TowerStream Corporation
Annual Report 2012

Plain-text annual report

TOWERSTREAM CORP FORM 10-K (Annual Report) Filed 03/18/13 for the Period Ending 12/31/12 Address Telephone CIK Symbol SIC Code 55 HAMMARLUND WAY MIDDLETOWN, RI 02842 (401) 848-5848 0001349437 TWER 4899 - Communications Services, Not Elsewhere Classified Industry Conglomerates Sector Conglomerates 12/31 Fiscal Year http://www.edgar-online.com © Copyright 2013, EDGAR Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Distribution and use of this document restricted under EDGAR Online, Inc. Terms of Use.  UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K (Mark One) For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 OR For the transition period from_______to_______ Commission file number 001-33449 TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (401) 848-5848 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 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 Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (cid:1) No  Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:1) 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 (cid:1) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No (cid:1) Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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. (cid:1) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:1) No  The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $206,417,846. As of March 14, 2013, there were 66,355,741 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (cid:1) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 20-8259086 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 55 Hammarlund Way Middletown, Rhode Island (Address of principal executive offices) 02842 (Zip Code) Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share The NASDAQ Capital Market Large accelerated filer (cid:1) Accelerated filer  Non-accelerated filer (cid:1) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company (cid:1)  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Table of Contents Page PART I Item 1. Business. 1 Item 1A. Risk Factors. 7 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 22 Item 2. Properties. 23 Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 23 Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure s. 23 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. 24 Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 26 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 27 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 38 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 39 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 62 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 62 Item 9B. Other Information. 64 PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 65 Item 11. Executive Compensation. 69 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 76 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 77 Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. 78 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. 79 i  PART I Forward-Looking Statements Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements related to Towerstream Corporation’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including without limitation the following: (i) Towerstream Corporation’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Towerstream Corporation; (ii) Towerstream Corporation’s plans and results of operations will be affected by Towerstream Corporation’s ability to manage growth and competition; and (iii) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in Towerstream Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘estimates,’’ ‘‘predicts,’’ ‘‘potential,’’ or ‘‘continue’’ or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report. Factors that might affect our forward-looking statements include, among other things: Item 1. Business. Towerstream Corporation (“Towerstream”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company”) provides fixed wireless broadband services (“Fixed Wireless Services”) to commercial customers and delivers access over a wireless network transmitting over both regulated and unregulated radio spectrum. Our service supports bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, virtual private networks (“VPNs”), disaster recovery, bundled data and video services. We provide broadband services to approximately 3,600 business customers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, Nashville, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. In February 2013, we acquired Delos Internet which expands our service coverage into Houston, Texas. • overall economic and business conditions; • the demand for our goods and services; • competitive factors in the industries in which we compete; • emergence of new technologies which compete with our service offerings; • changes in tax requirements (including tax rate changes, new tax laws and revised tax law interpretations); • the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; • interest rate fluctuations and other changes in borrowing costs; • other capital market conditions, including availability of funding sources; • potential impairment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets and/or our long-lived assets; and • changes in government regulations related to the broadband and Internet protocol industries. 1  Shared Wireless Infrastructure Since 2010, we have been exploring opportunities to leverage our fixed wireless network in major urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Over the past few years, a significant increase in mobile data generated by smartphones, tablets, and other devices has placed tremendous demand on the networks of the carriers. This has caused the carriers to explore a wide range of solutions including (i) acquiring additional spectrum, (ii) employing Wi-Fi to offload data traffic, and (iii) utilizing small cell technologies to increase capacity in dense urban areas. During this period, we have incurred various costs related to identifying possible new solutions and services. These costs included (a) rent payments under lease agreements which provide the right to install wireless technology equipment on street level rooftops, (b) construction of a carrier-class network to offload data traffic, and (c) installation of relay Points of Presence (“PoPs”) to connect our offload network to our fixed wireless network. We entered into the lease agreements and commenced these capital projects for the purpose of securing capacity that we believe we needed to maintain our competitive advantage in the wireless industry. In recent months, the Company has concluded that the wireless communications industry is experiencing a fundamental shift from its current, macro-cellular architecture to hyper-densified Small Cell architecture where existing cell sites will be supplemented by many smaller base stations operating near street level. The Company also believes that Wi-Fi will be an integral component of Small Cell architecture. In January 2013, we incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”). We plan to transfer certain assets to Hetnets to support the operation of a shared wireless infrastructure business. Hetnets plans to generate rental income from four separate sources including (i) rental of space on street level rooftops for the installation of customer owned Small Cells which includes Wi-Fi antennae, DAS, and Metro and Pico cells, (ii) rental of a channel on Hetnets’ Wi-Fi network for the offloading of mobile data, (iii) rental of cabinets, switch ports, interconnection services, including backhaul or transport, and (iv) rental of power and power backup. We have determined that Hetnets represents a new business segment. Beginning in 2013, the Company will provide segment financial reporting for two business segments which will be referred to as (i) Fixed Wireless Services, and (ii) Shared Wireless Infrastructure. Our Networks In each of our geographic markets, we enter into lease agreements with building owners which constitute our “Company