asset write-down charges ................................ 
Integration costs(a) ........................................... 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion ......... 
Interest expense and amortization of 

Year Ended December 31, 2006 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Elim(c) 

Consolidated 
Total 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Elim(c) 

Consolidated 
Total 

CCUSA 

CCAL 

Elim(c) 

Consolidated 
Total 

(37,005) 

$ 

(4,888)  $  — 

$ 

(41,893) 

$  (214,922) 

$ 

(7,891) 

$ 

— 

$ 

(222,813) 

$ 

(38,371) 

$ 

(10,487) 

$ 

— 

$ 

(48,858) 

(391) 
2,945 
1,503 
258,067 

— 
— 
— 
27,177 

— 
— 
— 
— 

(391) 
2,945 
1,503 
285,244 

3,191 
65,515 
25,418 
512,389 

—  
— 
— 
27,515 

— 
— 
— 
— 

3,191 
65,515 
25,418 
539,904 

― 
16,696 
2,504 
498,834 

— 
192 
— 
27,608 

— 
— 
— 
— 

― 
16,888 
2,504 
526,442 

deferred financing costs ............................. 

158,956 

7,153 

  (3,781 ) 

162,328 

346,995 

16,210 

(12,946) 

350,259 

351,339 

25,079 

  (22,304) 

354,114 

― 
― 
75,623 
(9,351) 
(94,039) 
(151) 

— 
25,087 

(42) 
37,888 
55,869 
(23,790) 
(106,553) 
― 

— 
25,896 

― 
― 
― 
(615) 
2,192 
― 

— 
2,871 

― 
― 
— 
  22,304 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

(42) 
37,888 
55,869 
(2,101) 
(104,361) 
― 

— 
28,767 

$ 

867,110 

$ 

758,643 

$  820,270 

$ 

46,840 

$ 

Losses on purchases and redemptions of 

debt ........................................................... 
Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps ............... 
Impairment of available-for-sale securities....... 
Interest and other income (expense) ................. 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes ................ 
Minority interests ............................................. 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, 

net of tax ................................................... 
Stock-based compensation expense(b) ............. 

5,843 
(491) 
— 
(1,147) 
465 
(75) 

(5,657) 
14,896 

― 
― 
— 
(514) 
378 
(1,591) 

— 
1,822 

― 
― 
— 
3,781 
— 
— 

— 
— 

5,843 
(491) 
— 
2,120 
843 
(1,666) 

(5,657) 
16,718 

― 
― 
75,623 
(21,515) 
(95,304) 
(362) 

— 
20,375 

― 
― 
— 
(782) 
1,265 
211 

— 
4,712 

Adjusted EBITDA ...........................  $ 

397,909 

$ 

29,537 

$  — 

$ 

427,446 

$  717,403 

$ 

41,240 

$ 

― 
― 
— 
12,946 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

Including stock-based compensation expense. 

(a) 
(b)  Exclusive of charges included in integration costs and restructuring charges. 
(c)  Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense. 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Geographic Information 

A summary of net revenues by country, based on the location of the Company’s subsidiary, is as follows: 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

United States (including Puerto Rico)................................................................  $ 
Australia ............................................................................................................   
Other countries...................................................................................................   

728,358    $  1,300,640    $  1,434,203 
88,435 
3,866 

59,863     
—     

80,815     
4,031     

 Total net revenues .............................................................................................  $ 

788,221    $  1,385,486    $  1,526,504 

A summary of long-lived assets (property and equipment,  goodwill and other intangible assets)  by country of 

location is as follows: 

December 31, 

2007 

2008 

United States (including Puerto Rico).............................................................................................  
Australia .........................................................................................................................................  
Other countries................................................................................................................................  

$ 9,467,070 
209,314 
21,460 

$ 9,398,821 
180,691 
15,896 

Total long-lived assets ....................................................................................................................   $ 9,697,844 

$ 9,595,408 

Major Customers 

The following table summarizes the percentage of the consolidated revenues for those customers accounting for 

more than 10% of the consolidated revenues. 

Sprint Nextel Corp. ....................................................................................  
AT&T ........................................................................................................  
Verizon Wireless(a) ...................................................................................  
T-Mobile ....................................................................................................  

Total ...........................................................................................................  

15% 
24% 
20% 
10% 

69% 

26% 
19% 
15% 
10% 

70% 

23% 
19% 
15% 
12% 

69% 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

(a)  Exclusive of Alltel. 

Concentrations of Credit Risk 

Financial  instruments  that  potentially  subject  the  Company  to  concentrations  of  credit  risk  are  primarily  cash 
and cash equivalents, restricted cash and trade receivables.  The Company mitigates its risk with respect to cash and 
cash equivalents by maintaining such deposits at high credit quality financial institutions and monitoring the credit 
ratings of those institutions.  The Company’s restricted cash is held and directed by a trustee (see note 1).  See note 6 
regarding counterparty credit risk relating to interest rate swaps. 

The  Company  derives  the  largest  portion  of  its  revenues  from  customers  in  the  wireless  communications 
industry.    The  Company  mitigates  its  concentrations  of  credit  risk  with  respect  to  trade  receivables  by  actively 
monitoring  the  creditworthiness  of  its  customers,  the  use  of  customer  leases  with  contractually  determinable 
payment terms and proactive management of past due balances. 

82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

19.  Restructuring Charges, Integration Costs, Asset Write-Down Charges and Exit Costs 

Overview 

The following is a summary of the components of the restructuring charges and asset write-down charges for 

the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008.  The integration costs for the years ended December 31, 2007 
and 2008 related to the Global Signal Merger. 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Years Ended December 31, 

Restructuring 
Charges 

Asset 
Write-Down 
Charge 

Restructuring 
Charges 

$ 

3,080 
— 
— 
111 

Asset 
Write-Down 
Charge 

$  57,599 
7,916 
— 
— 

$ 

— 
2,945 
— 
— 

$ 

2,945 

$ 

3,191 

$  65,515 

$ 

Restructuring 
Charges 

$ 

― 
― 
— 
― 

― 

Asset 
Write-Down 
Charge 

$ 

― 
14,403 
2,415 
70 

$  16,888 

Modeo ...........................................   $ 
Tower write-down charges ...........  
Below-market leases .....................  
Other .............................................  