Locations.” At these locations, we invest in a significant amount of equipment in order to connect numerous customers to the Internet or to pass Small Cell signals to carriers and other service providers. We also connect to the Internet via IP transit agreements or peering arrangements with a national service provider. These connection points are referred to as PoPs. Each PoP is “linked” to one or more other PoPs to enhance redundancy that provide for no single point of failure in the network. We refer to the core connectivity of all of our PoPs as a “Wireless Ring in the Sky.” Each PoP has a coverage area averaging approximately six miles although the distance can be affected by numerous factors, most significantly, how clear the line of sight is between the PoP and a customer location. Our network is utilized both for our Fixed Wireless Services (our legacy business) and will be made available under a services agreement to Hetnets as we develop and offer shared wireless infrastructure services. Since our broadband network does not depend on traditional copper wire or fiber connections which are the backbone of many of our competitor’s legacy networks, we believe we have a competitive advantage because we may not be significantly affected by events such as natural disasters and power outages, which affect installed legacy infrastructure which is often at or below ground level. We also install equipment at each customer location which constitutes our “Customer Locations.” Equipment installed at both Company and Customer Locations includes receivers and antennas. A wireless connection is established between each Customer Location to one or more PoPs through which our network is accessed on a largely wireless basis. Our new Hetnets installations include multiple receivers and antennas installed at or near street level to provide bandwidth for Small Cell and Wi-Fi systems through which our network is accessed. Markets We intend to grow our business by deploying our service more broadly and seeking to rapidly increase our customer base. We intend to deploy our wireless broadband network broadly both in terms of geography and categories of commercial and business customers. We intend to increase the number of geographic markets we serve by expanding into new markets and through strategic acquisitions. We determine which geographic markets to enter by assessing a number of criteria in four broad categories. First, we evaluate our ability to deploy our service in a given market, taking into consideration our spectrum position, the availability of towers and zoning constraints. Second, we assess the market by evaluating the number of competitors, existing price points, demographic characteristics and distribution channels. Third, we evaluate the economic potential of the market, focusing on our forecasts of revenue growth opportunities and capital requirements. Finally, we look at market clustering opportunities and other cost efficiencies that might be realized. Based on this approach, as of December 31, 2012, we offered wireless broadband connectivity in 12 markets, of which 9 are in the top 20 metropolitan areas in the United States based on the number of small to medium businesses in each market. These 9 markets cover 62% of small and medium businesses (5 to 249 employees) in the United States. We believe there are significant market opportunities beyond the 13 markets in which we are currently offering our services. Our long-term plan is to expand nationally into other top metropolitan markets in the United States. We believe that acquisitions presently represent a more cost effective manner to expand into new markets rather than to build our own infrastructure. Since 2010, we have completed five acquisitions, of which two were in new markets and three expanded our presence in existing markets. We have paid for these acquisitions through a combination of cash and equity, and believe that future acquisitions will be paid in a similar manner. Our decision to expand into new markets will depend upon many factors including the timing and frequency of acquisitions, national and local economic conditions, and the opportunity to leverage existing customer relationships in new markets. 2  Our acquisitions included Sparkplug Chicago, Inc., operating in Chicago, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee, Pipeline Wireless, LLC, operating in Boston, Massachusetts, One Velocity, Inc., operating in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, and Color Broadband Communications, Inc., operating in Los Angeles, California. In February 2013, we completed our acquisition with Delos Internet, operating in Houston, Texas. Sales and Marketing We employ an inside direct sales force model to sell our services to business customers. As of December 31, 2012, we employed 42 direct sales people. We generally compensate these employees on a salary plus commission basis. Approximately 67% of our sales personnel had been with the Company for more than two years as of December 31, 2012 as compared to 73% and 68% as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This tenure metric can fluctuate from period to period, especially because the size of the direct sales force is relatively small. The Company believes that a tenure metric between 60% to 75% constitutes an experienced sales force. Our sales force staffing levels peaked in July 2008 when we employed 128 direct sales personnel. In June 2009, we reduced our direct sales force by 34% in response to a growing emphasis on Internet based marketing initiatives. This change reflected an increasing awareness of the need to capture customer demand rather than trying to create customer demand. Most companies secure their bandwidth service under contracts ranging in length from one to three years. As a result, customer buying decisions generally occur when their existing contracts are close to expiring. We believe that many buyers of information technology services search the Internet to learn about industry trends and developments, as well as competitive service offerings. Our reduction in staffing levels has enabled us to cost effectively increase spending on Internet based marketing initiatives, increase sales productivity, and reduce total sales and marketing expenses. Sales through indirect channels comprised 13% of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with less than 5% for the year ended December 31, 2011. Color Broadband, which we acquired in December 2011, had an active channel program and we hired one of their former employees to be our Channel Manager. During 2012, we changed our channel program to provide for recurring monthly residual payments, ranging from 8% to 20%. Previously, we had generally paid one time commissions on channel sales. Competition The market for broadband services is highly competitive, and includes companies that offer a variety of services using a number of different technology platforms including cable networks, digital subscriber lines (“DSL”), third-generation cellular, satellite, wireless Internet service and other emerging technologies. We compete with these companies on the basis of the portability, ease of use, speed of installation and price. Competitors to our wireless broadband services include: 3  Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers and Common Local Exchange Carriers We face competition from traditional wireline operators in terms of price, performance, discounted rates for bundles of services, breadth of service, reliability, network security, and ease of access and use. In particular, we face competition from Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. which are referred to as ‘‘incumbent local exchange carriers,’’ or (“ILECS”), as well as ‘‘common local exchange carriers,’’ or (“CLECS”), such as TelePacific Communications, MegaPath Networks, and EarthLink, Inc. Cable Modem and DSL Services We compete with companies that provide Internet connectivity through cable modems or DSL. Principal competitors include cable companies, such as Comcast Corporation, and incumbent telephone