Total ..............................................   $ 

— 
— 
— 
(391) 

(391) 

Modeo 

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded asset write-down charges at CCUSA of $57.6 
million related to the  write-off of  substantially all of the Company’s Modeo assets other than the Spectrum.  The 
assets written off were comprised primarily of construction in process related to (1) the mobile television network in 
New  York  City  and  (2)  the  planned  expansion  of  the  network  for  broadcasting  live  television  to  mobile  devices 
beyond  New  York  City.    For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007,  the  Company  recorded  restructuring  charges  at 
CCUSA of $3.1 million related to the termination of the Modeo employees, including $2.4 million of stock-based 
compensation  related  to  the  accelerated  vesting  and  the  change  in  fair  value  of  the  Modeo  options  that  were 
accounted for as liability awards.  During the year ended December 31, 2007, 42,450 Modeo options were settled in 
cash for an aggregate intrinsic value of $3.0 million.  The remaining Modeo options were forfeited.  The Company 
does not expect to incur additional restructuring charges in the future related to Modeo.  See note 17.   

A summary of the Modeo restructuring charges within the CCUSA segment are as follows: 

Years Ended December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Amounts accrued at beginning of period ..........................................................................................................  
Amounts charged to expense ............................................................................................................................  
Amounts paid ....................................................................................................................................................  

― 
3,080(a) 
(2,808) 

$ 

Amounts accrued at end of period ....................................................................................................................  

272 

$ 

$ 

$ 

272 
― 
(272) 

― 

(a) 

Inclusive of stock-based compensation charges of $2.4 million. 

Global Signal Merger 

Subsequent  to  the  closing  of  the  Global  Signal  Merger,  the  Company  finalized  plans  for  the  integration  of 
Global Signal’s operations and  wireless communications tower portfolio into the  Company’s policies, procedures, 
operations and systems.  As a result of the Global Signal integration plans, for the year ended December 31, 2007, 
the  Company  recorded  $8.3  million  of  integration  costs  related  to  severance  and  retention  bonuses  paid  to 
involuntarily terminated employees of Global Signal with service obligations to the Company.  In addition, for the 
years  ended  December  31,  2007  and  2008,  the  Company  incurred  other  incremental  costs  directly  related  to  the 
integration of $17.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively, including, among other things, costs related to contracted 
employees  to  assist  with  the  integration  of  the  acquired  operations  and  tower  portfolio,  and  stock-based 
compensation charges for restricted stock awards assumed in the Global Signal Merger.     

83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The following table summarizes the activity of the severance and retention bonus liability within the CCUSA 
segment related to the Global Signal Merger but exclusive of those recorded in the allocation of  the Global Signal 
purchase price (as disclosed separately below).  The Company does not expect to expense additional severance and 
retention bonus liabilities in the future related to the Global Signal Merger. 

Amounts accrued at beginning of period ..........................................................................   $ 
Amounts charged to integration costs ..............................................................................  
Amounts paid ...................................................................................................................  

Amounts accrued at end of period ....................................................................................   $ 

Years Ended December 31, 

2007 

2008 

— 
8,294 
(7,927) 

367 

$ 

$ 

367 
― 
(367) 

― 

The following table summarizes the activity of the liability for exit costs within the CCUSA segment recorded 
in  the  allocation  of  the  Global  Signal  purchase  price,  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  EITF  No.  95-3 
Recognition  of  Liabilities  In  Connection  With  a  Purchase  Business  Combination.    The  exit  costs  recorded  in  the 
allocation  of  the  purchase  price  for  the  Global  Signal  Merger  related  to  a  severance  liability  of  $1.3  million  for 
obligations  to  former  executives  of  Global  Signal  who  were  terminated  upon  completion  of  the  Global  Signal 
Merger  and  a  $1.1  million  liability  for  office  lease  obligations  of  Global  Signal.    As  of  December  31,  2008,  the 
liability for exit costs of $0.6 million consisted of office lease obligations.  See note 2. 

Years Ended December 31, 

2007 

2008 

Amounts accrued at beginning of period .........................................................................   $ 
Amounts recorded in purchase accounting ...............................................................................................  
Amounts paid ...................................................................................................................  

— 
2,362 
(1,396) 

Amounts accrued at end of period ...................................................................................   $ 

966 

$ 

$ 

966 
― 
(414) 

552 

Tower Write-Down Charges 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2006,  2007  and  2008,  the  Company  abandoned  or  disposed  of  certain 
towers and wrote-off site acquisition and permitting costs for towers that will not be completed.  For the years ended 
December  31,  2006,  2007  and  2008,  the  Company  recorded  related  asset  write-down  charges  at  CCUSA  of  $2.9 
million, $7.9 million, and $14.1 million, respectively, and the remainder related to CCAL.    

20.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information 

Years Ended December 31, 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: 

Interest paid ....................................................................................................  
Income taxes paid ...........................................................................................  

$  145,528 
3,378 

$  324,605 
4,218   

$  330,491 
6,582 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: 

Increase (decrease) in the fair value of available-for-sale securities (note 5) ..  
Common stock issued in connection with the conversion of debt (note 11) ...  
Common stock issued and assumption of warrants and restricted stock awards 
in connection with the Global Signal Merger (note 2) ...............................  

Increase in additional-paid-in capital related to common stock issued by 

FiberTower in connection with a merger (note 5) .....................................  
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of interest rate swaps (note 6) ................  

19,247 
125 

(94,870)  
37   

(55,869) 
63,340 

— 

3,373,907   

― 

76,381 
2,200 

—   
(63,555)  

― 
(394,163) 

84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

21.  Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 

Summary quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008 is as follows: 

Three Months Ended 

March 31 

June 30 

September 30 

December 31 

2007: 

Net revenues .........................................................................   $ 
Operating income (loss) ........................................................    
Net income (loss) ..................................................................    
Net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted .....    

315,709 
13,446 
(42,891) 
(0.18) 

$  342,870 
37,914 
(32,740) 
(0.13) 

$  351,744 

(12,818) (a)  
(67,013) (b)  
(0.26) (b)  

$  375,163 
60,986 
(80,169) (c) 
(0.30) (c) 

Three Months Ended 

March 31 

June 30 

September 30 

December 31 

2008: 

Net revenues .........................................................................   $ 
Operating income (loss) ........................................................    
Net income (loss) ..................................................................    
Net income (loss) per common share – basic ........................    
Net income (loss) per common share – diluted .....................    

370,621 
69,003 
(13,173) 
(0.07) 
(0.07) 

$  379,513 
68,566 
60,339(d)   
0.20(d)   
0.19(d)   

$ 384,348 
75,996 
(32,207) (e)   
(0.13) (e)   
(0.13) (e)   

$ 392,022 
78,944 
(63,817) (f)(g) 
(0.24) (f)(g) 
(0.24) (f)(g) 

(a) 
(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

Inclusive of asset write-down charges and restructuring charges related to Modeo in aggregate amount of $60.7 million.  See note 19. 
Inclusive of asset write-down charges and restructuring charges related to Modeo in aggregate amount of $39.4 million, net of tax, or $0.14 
per share.  See note 19. 
Inclusive of impairment charges of $57.5 million, net of tax, or $0.21 per share, net of tax, related to the write-down of the investment in 
FiberTower classified as an available-for-sale security.  See note 5. 
Inclusive of tax benefits of $74.9 million, or $0.27 and $0.26 per basic and diluted share, respectively, resulting from the completion of an 
IRS examination.  See note 8. 
Inclusive of impairment charges of $23.7 million, net of tax, or $0.08 per share related to the write-down of the investment in FiberTower, 
classified as an available-for-sale security.  See note 5. 
Inclusive of impairment charges of $32.2 million or $0.11 per share, net of tax, related to the write-down of the investment in FiberTower, 
classified as an available-for-sale security.  See note 5. 
Inclusive of losses on interest rate swaps of $26.2 million or $0.09 per share, net of tax.  See note 6. 

22.  Subsequent Events 

Revolver 

In  January  2009,  the  Revolver  was  amended  to  extend  the  maturity  from  January  2009  to  January  2010  and 
reduce the total revolving commitment  to $188 million.  As of February 17, 2009, the outstanding balance on the 
Revolver  was $158 million.   The Company paid an extension fee of $9.4 million, but  the credit spreads  were not 
impacted by this amendment. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

In  February  2009,  the  Company  issued  59,500  shares  of  common  stock  to  the  non-employee  members  of  its 

board of directors with a grant-date fair value of $16.0 per share. 

In February 2009, the Company issued approximately 2.2 million shares of restricted stock awards to certain of 

its executives and non-executive employees.   

Senior Notes 

On  January  27,  2009,  the  Company  issued  $900  million  principal  amount  of  9%  senior  notes  due  2015  in  a 
public offering.  These 9% senior notes are general obligations of CCIC, which rank equally with all existing and 
future senior debt.  The 9% senior notes are effectively subordinated to all liabilities (including trade payables) of 
each subsidiary of the Company.  These 9% senior notes bear interest at a rate of 9.0% per annum, payable semi-
annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2009.    

85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) 
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

The  proceeds  from  these  9%  senior  notes  were  $795.7  million,  inclusive  of  an  $86.3  million  original  issue 
discount and $18 million of fees.  The effective yield of these 9% senior notes is approximately 11.3%, inclusive of 
the discount.  The Company may use these net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including  the Company’s 
anticipated purchases of its existing debt.    

At its option, the company may redeem these 9% senior notes in whole or in part prior to January 15, 2013, by 
paying  100%  of  the  principal  amount,  together  with  accrued  and  unpaid  interest,  if  any,  plus  a  ―make  whole‖ 
premium.  The Company may also redeem some or all of these 9% senior notes on or after January 15, 2013, at the 
redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.   In addition, until January 15, 
2012 and subject to certain conditions, the Company may, at its option, redeem up to 35% of these 9% senior notes 
at the redemption price set forth in the indenture with the proceeds of certain equity offerings.  

The 9% senior notes contain restrictive covenants with which the Company and its restricted subsidiaries must 
comply,  subject  to  a  number  of  exceptions  and  qualifications,  including  restrictions  on  its  ability  to  incur 
incremental  debt,  issue  preferred  stock,  guarantee  debt,  pay  dividends,  repurchase  its  capital  stock,  use  assets  as 
security  in  other  transactions,  sell  assets  or  merge  with  or  into  other  companies,  and  make  certain  investments.  
Certain  of  these  covenants  are  not  applicable  if  there  is  no  event  of  default  and  if  the  ratio  of  the  Company’s 
Consolidated  Debt  (as  defined  in  the  senior  notes  indenture)  and  to  its  Adjusted  Consolidated  Cash  Flows  (as 
defined  in  the  senior  notes  indenture)  is  less  than  7.0  to  1.    The  Company’s  Consolidated  Debt  to  Adjusted 
Consolidated Cash Flow is 7.6 times, as of December 31, 2008 pro forma for (1) the 9% senior notes and exclusive 
of the impact of using the proceeds of such notes to make future purchases or repayments of debt and (2) our debt 
purchases  in  January  and  February  2009.    The  9%  senior  notes  contain  the  previously  mentioned  restrictive 
covenants but do not contain any financial maintenance covenants that could result in default. 

Debt Purchases 

The following is a summary of the purchases of debt during January and February 2009.  These debt purchases 

were made by CCIC as result of restrictions upon the subsidiaries issuing the debt, as a result the debt remains 
outstanding at the subsidiaries.  

2004 Mortgage Loans ....................................................... 
2006 Mortgage Loans ....................................................... 

Total purchases ................................................................. 

$ 

$ 

47,050 
87,757 

134,807 

$ 

$ 

46,315 
78,979 

125,294 

Principal Amount 

Cash Paid(1) 

Gain (losses) on 
Purchases 

$ 

$ 

1,209 
8,868 

10,077 

(1)  Exclusive of accrued interest.   

Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

As of February 17, 2009, the fair value of debt was $6.3 billion representing an amount less than carrying value 
of  approximately  $422  million,  compared  to  an  amount  less  than  carrying  value  of  approximately  $1.3  billion  at 
December 31, 2008.   

As of February 17, 2009, the settlement value of interest rate swaps was a liability of $520.5 million, a decrease 

of $95.7 million from December 31, 2008. 

86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

None. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures  

(a)  Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

In  connection  with  the  preparation  of  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  as  of  December  31,  2008,  the 
Company’s  management  conducted  an  evaluation,  under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  the 
Company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  (―CEO‖)  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  (―CFO‖),  of  the  effectiveness  of  the 
Company’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Rule  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e)  under  the  Securities 
Exchange  Act  of  1934  (―Exchange  Act‖)).    Based  upon  their  evaluation,  the  CEO  and  CFO  concluded  that  the 
Company’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  as  of  December  31,  2008,  were  effective  to  provide  reasonable 
assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the 
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules 
and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such 
reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer 
and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  

(b)  Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company.  Under the supervision and 
with the participation of the Company’s CEO and CFO, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  based  on  the  framework  described  in  ―Internal  Control  –  Integrated 
Framework,‖ issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (―COSO‖) of the Treadway Commission.  The 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance 
with  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.    The  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that: 

 

 

 

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions 
and dispositions of the assets of the Company;  
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements  in  accordance  with  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and  that  receipts  and 
expenditures  of  the  Company  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorization  of  management  and 
directors of the Company; and 
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use or 
disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Management  has  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
December 31, 2008.  Based on the Company’s assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  was  effective  as  of  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  reporting 
purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Management of the Company reviewed 
the results of their assessment with the Audit Committee of the board of directors.  

KPMG  LLP,  a  registered  public  accounting  firm,  has  issued  an  attestation  report  on  the  Company’s  internal 

control over financial reporting, which is included herein in this Annual Report. 

87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c)  Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over  financial reporting (as such term is 
defined  in  Rules  13a-15(f)  and  15d-15(f)  of  the  Exchange  Act)  during  the  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  that  have 
materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.  

(d)  Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls 

All  internal  control  systems,  no  matter  how  well  designed,  have  inherent  limitations.    Therefore,  even  those 
systems  determined  to  be  effective  can  provide  only  reasonable  assurance  with  respect  to  financial  statement 
preparation  and  presentation.    Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.    In  addition,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to 
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that 
the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. 

88 

 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Crown Castle International Corp.:  

We  have audited Crown  Castle International  Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of  December 
31,  2008,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Crown Castle International Corp.’s management 
is  responsible  for  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  for  its  assessment  of  the 
effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  included  in  the  accompanying  Management's  Report  on 
Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting.    Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  Company's  internal 
control over financial reporting based on our audit.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting  Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.    Our  audit 
included  obtaining  an  understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  assessing  the  risk  that  a  material 
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the 
assessed  risk.    Our  audit  also  included  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we  considered  necessary  in  the 
circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

A  company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in 
accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.    A  company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting 
includes  those  policies  and  procedures  that  (1)  pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable 
assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being  made 
only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (3)  provide  reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements.    Also,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that 
controls  may  become  inadequate  because  of  changes  in  conditions,  or  that  the  degree  of  compliance  with  the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate.  

In our opinion, Crown Castle International Corp. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control 
over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2008,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United  States),  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Crown  Castle  International  Corp.  and  subsidiaries  as  of 
December  31,  2007  and  2008,  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations  and  comprehensive  income 
(loss), cash flows, and stockholders' equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, 
and our report dated February 26, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. 

/s/ KPMG LLP  

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 
February 26, 2009  

89 

 
Item 9B. Other Information 

None. 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 

PART III  

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth in the 2009 Proxy Statement and 

is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth in the 2009 Proxy Statement and 

is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth in the 2009 Proxy Statement and 

is incorporated herein by reference. 

The  following  table  summarizes  information  with  respect  to  equity  compensation  plans  under  which  equity 

securities of the registrant are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2008: 

Plan category(1)(2) 

Number of securities 
to be issued upon 
exercise of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding 
options, warrants 
and rights 

Number of securities 
remaining available 
for future 
issuance(3)(4) 

(In shares) 

(In dollars per share) 

(In shares) 

Equity compensation plans approved by 

security holders ...................................................  

3,999,053 

Equity compensation plans not approved by 

security holders ...................................................  

— 

Total .........................................................................  

3,999,053 

$  16.72 

  — 

$  16.72 

11,783,407 

— 

11,783,407 

(1)  See note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for more detailed information regarding the registrant’s equity compensation plans. 
(2)  CCAL has an equity compensation plan under which it awards options for the purchase of CCAL shares to its employees and directors. This 

(3) 

(4) 

plan has not been approved by the registrant’s security holders.  
In February 2009, the Company issued 59,500 shares of common stock to the non-executive members of its board of directors. This share 
award  was  granted  under  an  equity  compensation  plan  which  was  approved  by  the  registrant’s  security  holders.  See  note  22  to  the 
consolidated financial statements. 
In February  2009, the Company issued 2.2 million shares of restricted stock awards to certain of its executives and non-executives. This 
share  award  was  granted  under  an  equity  compensation  plan  that  was  approved  by  the  registrant’s  security  holders.  See  note  22  to  the 
consolidated financial statements. 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth in the 2009 Proxy Statement and 

is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth in the 2009 Proxy Statement and 

is incorporated herein by reference. 

90 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

(a)(1) Financial Statements: 

PART IV  

The list of financial statements filed as part of this report is submitted as a separate section, the index to 

which is located on page 43. 

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules: 

Schedule  II—Valuation  and  Qualifying  Accounts  follows  this  Part  IV.  All  other  schedules  are  omitted 
because they are not applicable or because the required information is contained in the financial statements or 
notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. 

(a)(3) Exhibits: 

The Exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 

10-K. 