companies, such as AT&T Inc. or Verizon Communications Inc. Both the cable and telephone companies deploy their services over wired networks initially designed for voice and one-way data transmission that have subsequently been upgraded to provide for additional services. Cellular and PCS Services Cellular and personal communications service (“PCS”) carriers are seeking to expand their capacity to provide data and voice services that are superior to ours. These providers have substantially broader geographic coverage than we have and, for the foreseeable future, than we expect to have. If one or more of these providers can deploy technologies that compete effectively with our services, the mobility and coverage offered by these carriers will provide even greater competition than we currently face. Moreover, more advanced cellular and PCS technologies, such as third generation mobile technologies, currently offer broadband service with packet data transfer speeds of up to 2,000,000 bits per second for fixed applications, and slower speeds for mobile applications. We expect that third generation technology will be improved to increase connectivity speeds to make it more suitable for a range of advanced applications. Wireless Broadband Service Providers We also face competition from other wireless broadband service providers that use licensed and unlicensed spectrum. In connection with our merger and acquisition activities, we have determined that most of our current and planned markets already have one or more locally based companies providing wireless broadband Internet services. In addition, many local governments, universities and other related entities are providing or subsidizing Wi-Fi networks over unlicensed spectrum, in some cases at no cost to the user. There exist numerous small local urban and rural wireless operations offering local services that could compete with us in our present or planned geographic markets. Satellite Satellite providers, such as WildBlue Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, offer broadband data services that address a niche market, mainly less densely populated areas that are unserved or underserved by competing service providers. Although satellite offers service to a large geographic area, latency caused by the time it takes for the signal to travel to and from the satellite may challenge a satellite provider’s ability to provide some services, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), which reduces the size of the addressable market. Other We believe other emerging technologies may also seek to enter the broadband services market. For example, we are aware that several power generation and distribution companies are seeking to develop or have already offered commercial broadband Internet services over existing electric power lines. Competitive Strengths Even though we face substantial existing and prospective competition, we believe that we have a number of competitive advantages that will allow us to retain existing customers and attract new customers over time. 4  Reliability Our network was designed specifically to support wireless broadband services. The networks of cellular, cable and DSL companies rely on infrastructure that was originally designed for non-broadband purposes. We also connect the customer to our Wireless Ring in the Sky which has no single point of failure. This ring is fed by multiple lead Internet providers located at opposite ends of our service cities and connected to our national ring which is fed by multiple leading carriers. We believe that we are the only wireless broadband provider that offers true separate egress for true redundancy. With DSL and cable offerings, the wireline connection can be terminated by one backhoe swipe or switch failure. Our Wireless Ring in the Sky is not likely to be affected by backhoe or other below-ground accidents or severe weather. As a result, our network has historically experienced reliability rates of approximately 99%. Flexibility Our wireless infrastructure and service delivery enables us to respond quickly to changes in a customer’s broadband requirements. We offer bandwidth options ranging from 0.5 megabits per second up to 1.5 gigabit per second. We can usually adjust a customer’s bandwidth remotely and without having to visit the customer location to modify or install new equipment. Changes can often be made on a same day basis. Timeliness In many cases, we can install a new customer and begin delivering Internet connectivity within 3 to 5 business days after receiving a customer’s order. Many of the larger telecommunications companies can take 30 to 60 days to complete an installation. The timeliness of service delivery has become more important as businesses conduct more of their business operations through the Internet. Value We own our entire network which enables us to price our services lower than most of our competitors. Specifically, we are able to offer competitive prices because we do not have to buy a local loop charge from the telephone company. Efficient Economic Model Our economic model is characterized by low fixed capital and operating expenditures relative to other wireless and wireline broadband service providers. We own our entire network, which eliminates costs involved with using leased lines owned by telephone or cable companies. Our network is modular. Coverage is directly related to various factors, including the height of the facility we are on and the frequencies we utilize. The average area covered by a PoP is a six mile radius. Experienced Management Team We have an experienced executive management team with more than 35 years of combined experience as company leaders. Our President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey M. Thompson, is a founder of the Company and has more than 20 years of experience in the data communications industry. Our Chief Financial Officer, Joseph P. Hernon, has been the chief financial officer for three publicly traded companies over the past 15 years. Corporate History We were organized in the State of Nevada in June 2005. In January 2007, we merged with and into a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary, for the sole purpose of changing our state of incorporation to Delaware. In January 2007, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours merged with and into a private company, Towerstream Corporation, with Towerstream Corporation being the surviving company. Upon closing of the merger, we discontinued our former business and succeeded to the business of Towerstream Corporation as our sole line of business. At the same time, we also changed our name to Towerstream Corporation and, our subsidiary, Towerstream Corporation, changed its name to Towerstream I, Inc. Regulatory Matters Wireless broadband services are subject to regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). At the federal level, the FCC has jurisdiction over wireless transmissions over the electromagnetic spectrum and all interstate telecommunications services. State regulatory commissions have jurisdiction over intrastate communications. Municipalities may regulate limited aspects of our business by, for example, imposing zoning requirements and requiring installation permits. 