91 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2007 AND 2008 
(In thousands of dollars) 

Additions 

Deductions 

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year 

Charged to 
Operations 

Acquired 

Credited to 
Operations 

Written 
Off 

Effect of 
Exchange 
Rate 
Changes 

Balance at 
End of 
Year 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

Receivable: 

2006 .............................................  

2007 .............................................  

2008 .............................................  

2,968 

3,410 

6,684 

597 

1,125 

1,588 

69 

3,651 

― 

— 

— 

― 

(239) 

(1,529) 

(1,966) 

15 

27 

(39) 

3,410 

6,684 

6,267 

Additions 

Balance at 
Beginning of 
Year 

Credited to 
Operations 

Credited to 
Additional 
Paid-in Capital 
and Other 
Comprehensive 
Income 

Deductions 

Charged to 
Additional 
Paid-in Capital 
and Other 
Comprehensive 
Income 

Other 
Adjustments(b) 

Balance at 
End of Year 

Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance: 

2006 .............................................  

  281,791 

  46,211 

2007 .............................................  

  279,257 

  15,837 

— 

2,877 

2008 .............................................  

  148,093 

  15,467 

  103,344 

(46,055) 

(2,690) 

  279,257 

— 

― 

  (149,878)(a) 

  148,093 

(10,579) 

  256,325 

(a)  Amount relates to amounts reversed to goodwill in connection with the Global Signal Merger, amounts acquired in the Global Signal 

Merger and the adoption of FIN 48.  See note 8 to the consolidated financial statements. 
Inclusive of the effects of exchange rate changes. 

(b) 

92 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Number 

(c)  2.1 

(d)  2.2 

(n)  2.3 

(d)  2.4 

(n)  2.5 

(e)  2.6 

(e)  2.7 

(i)  2.8 

(i)  2.9 

(f)  2.10 

(i)  2.11 

(p)  2.12 

(u)  2.13 

(aa)  3.1 

(aa)  3.2 
(b)  4.1 
(m)  4.2 

(s)  4.3 

(r)  4.4 

(r)  4.5 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS 
Item 15 (a) (3)  

Exhibit Description 
Formation  Agreement,  dated  December  8,  1998,  relating  to  the  formation  of  Crown 
Atlantic Company LLC, Crown Atlantic Holding Sub LLC, and Crown Atlantic Holding 
Company LLC 
Amendment  Number  1  to  Formation  Agreement,  dated  March  31,  1999,  among  Crown 
Castle  International  Corp.,  Cellco  Partnership,  doing  business  as  Bell  Atlantic  Mobile, 
certain Transferring Partnerships and CCA Investment Corp. 
Crown  Atlantic  Holding  Company  LLC  Amended  and  Restated  Operating  Agreement, 
dated May 1, 2003, by and between Bell Atlantic Mobile, Inc. and CCA Investment Corp. 
Crown Atlantic Company LLC Operating Agreement entered into as of March 31, 1999 by 
and  between  Cellco  Partnership,  doing  business  as  Bell  Atlantic  Mobile,  and  Crown 
Atlantic Holding Sub LLC 
Crown  Atlantic Company  LLC First  Amendment to Operating  Agreement,  dated May 1, 
2003,  by  Crown  Atlantic  Company  LLC,  and  each  of  Bell  Atlantic  Mobile,  Inc.  and 
Crown Atlantic Holding Sub LLC 
Agreement  to  Sublease  dated  June  1,  1999  by  and  among  BellSouth  Mobility  Inc., 
BellSouth Telecommunications Inc., The Transferring Entities, Crown Castle International 
Corp. and Crown Castle South Inc. 
Sublease  dated  June  1,  1999  by  and  among  BellSouth  Mobility  Inc.,  Certain  BMI 
Affiliates, Crown Castle International Corp. and Crown Castle South Inc. 
Agreement  to  Sublease  dated  August  1,  1999  by  and  among  BellSouth  Personal 
Communications,  Inc.,  BellSouth  Carolinas  PCS,  L.P.,  Crown  Castle  International  Corp. 
and Crown Castle South Inc. 
Sublease dated August 1, 1999 by and among BellSouth Personal Communications, Inc., 
BellSouth Carolinas PCS, L.P., Crown Castle International Corp. and Crown Castle South 
Inc. 
Formation Agreement dated November 7, 1999 relating to the formation of Crown Castle 
GT Company  LLC, Crown  Castle  GT Holding  Sub  LLC and Crown  Castle GT Holding 
Company LLC 
Operating Agreement, dated January 31, 2000 by and between Crown Castle GT Corp. and 
affiliates of GTE Wireless Incorporated 
Share Purchase Agreement dated June 28, 2004 by and among Crown Castle International 
Corp., NGG Telecoms Investment Limited and National Grid Holdings One plc. 
Agreement  and  Plan  of  Merger,  dated  as of  October  5,  2006,  among  Global  Signal  Inc., 
Crown Castle International Corp. and CCGS Holdings LLC 
Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  Crown  Castle  International  Corp., 
dated May 24, 2007 
Amended and Restated By-laws of Crown Castle International Corp., dated May 24, 2007 
Specimen Certificate of Common Stock 
Indenture, dated as of December 2, 2003, between  Crown  Castle International Corp. and 
The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 7.5% Senior Notes due 2013 (including 
exhibits) 
First  Supplemental  Indenture,  dated  as  of  June  1,  2005,  between  Crown  Castle 
International Corp. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 7.5% Notes 
Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2005, relating to the Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, 
by  and  among  JPMorgan  Chase  Bank,  N.A.,  as  Indenture  Trustee,  and  Crown  Castle 
Towers  LLC,  Crown  Castle  South  LLC,  Crown  Communication  Inc.,  Crown  Castle  PT 
Inc.,  Crown  Communication  New  York,  Inc.  and  Crown  Castle  International  Corp.  de 
Puerto Rico, collectively as Issuers 
Indenture  Supplement,  dated  as  of  June  1,  2005,  relating  to  the  Senior  Secured  Tower 
Revenue Notes, Series 2005-1, by and among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Indenture 
Trustee,  and  Crown  Castle  Towers  LLC,  Crown  Castle  South  LLC,  Crown 
Communication Inc., Crown  Castle  PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc. and 
Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, collectively as Issuers 

93 

 
Exhibit Number 

(t)  4.6 

(v)  4.7 

(u)  4.8 

(gg)  4.9 

(gg)  4.10 

(a)  10.1 
(b)  10.2 
(d)  10.3 

(j)  10.4 
(k)  10.5 
(l)  10.6 

(bb)  10.7 

(l)  10.8 
(aa)  10.9 
(q)  10.10 
(q)  10.11 
(q)  10.12 

(bb)  10.13 

(ee)  10.14 

(dd)  10.15 
(hh)  10.16 
(dd)  10.17 
(r)  10.18 

(t)  10.19 

Exhibit Description 
Indenture  Supplement,  dated  as  of  September 26,  2006,  relating  to  the  Senior  Secured 
Tower  Revenue  Notes,  Series  2005-1,  by  and  among  JPMorgan  Chase  Bank,  N.A.,  as 
Indenture  Trustee,  and  Crown  Castle  Towers  LLC,  Crown  Castle  South  LLC,  Crown 
Communication Inc., Crown  Castle  PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc. and 
Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, collectively, as Issuers 
Indenture  Supplement,  dated  as  of  November  29,  2006,  relating  to  the  Senior  Secured 
Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2006-1, by and among The Bank of New York (as successor 
to  JPMorgan  Chase  Bank,  N.A.),  as  Indenture  Trustee,  and  Crown  Castle  Towers  LLC, 
Crown  Castle  South  LLC,  Crown  Communication  Inc.,  Crown  Castle  PT  Inc.,  Crown 
Communication New York, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown 
Castle Towers 05 LLC, Crown Castle PR LLC, Crown Castle MU LLC and Crown Castle 
MUPA LLC, collectively as Issuers 
Stockholders  Agreement,  dated  as  of  October  5,  2006,  by  and  among  Fortress  Pinnacle 
Investment Fund, FRIT PINN LLC, Fortress Registered Investment Trust, FRIT Holdings 
LLC, FIT GSL LLC, Greenhill Capital Partners LLC, GCP SPV1, LLC, GCP SPV2, LLC, 
Abrams Capital International Ltd., Abrams Capital Partners I, LP, Abrams Capital Partners 
II, LP, Whitecrest Partners, LP, Riva Capital Partners, LP, 222 Partners, LLC and Crown 
Castle International Corp. 
Indenture dated January 27, 2009, between Crown Castle International Corp. and Bank of 
New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee 
Supplemental  Indenture  dated  January  27,  2009,  between  Crown  Castle  International 
Corp.  and  Bank  of  New  York  Mellon  Trust  Company,  N.A.,  as  trustee,  relating  to  9% 
Senior Notes due 2015 
Castle Tower Holding Corp. 1995 Stock Option Plan (Third Restatement) 
Crown Castle International Corp. 1995 Stock Option Plan (Fourth Restatement) 
Global  Lease  Agreement  dated  March  31,  1999  between  Crown  Atlantic  Company  LLC 
and Cellco Partnership, doing business as Bell Atlantic Mobile 
Crown Castle International Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan 
Form of Option Agreement pursuant to 2001 Stock Incentive Plan 
Form of Severance Agreement between Crown Castle International Corp. and each of John 
P. Kelly, W. Benjamin Moreland and E. Blake Hawk 
Form  of  First  Amendment  to  Severance  Agreement  between  Crown  Castle  International 
Corp. and each of John P. Kelly, W. Benjamin Moreland and E. Blake Hawk 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to 2001 Stock Incentive Plan 
Crown Castle International Corp. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to 2001 Stock Incentive Plan 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to 2004 Stock Incentive Plan 
Form  of  Severance  Agreement  between  Crown  Castle  International  Corp.  and  each  of 
James D. Young and James D. Cordes 
Form  of  First  Amendment  to  Severance  Agreement  between  Crown  Castle  International 
Corp and certain senior officers, including James D. Young 
Form of Severance Agreement between Crown Castle International Corp. and each of Jay 
A. Brown and Philip M. Kelley 
Crown Castle International Corp. 2008 EMT Annual Incentive Plan 
Crown Castle International Corp. 2009 EMT Annual Incentive Plan 
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation 
Management Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2005, by and among Crown Castle USA Inc., 
as  Manager,  and  Crown  Castle  Towers  LLC,  Crown  Castle  South  LLC,  Crown 
Communication  Inc.,  Crown  Castle  PT  Inc.,  Crown  Communication  New  York,  Inc., 
Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown Castle GT Holding Sub LLC and 
Crown Castle Atlantic LLC, collectively as Owners 
Management  Agreement  Amendment,  dated  September  26,  2006,  by  and  among  Crown 
Castle USA Inc., as Manager, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, 
Crown  Communication  Inc.,  Crown  Castle  PT  Inc.,  Crown  Communication  New  York, 
Inc.,  Crown  Castle  International  Corp.  de  Puerto  Rico,  Crown  Castle  GT  Holding  Sub 