5  Telecommunications Regulation Our wireless broadband systems can be used to provide Internet access service and VPNs. In a March 2007 decision, the FCC classified wireless broadband Internet access service as an interstate information service that is regulated under Title I of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Accordingly, most regulations that apply to telephone companies and other common carriers do not apply to our wireless broadband Internet access service. For example, we are not currently required to contribute a percentage of gross revenues from our Internet access services to universal service funds used to support local telephone service and advanced telecommunications services for schools, libraries and rural health care facilities (‘‘USF Fees’’). We are not required to file tariffs with the FCC, setting forth the rates, terms, and conditions of our Internet access service. The FCC, however, is currently considering whether to impose various consumer protection obligations, similar to Title II obligations, on wireless broadband Internet access providers. These requirements may include obligations related to truth-in-billing, slamming, discontinuing service, customer proprietary network information and federal universal service funds mechanisms. Internet access providers are currently subject to applicable state consumer protection laws enforced by each state’s Attorney General and general Federal Trade Commission consumer protection rules. On August 5, 2005, the FCC adopted an Order finding that facilities-based broadband Internet access providers are subject to the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (“CALEA”), which requires service providers covered by that statute to build certain law enforcement surveillance assistance capabilities into their communications networks. The FCC required facilities-based broadband Internet access providers to comply with CALEA requirements by May 14, 2007. We have complied with such CALEA requirements. On May 3, 2006, the FCC adopted an additional Order addressing CALEA compliance obligations of these providers. In that order, the FCC: (i) affirmed the May 14, 2007 compliance deadline; (ii) indicated compliance standards are to be developed by the industry within the telecommunications standards-setting bodies working together with law enforcement; (iii) permitted the use of certain third parties to satisfy CALEA compliance obligations; (iv) restricted the availability of compliance extensions; (v) concluded that facilities-based broadband Internet access providers are responsible for any CALEA development and implementation costs; (vi) declared that the FCC may pursue enforcement action, in addition to remedies available through the courts, against any non-compliant provider; and (vii) adopted interim progress report filing requirements. On May 12, 2011, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposed rules requiring broadband and interconnected VoIP service providers to report outages. The industry opposed certain aspects of the proposed rules including burdensome reporting requirements. In an Order released by the FCC on February 21, 2012, the FCC announced it would defer the question of outage reporting requirements for broadband Internet service providers on the grounds that this issue deserves further study. Broadband Internet-related and Internet protocol-services regulatory policies are continuing to develop, and it is possible that our broadband Internet access could be subject to additional regulations in the future. The extent of the regulations that will ultimately be applicable to these services and the impact of such regulations on the ability of providers to compete are currently unknown. Spectrum Regulation The FCC routinely reviews its spectrum policies and may change its position on spectrum allocations from time to time. We believe that the FCC is committed to allocating spectrum to support wireless broadband deployment throughout the United States and will continue to modify its regulations to foster such deployment, which will help us implement our existing and future business plans. Internet Taxation The Internet Tax Freedom Act, which was signed into law in October 2007, extended a moratorium on taxes on Internet access and multiple, discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. This moratorium had previously expired in November 2007, and as with the preceding Internet Tax Freedom Act, ‘‘grandfathered’’ states that taxed Internet access prior to October 1998 to allow them to continue to do so. Certain states have enacted various taxes on Internet access or electronic commerce, and selected states’ taxes are being contested on a variety of bases. However, state tax laws may not be successfully contested, and future state and federal laws imposing taxes or other regulations on Internet access and electronic commerce may arise, any of which could increase the cost of providing Internet services, which could, in turn, materially adversely affect our business. Other During August 2012, the Company received a letter of inquiry (the “Letter”) from the FCC in which the Company was informed that the Enforcement Bureau was investigating potential violations by the Company of certain provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and FCC Rules. The Letter principally related to the Company’s acquisitions and related transactions in 2011 and 2012. The Letter also sought information on negotiations with licensees seeking to operate within 150 km of certain primary satellite earth stations located in DeSoto, TX, Medley, FL and Miami, FL. The Letter directed the Company to produce certain documents and information. The Company provided the requested documents and information to the FCC. The Company and the FCC have been in discussions concerning a consent decree which would include the Company’s adoption of a comprehensive compliance plan satisfactory to the FCC. The Company may agree to the payment of a sum which the Company does not expect to be material. However, the investigation is continuing, negotiations are not yet complete and the ultimate outcome of the investigation is presently unknown.  We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities. If we fail to comply with these regulations, we may be subject to penalties, both monetary and non-monetary, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, including regulation by the FCC, which risks are more fully described under the heading “Risk Factors.” 6  Rights Plan In November 2010, we adopted a rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock as of the record date on November 14, 2010. Each right, when exercisable, entitles the registered holder to purchase one-hundredth (1/100 th ) of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per shares of the Company at a purchase price of $18.00 per one-hundredth (1/100 th ) of a share of the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to certain adjustments. The rights will generally separate from the common stock and become exercisable if any person or group acquires or announces a tender offer to acquire 15% or more of our outstanding common stock without the consent of our Board of Directors. Because the rights may substantially dilute the stock ownership of a person or group attempting to take us over without the approval of our Board of Directors, our Rights Plan could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us (or a significant percentage of our outstanding capital stock) without first negotiating with our Board of Directors. In addition, we are governed by provisions of Delaware law that may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us. The provisions in our charter, bylaws, Rights Plan and under Delaware law related to the foregoing could discourage takeover attempts that our stockholders would otherwise favor, or otherwise reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay for our common stock in the future. Employees As of December 31, 2012, we had 175 employees, of whom 173 were full-time employees and 2 were part-time employee. As of February 28, 2013, we had 166 employees, of whom 164 are full-time employees and 2 are part-time employees. We believe our employee relations are good. Two employees are considered members of executive management. Our Corporate Information Our principal executive offices are located at 55 Hammarlund Way, Middletown, Rhode Island, 02842. Our telephone number is (401) 848-5848. The Company’s website address is http://www.towerstream.com . Information contained on the Company’s website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge through the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Item 1A. Risk Factors. Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risks described below and other information contained in this annual report, including our financial statements and related notes before purchasing shares of our common stock. There are numerous and varied risks, known and unknown, that may prevent us from achieving our goals. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and investors in our common stock could lose all or part of their investment. Risks Relating to Fixed Wireless Services We may be unable to successfully execute any of our identified business opportunities or other business opportunities that we determine to pursue. In order to pursue business opportunities, we will need to continue to build our infrastructure and strengthen our operational capabilities. Our ability to do any of these successfully could be affected by any one or more of the following factors: 7  Our failure to adequately address any one or more of the above factors could have a significant adverse impact on our ability to execute our business plan and the long term viability of our business. We depend on the continued availability of leases and licenses for our communications equipment. We have constructed proprietary networks in each of the markets we serve by installing antennae on rooftops, cellular towers and other structures pursuant to lease or license agreements to send and receive wireless signals necessary for the operation of our network. We typically seek five year initial terms for our leases with three to five year renewal options. Such renewal options are generally exercisable at our discretion before the expiration of the current term. If these leases are terminated or if the owners of these structures are unwilling to continue to enter into leases or licenses with us in the future, we would be forced to seek alternative arrangements with other providers. If we are unable to continue to obtain or renew such leases on satisfactory terms, our business would be harmed. Our business depends on a strong brand, and if we do not maintain and enhance our brand, our ability to attract and retain customers may be impaired and our business and operating results may be harmed. We believe that our brand is a critical part of our business. Maintaining and enhancing our brand may require us to make substantial investments with no assurance that these investments will be successful. If we fail to promote and maintain the “Towerstream” brand, or if we incur significant expenses in this effort, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition may be harmed. We anticipate that maintaining and enhancing our brand will become increasingly important, difficult and expensive. We are pursuing acquisitions that we believe complement our existing operations but which involve risks that could adversely affect our business. Acquisitions involve risks that could adversely affect our business including the diversion of management time from operations and difficulties integrating the operations and personnel of acquired companies. In addition, any future acquisition could result in significant costs, the incurrence of additional debt or the issuance of equity securities to fund the acquisition, and the assumption of contingent or undisclosed liabilities, all of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. • the ability of our equipment, our equipment suppliers or our service providers to perform as we expect; • the ability of our services to achieve market acceptance; • our ability to manage third party relationships effectively; • our ability to identify suitable locations and then negotiate acceptable agreements with building owners so that we can establish PoPs on their rooftop; • our ability to work effectively with new customers to secure approval from their landlord to install our equipment; • our ability to effectively manage the growth and expansion of our business operations without incurring excessive costs, high employee turnover or damage to customer relationships; • our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel which may be affected by the significant competition in our industry for individuals experienced in network operations and engineering; • equipment failure or interruption of service which could adversely affect our reputation and our relations with our customers; • our ability to accurately predict and respond to the rapid technological changes in our industry and the evolving demands of the markets we serve; and • our ability to raise additional capital to fund our growth and to support our operations until we reach profitability. 8  In connection with any future acquisition, we generally will seek to minimize the impact of contingent and undisclosed liabilities by obtaining indemnities and warranties from the seller. However, these indemnities and warranties, if obtained, may not fully cover the liabilities due to their limited scope, their amount or duration, the financial limitations of the indemnitor or warrantor, or for other reasons. We continue to consider strategic acquisitions, some of which may be larger than those previously completed and which could be material acquisitions. Integrating acquisitions is often costly and may require significant attention from management. Delays or other operational or financial problems that interfere with our operations may result. If we fail to implement proper overall business controls for companies or assets we acquire or fail to successfully integrate these acquired companies or assets in our processes, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, it is possible that we may incur significant expenses in the evaluation and pursuit of potential acquisitions that may not be successfully completed. We have a history of operating losses and expect to continue incurring losses for the foreseeable future. Our current business was launched in 1999 and has incurred losses in each year of operation. We recorded a net loss of, $5,603,007 in 2010, $7,025,107 in 2011 and $20,989,575 in 2012. We cannot anticipate when, if ever, our operations will become profitable. We expect to incur significant net losses as we develop our network, expand our markets, undertake acquisitions, acquire spectrum and pursue our business strategy. We intend to invest significantly in our business before we expect cash flow from operations to be adequate to cover our operating expenses. If we are unable to execute our business strategy and grow our business, either as a result of the risks identified in this section or for any other reason, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected. Cash and cash equivalents represent one of our largest assets and in light of the recent market turmoil among financial institutions and related liquidity issues, we may be at risk of being uninsured for a large portion of such assets or having timing problems accessing such assets. The market turmoil experienced over the past few years, including the failure or insolvency of several large financial institutions and the credit crunch affecting the short term debt markets, has caused liquidity problems for companies and institutions across the country. As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately $15,000,000 in cash and cash equivalents with one large financial banking institution. Although the present regulatory response in the United States for when a large institution becomes insolvent generally has been to have the failing institution merge or transfer assets to more solvent entities, thereby avoiding failures, it is possible that any financial institution could become insolvent or fail. At times, our cash and cash equivalents may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. If the institution at which we have placed our funds were to become insolvent or fail, we could be at risk for losing a substantial portion of our cash deposits, or incur significant time delays in obtaining access to such funds. In light of the limited amount of federal insurance for deposits, even if we were to spread our cash assets among several institutions, we would remain at risk for the amount not covered by insurance. The global economic crisis could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources. The recent distress in the financial markets has resulted in extreme volatility in security prices and diminished liquidity and credit availability, and there can be no assurance that our liquidity will not be affected by changes in the financial markets and the global economy or that our capital resources will at all times be sufficient to satisfy our liquidity needs. Although we believe that cash provided by operations and our cash and cash equivalents currently on hand will provide us with sufficient liquidity through the current credit crisis, tightening of the credit markets could make it more difficult for us to access funds, enter into agreements for new debt or obtain funding through the issuance of our securities. In addition, the current credit crisis is having a significant negative impact on businesses around the world, and the impact of this crisis on our major suppliers cannot be predicted. The inability of key suppliers to access liquidity, or the insolvency of key suppliers, could lead to delivery delays or failures. Our business may require additional capital for continued growth, and our growth may be slowed if we do not have sufficient capital. The continued growth and operation of our business may require additional funding for working capital, debt service, the enhancement and upgrade of our network, the build-out of infrastructure to expand our coverage, possible acquisitions and possible bids to acquire spectrum licenses. We may be unable to secure such funding when needed in adequate amounts or on acceptable terms, if at all. To execute our business strategy, we may issue additional equity securities in public or private offerings, potentially at a price lower than the market price at the time of such issuance. Similarly, we may seek debt financing and may be forced to incur significant interest expense. If we cannot secure sufficient funding, we may be forced to forego strategic opportunities or delay, scale back or eliminate network deployments, operations, acquisitions, spectrum bids and other investments. 9  Many of our competitors are better established and have significantly greater resources which may make it difficult for us to attract and retain customers. The market for broadband and related services is highly competitive, and we compete with several other companies within each of our markets. Many of our competitors are well established with larger and better developed networks and support systems, longer relationships with customers and suppliers, greater name recognition and greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we have. Our competitors may subsidize competing services with revenue from other sources and, thus, may offer their products and services at prices lower than ours. Our competitors may also reduce the prices of their services significantly or may offer broadband connectivity packaged with other products or services. We may not be able to reduce our prices or otherwise combine our services with other products or services, which may make it more difficult to attract and retain customers. In addition, businesses which are presently focused on providing services to residential customers may expand their target base and begin offering service to business customers. We expect existing and prospective competitors to adopt technologies or business plans similar to ours, or seek other means to develop competitive services, particularly if our services prove to be attractive in our target markets. This competition may make it difficult to attract new customers and retain existing customers. We may experience difficulties in constructing, upgrading and maintaining our network, which could increase customer turnover and reduce our revenues. Our success depends on developing and providing products and services that give customers high quality Internet connectivity. If the number of customers using our network increases, we will require more infrastructure and network resources to maintain the quality of our services. Consequently, we may be required to make substantial investments to improve our facilities and equipment, and to upgrade our technology and network infrastructure. If we do not implement these developments successfully, or if we experience inefficiencies, operational failures or unforeseen costs during implementation, the quality of our products and services could decline. We may experience quality deficiencies, cost overruns and delays in implementing our network improvements and expansion and in maintenance and upgrade projects, including the portions of those projects not within our control or the control of our contractors. Our network requires the receipt of permits and approvals from numerous governmental bodies including municipalities and zoning boards. Such bodies often limit the expansion of transmission towers and other construction necessary for our business. Failure to receive approvals in a timely fashion can delay system rollouts and raise the cost of completing projects. In addition, we are typically required to obtain rights from land, building or tower owners to install our antennae and other equipment to provide service to our customers. We may not be able to obtain, on terms acceptable to us, or at all, the rights necessary to construct our network and expand our services. We also face challenges in managing and operating our network. These challenges include operating, maintaining and upgrading network and customer premise equipment to accommodate increased traffic or technological advances, and managing the sales, advertising, customer support, billing and collection functions of our business while providing reliable network service at expected speeds and quality. Our failure in any of these areas could adversely affect customer satisfaction, increase customer turnover or churn, increase our costs and decrease our revenues. If we do not obtain and maintain rights to use licensed spectrum in one or more markets, we may be unable to operate in these markets which could negatively impact our ability to execute our business strategy. To the extent we secure licensed spectrum, we face increased operational costs, greater regulatory scrutiny and may become subject to arbitrary government decision making. We provide our services in some markets by using spectrum obtained through licenses or long-term leases in those markets. Obtaining licensed spectrum can be a long and difficult process that can be costly and require a disproportionate amount of our management resources. Licensed spectrum, whether owned or leased, poses additional risks, including: • inability to satisfy build-out or service deployment requirements upon which spectrum licenses or leases are, or may be, conditioned; 10  We utilize unlicensed spectrum in all of our markets which is subject to intense competition, low barriers of entry and slowdowns due to multiple users. We presently utilize unlicensed spectrum in all of our markets to provide our service offerings. Unlicensed or “free” spectrum is available to multiple users and may suffer bandwidth limitations, interference and slowdowns if the number of users exceeds traffic capacity. The availability of unlicensed spectrum is not unlimited and others do not need to obtain permits or licenses to utilize the same unlicensed spectrum that we currently or may utilize in the future. The inherent limitations of unlicensed spectrum could potentially threaten our ability to reliably deliver our services. Moreover, the prevalence of unlicensed spectrum creates low barriers of entry in our industry which naturally creates the potential for increased competition. Interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems could impair our ability to provide services which could damage our reputation and adversely affect our operating results. Our services depend on the continuing operation of our information technology and communications systems. We have experienced service interruptions in the past and may experience service interruptions or system failures in the future. Any unscheduled service interruption adversely affects our ability to operate our business and could result