94 

 
Exhibit Number 

(v)  10.20 

(r)  10.21 

(v)  10.22 

(r)  10.23 

(w)  10.24 

(z)  10.25 

(cc)  10.26 

(ff)  10.27 

(x)  10.28 

(z)  10.29 

(z)  10.30 

(jj)  10.31 

(ii)  10.32 

Exhibit Description 
LLC and Crown Castle Atlantic LLC, collectively, as Owners 
Joinder and Amendment to Management Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2006, by 
and among Crown Castle USA Inc., as Manager, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown 
Castle  South  LLC,  Crown  Communication  Inc.,  Crown  Castle  PT  Inc.,  Crown 
Communication New York, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown 
Castle  Towers  05  LLC,  Crown  Castle  PR  LLC,  Crown  Castle  MU  LLC,  Crown  Castle 
MUPA  LLC,  Crown  Castle  GT  Holding  Sub  LLC  and  Crown  Castle  Atlantic  LLC, 
collectively as Owners 
Cash  Management  Agreement,  dated  as  of  June  8,  2005,  by  and  among  Crown  Castle 
Towers  LLC,  Crown  Castle  South  LLC,  Crown  Communication  Inc.,  Crown  Castle  PT 
Inc.,  Crown  Communication  New  York,  Inc.  and  Crown  Castle  International  Corp.  de 
Puerto Rico, as Issuers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Indenture Trustee, Crown Castle 
USA Inc., as Manager, Crown Castle GT Holding Sub LLC, as Member of Crown Castle 
GT  Company  LLC,  and  Crown  Castle  Atlantic  LLC,  as  Member  of  Crown  Atlantic 
Company LLC 
Joinder to Cash Management Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2006, by and among 
Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, Crown Communication Inc., Crown 
Castle  PT  Inc.,  Crown  Communication  New  York,  Inc.  and  Crown  Castle  International 
Corp.  de  Puerto  Rico,  Crown  Castle  Towers  05  LLC,  Crown  Castle  PR  LLC,  Crown 
Castle  MU  LLC,  Crown  Castle  MUPA  LLC,  as  Issuers,  The  Bank  of  New  York  (as 
successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as Indenture Trustee, Crown Castle USA Inc., 
as  Manager,  Crown  Castle  GT  Holding  Sub  LLC,  as  Member  of  Crown  Castle  GT 
Company LLC, and Crown Castle Atlantic LLC, as Member of Crown Atlantic Company 
LLC 
Servicing  Agreement,  dated  as  of  June  8,  2005,  by  and  among  Midland  Loan  Services, 
Inc., as Servicer, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Indenture Trustee 
Credit  Agreement,  dated  January  9,  2007,  among  Crown  Castle  Operating  Company,  as 
the  borrower,  Crown  Castle  International  Corp.  and  certain  of  its  subsidiaries,  as 
guarantors, the several lenders from time  to time parties thereto, and The Royal Bank of 
Scotland plc, as administrative agent 
First  Amendment  to  Credit  Agreement,  dated  March  6,  2007,  among  Crown  Castle 
International Corp., Crown Castle Operating Company, Crown Castle Operating LLC, the 
lenders named therein, and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent 
Extension Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2007, among the Borrower, Crown Castle 
International  Corp.,  Crown  Castle  Operating  LLC,  the  revolving  lenders  named  therein 
and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative  agent (regarding revolving credit 
facility) 
Second  Extension  Agreement  dated  as  of  January  6,  2009,  among  the  Borrower,  Crown 
Castle  International  Corp.,  Crown  Castle  Operating  LLC,  the  revolving  lenders  named 
therein and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent (regarding revolving 
credit facility) 
Term  Loan  Joinder,  dated  January  26,  2007,  among  Crown  Castle  International  Corp., 
Crown  Castle  Operating  Company,  the  lenders  named  therein,  and  The  Royal  Bank  of 
Scotland plc, as administrative agent 
Amendment  to  Term  Loan  Joinder,  dated  March  6,  2007,  among  Crown  Castle 
International  Corp.,  Crown  Castle  Operating  Company,  the  lenders  named  therein,  and 
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent 
Term Loan Joinder, dated March 6, 2007, among Crown Castle International Corp., Crown 
Castle Operating Company, the lenders  named therein, and The Royal Bank of Scotland 
plc, as administrative agent 
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2004, by 
and  between  Pinnacle  Towers  Acquisition  Holdings  LLC,  other  Borrowers  (as  defined 
therein) and Towers Finco II LLC  
Management  Agreement between Pinnacle Towers Inc. and the subsidiaries listed on the 
signature pages, and Global Signal Services LLC, dated as of February 5, 2004  

95 

 
Exhibit Number 
(ii)  10.33 

(nn)  10.34 

(mm)  10.35 

(ii)  10.36 

(ii)  10.37 

(jj)  10.38 

(kk)  10.39 

(ll)  10.40 

(ll)  10.41 

(ll)  10.42 

(ll)  10.43 

(ll)  10.44 

(ll)  10.45 

(mm)  10.46 

  11 
  12 

  21 
  23 
  24 
  31.1 

  31.2 

  32.1 

Exhibit Description 
Management Agreement between Pinnacle Towers Acquisition Inc. and Pinnacle Towers 
Inc., dated as of September 25, 2003  
Management  Agreement  between  Global  Signal  Acquisitions  II  LLC  and  Global  Signal 
Services LLC, dated as of April 25, 2005 
Management  Agreement,  dated  as  of  February  28,  2006,  by  and  among  Global  Signal 
Acquisitions LLC, Global Signal Acquisitions II LLC, Pinnacle Towers LLC and the other 
entities listed on the signature pages thereto and Global Signal Services LLC  
Assignment  and  Assumption  of  Management  Agreement  between  Pinnacle  Towers  Inc., 
and Global Signal Services LLC, dated February 5, 2004  
First  Amendment  to  Management  Agreement  between  Pinnacle  Towers  Acquisition 
Holdings LLC and Global Signal Services LLC, dated May 13, 2004  
Management  Agreement,  dated  as  of  December  7,  2004,  between  Pinnacle  Towers 
Acquisition Holdings LLC, the Subsidiaries thereof, and Global Signal Services LLC  
Agreement to Contribute, Lease and Sublease, dated as of February 14, 2005 among Sprint 
Corporation, the Sprint subsidiaries named therein and Global Signal Inc.  
Master Lease and Sublease, dated as of May 26, 2005, by and among STC One LLC, as 
lessor,  Sprint  Telephony  PCS  L.P.,  as  Sprint  Collocator,  Global  Signal  Acquisitions  II 
LLC, as lessee, and Global Signal Inc.  
Master Lease and Sublease, dated as of May 26, 2005, by and among STC Two LLC, as 
lessor, SprintCom, Inc., as Sprint Collocator, Global Signal Acquisitions II LLC, as lessee, 
and Global Signal Inc.  
Master Lease and Sublease, dated as of May 26, 2005, by and among STC Three LLC, as 
lessor,  American  PCS  Communications,  LLC,  as  Sprint  Collocator,  Global  Signal 
Acquisitions II LLC, as lessee, and Global Signal Inc.  
Master Lease and Sublease, dated as of May 26, 2005, by and among STC Four LLC, as 
lessor, PhillieCo, L.P., as Sprint Collocator, Global Signal Acquisitions II LLC, as lessee, 
and Global Signal Inc.  
Master Lease and Sublease, dated as of May 26, 2005, by and among STC Five LLC, as 
lessor, Sprint Spectrum L.P., as Sprint Collocator, Global Signal Acquisitions II LLC, as 
lessee, and Global Signal Inc.  
Master Lease and Sublease, dated as of May 26, 2005, by and among STC Six Company, 
Sprint Spectrum L.P., as Sprint Collocator, Global Signal Acquisitions II LLC, as lessee, 
and Global Signal Inc.  
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2006, by 
and among the borrowers (as defined therein) signatory thereto and Towers Finco III LLC  
Computation of Net Income (Loss) per Common Share 
Computation  of  Ratios  of  Earnings  to  Fixed  Charges  and  Earnings  to  Combined  Fixed 
Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends 
Subsidiaries of Crown Castle International Corp. 
Consent of KPMG LLP 
Powers of Attorney (included in the signatures page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002 
Certification  of  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  pursuant  to  Section 
906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 
(f) 
(g) 

(h) 

Incorporated by reference to the exhibits in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 previously filed by the Registrant (Registration No. 333-43873). 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 previously filed by the Registrant (Registration No. 333-57283). 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 000-24737) on December 10, 1998. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 000-24737) on April 12, 1999. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 000-24737) on June 9, 1999. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 000-24737) on November 12, 1999. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 10-Q (Registration No. 000-24737) for the quarter ended June 30, 
2000. 
Incorporated  by  reference  to  the  exhibit  filed  by  the  Registrant  in  the  Registration  Statement  on  Form  8-A12G/A  (Registration  No.  0-24737)  on 

96 

 
 
(i) 

(j) 

(k) 

(l) 
(m) 
(n) 

(p) 
(q)  
(r) 
(s) 
(t) 
(u) 
(v) 
(w) 
(x) 
(y) 
(z) 
(aa) 
(bb) 
(cc) 
(dd) 
(ee) 
(ff) 
(gg) 
(hh) 
(ii) 

(jj) 
(kk) 
(ll) 
(mm) 
(nn) 

September 19, 2000. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 10-K (Registration No. 000-24737) for the year ended December 
31, 1999. 
Incorporated  by  reference  to  the  exhibit  previously  filed  by  the  Registrant  as  Appendix  A  to  the  Definitive  Schedule  14A  Proxy  Statement 
(Registration No. 001-16441) on May 8, 2001. 
Incorporated  by  reference  to  the  exhibit  previously  filed  by  the  Registrant  on  Form  10-Q  (Registration  No.  001-16441)  for  the  quarter  ended 
September 30, 2002. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on January 8, 2003. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 previously filed by the Registrant (Registration No. 333-112176). 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 10-K (Registration No. 001-16441) for the year ended December 
31, 2003. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on June 30, 2004. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on March 2, 2005. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on June 9, 2005. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on June 2, 2005. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on September 29, 2006. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on October 11, 2006. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on December 5, 2006. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on January 11, 2007. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on January 29, 2007. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on February 28, 2007. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on March 8, 2007. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on May 30, 2007. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on December 7, 2007. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on January 10, 2008. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on February 25, 2008 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on July 15, 2008 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on January 6, 2009 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on January 29, 2009 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on February 25, 2009 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits in the Registration Statement on Form S-11 previously filed by Global Signal Inc. (Registration No. 333-
112839). 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by Global Signal Inc. on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-32168) on December 13, 2004. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by Global Signal Inc. on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-32168) on February 17, 2005. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by Global Signal Inc. on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-32168) on May 27, 2005. 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by Global Signal Inc. on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-32168) on March 2, 2006. 
Incorporated  by  reference  to  the  exhibit  previously  filed  by  Global  Signal  Inc.  on  Form  10-K  (Registration  No.  001-32168)  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2005. 

97 

 
 
 
SIGNATURES 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the 
Registrant  has  duly  caused  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned, 
thereunto duly authorized, on this 26th day of February, 2009. 

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. 

By: 

/s/    JAY A. BROWN 
Jay A. Brown 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  
and Treasurer 

POWER OF ATTORNEY  

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and 
appoints W. Benjamin Moreland and E. Blake Hawk and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact 
and agents with full power of substitution and re-substitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, 
in any and all capacities, to sign any and all documents relating to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, including any 
and all amendments and supplements thereto, for the  year ended  December 31, 2008 and to file the  same with all 
exhibits  thereto  and  other  documents  in  connection  therewith  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission 
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and 
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully as to all intents and purposes as he or she 
might  or  could  do  in  person,  hereby  ratifying  and  confirming  all  that  said  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  or  their 
substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the 
capacities indicated below on this 26th day of February, 2009. 
Name  
/s/    W. BENJAMIN MORELAND 
W. Benjamin Moreland 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

Title  

/s/    JAY A. BROWN 
Jay A. Brown 

/s/    ROB A. FISHER 
Rob A. Fisher 

/s/    J. LANDIS MARTIN 
J. Landis Martin 

/s/    JOHN P. KELLY 
John P. Kelly 

/s/    DAVID C. ABRAMS 
David C. Abrams 

/s/    CINDY CHRISTY 
Cindy Christy 

/s/    ARI Q. FITZGERALD 
Ari Q. Fitzgerald 

/s/    ROBERT E. GARRISON II 
Robert E. Garrison II 

/s/    DALE N. HATFIELD 
Dale N. Hatfield 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and 
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) 

Vice President and Controller  
(Principal Accounting Officer) 

Chairman of the Board of Directors 

Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

98 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name  
/s/    LEE W. HOGAN 
Lee W. Hogan 

/s/    EDWARD C. HUTCHESON, JR. 
Edward C. Hutcheson, Jr. 

/s/    ROBERT F. MCKENZIE 
Robert F. McKenzie 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Title  

99