in an immediate loss of revenues. If we experience frequent or persistent system or network failures, our reputation could be permanently harmed. We may need to make significant capital expenditures to increase the reliability of our systems, however, these capital expenditures may not achieve the results we expect. Excessive customer churn may adversely affect our financial performance by slowing customer growth, increasing costs and reducing revenues. The successful implementation of our business plan depends upon controlling customer churn. Customer churn is a measure of customers who cancel their services agreement. Customer churn could increase as a result of: • increases in spectrum acquisition costs or complexity; • competitive bids, pre-bid qualifications and post-bid requirements for spectrum acquisitions, in which we may not be successful leading to, among other things, increased competition; • adverse changes to regulations governing spectrum rights; • the risk that acquired or leased spectrum will not be commercially usable or free of damaging interference from licensed or unlicensed operators in our or adjacent bands; • contractual disputes with, or the bankruptcy or other reorganization of, the license holders, which could adversely affect control over the spectrum subject to such licenses; • failure of the FCC or other regulators to renew spectrum licenses as they expire; and • invalidation of authorization to use all or a significant portion of our spectrum. • interruptions to the delivery of services to customers over our network; • the availability of competing technology such as cable modems, DSL, third-generation cellular, satellite, wireless Internet service and other emerging technologies, some of which may be less expensive or technologically superior to those offered by us; • changes in promotions and new marketing or sales initiatives; • new competitors entering the markets in which we offer service; and • a reduction in the quality of our customer service billing errors. 11  An increase in customer churn can lead to slower customer growth, increased costs and a reduction in revenues. If our business strategy is unsuccessful, we will not be profitable and our stockholders could lose their investment. There is no prior history of other companies that have successfully pursued our strategy of delivering fixed wireless bandwidth services to businesses. Many fixed wireless companies have failed and there is no guarantee that our strategy will be successful or profitable. If our strategy is unsuccessful, the value of our company may decrease and our stockholders could lose their entire investment. We may not be able to effectively control and manage our growth which would negatively impact our operations. If our business and markets continue to grow and develop, it will be necessary for us to finance and manage expansion in an orderly fashion. In addition, we may face challenges in managing expanding product and service offerings, and in integrating acquired businesses. Such events would increase demands on our existing management, workforce and facilities. Failure to satisfy increased demands could interrupt or adversely affect our operations and cause backlogs and administrative inefficiencies. The success of our business depends on the continuing contributions of key personnel and our ability to attract, train and retain highly qualified personnel. We are highly dependent on the continued services of our Chairman, Philip Urso, and our President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey M. Thompson. In December 2011, we amended our employment agreement with Jeffrey M. Thompson. The amendment extends the term of his employment agreement for a period of two years, commencing December 2011. We cannot guarantee that any of these persons will stay with us for any definite period. Loss of the services of any of these individuals could adversely impact our operations. We do not maintain policies of “key man” insurance on our executives. In addition, we must be able to attract, train, motivate and retain highly skilled and experienced technical employees in order to successfully introduce our services in new markets and grow our business in existing markets. Qualified technical employees often are in great demand and may be unavailable in the time frame required to satisfy our business requirements. We may not be able to attract and retain sufficient numbers of highly skilled technical employees in the future. The loss of technical personnel or our inability to hire or retain sufficient technical personnel at competitive rates of compensation could impair our ability to successfully grow our business and retain our existing customer base. We could encounter difficulties integrating acquisitions which could result in substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial difficulties. Over the past two years, we have completed five acquisitions. We may seek to acquire other fixed wireless businesses, including those operating in our current business markets or those operating in other geographic markets. We cannot accurately predict the timing, size and success of our acquisition efforts and the associated capital commitments that might be required. We expect to encounter competition for acquisitions which may limit the number of potential acquisition opportunities and may lead to higher acquisition prices. We may not be able to identify, acquire or profitably manage additional businesses or successfully integrate acquired businesses, if any, without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial difficulties. In addition, such acquisitions involve a number of other risks, including: • failure of the acquired businesses to achieve expected results; • integration difficulties could increase customer churn and negatively affect our reputation; • diversion of management’s attention and resources to acquisitions; • failure to retain key personnel of the acquired businesses; • disappointing quality or functionality of acquired equipment and personnel; and • risks associated with unanticipated events, liabilities or contingencies. 12  The inability to successfully integrate and manage acquired companies could result in the incurrence of substantial costs to address the problems and issues encountered. Our inability to finance acquisitions from cash flow generated from operations, debt financing, or shares of our common stock could impair the growth and expansion of our business. The extent to which we will be able or willing to use shares of our common stock to consummate acquisitions will depend on (i) the market value of our securities which will vary, (ii) liquidity which can fluctuate, and (iii) the willingness of potential sellers to accept shares of our common stock as full or partial payment for their business. Using shares of our common stock for acquisitions may result in significant dilution to existing stockholders. To the extent that we are unable to use common stock to make future acquisitions, our ability to grow through acquisitions may be limited by the extent to which we are able to raise capital through debt or equity financings. We may not be able to obtain the necessary capital to finance any acquisitions. If we are unable to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, we may be required to reduce the scope of expansion or redirect resources committed to internal purposes. Our inability to use shares of our common stock to make future acquisitions may hinder our ability to actively pursue our acquisition program. We rely on a limited number of third party suppliers that manufacture network equipment, and install and maintain our network sites. If these companies fail to perform or experience delays, shortages or increased demand for their products or services, we may face shortage of components, increased costs, and may be required to suspend our network deployment and our service introduction. We depend on a limited number of third party suppliers to produce and deliver products required for our networks. We also depend on a limited number of third parties to install and maintain our network facilities. We do not maintain any long term supply contracts with these manufacturers. If a manufacturer or other provider does not satisfy our requirements, or if we lose a manufacturer or any other significant provider, we may have insufficient network equipment for delivery to customers and for installation or maintenance of our infrastructure. Such developments could force us to suspend the deployment of our network and the installation of new customers, thus impairing future growth. If our data security measures are breached, customers may perceive that our network is not secure which may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers and expose us to liability. Network security and the authentication of a customer’s credentials are designed to protect unauthorized access to data on our network. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or to sabotage networks change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate or implement adequate preventive measures against unauthorized access or sabotage. Consequently, unauthorized parties may overcome our encryption and security systems, and obtain access to data on our network. In addition, because we operate and control our network and our customers’ Internet connectivity, unauthorized access or sabotage of our network could result in damage to our network and to the computers or other devices used by our customers. An actual or perceived breach of network security, regardless of whether the breach is our fault, could harm public perception of the effectiveness of our security measures, adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, expose us to significant liability and adversely affect our business prospects. The delivery of our services could infringe on the intellectual property rights of others which may result in costly litigation and, if we do not prevail, could also cause us to pay substantial damages and prohibit us from selling our services. Third parties may assert infringement or other intellectual property claims against us. We may have to pay substantial damages, including damages for past infringement if it is ultimately determined that our services infringe a third party’s proprietary rights. Further, we may be prohibited from selling or providing some of our services before we obtain additional licenses, which, if available at all, may require us to pay substantial royalties or licensing fees. Even if claims are determined to be without merit, defending a lawsuit takes significant time, may be expensive and may divert management’s attention from our other business concerns. Any public announcements related to litigation or interference proceedings initiated or threatened against us could cause our business to be harmed and our stock price to decline. Risks Related to Shared Wireless Infrastructure Since 2010, the Company has been exploring opportunities to leverage its fixed wireless network in major urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Over the past few years, a significant increase in mobile data generated by smartphones, tablets, and other devices has placed tremendous demand on the networks of the carriers. This has caused the carriers to explore a wide range of solutions including (i) acquiring additional spectrum, (ii) employing Wi-Fi to offload data traffic, and (iii) utilizing small cell technologies to increase capacity in dense urban areas. During this period, the Company has incurred various costs related to identifying possible new solutions and services. These costs included (a) rent payments under lease agreements which provide the right to install wireless technology equipment on street level rooftops, (b) construction of a carrier-class network to offload data traffic, and (c) installation of relay Points of Presence (“PoPs”) to connect its offload network to its fixed wireless network. We entered into the lease agreements and commenced these capital projects for the purpose of securing capacity that we believe we needed to maintain our competitive advantage in the wireless industry. In recent months, the Company has concluded that the wireless communications industry is experiencing a fundamental shift from its current, macro-cellular architecture to hyper-densified Small Cell architecture where existing cell sites will be supplemented by many smaller base stations operating near street level. The Company also believes that Wi-Fi will be an integral component of Small Cell architecture. 13  In January 2013, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”). The Company plans to transfer certain assets to Hetnets to support the operation of a shared wireless infrastructure business. Hetnets plans to generate rental income from four separate sources including (i) rental of space on street level rooftops for the installation of customer owned Small Cells which includes Wi-Fi antennae, DAS, and Metro and Pico cells, (ii) rental of a channel on Hetnets’ Wi-Fi network for the offloading of mobile data, (iii) rental of cabinets, switch ports, interconnection services, including backhaul or transport, and (iv) rental of power and power backup. The Company has determined that Hetnets represents a new business segment. Beginning in 2013, the Company will provide segment financial reporting for two business segments which will be referred to as (i) Fixed Wireless Services, and (ii) Shared Wireless Infrastructure. Risks associated with Hetnets and its focus on shared wireless infrastructure include: We have no experience operating a shared wireless infrastructure company. Our newly formed subsidiary, Hetnets, has not had any experience operating as a shared wireless infrastructure enterprise. We may decide to operate Hetnets as a stand-alone business with its own management and board. For the near term, the management and board of directors are expected to be composed entirely of Towerstream officers and directors which could raise conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that we will be able to execute our business plan for Hetnets. We may not be able to operate Hetnets successfully, including generating revenues and achieving profitability. We expect to transfer approximately $17 million in equipment to Hetnets to support its shared wireless infrastructure operations. We expect to incur capital expenses in 2013 and incur substantial operating expenses as we pursue our business strategy for Hetnets. Hetnets is a new, untested business model that is similar to, yet different than, many traditional tower companies and for this reason is subject to many risks of tower companies and other risks which may not presently be known. If we are unable to execute our business strategy and grow Hetnets, or are unable to attract customers or capital either as a result of the risks identified herein or for any other reason, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected and we may be forced to terminate operations related to Hetnets, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company as a whole. Hetnets has no operating history as a separate company, and this lack of experience may impede our ability to successfully manage the Hetnets business. Key members of our management team responsible for leadership roles in the Hetnets business have no experience operating a business that is solely engaged in the shared wireless infrastructure business. We do not believe there is any existing business that is dedicated primarily to establishing a dominant position in shared wireless infrastructure to be offered for use by others and as such both management and the business face uncertain risks. Hetnets has no operating history as a separate company. We cannot assure you that our past experience will be sufficient to successfully operate Hetnets as a separate business. For a period of time, we will utilize shared resources of Towerstream for Hetnets’ business and operations. If our management, sales, finance and accounting staff is unable for any reason to respond adequately to the increased demands that will result from separate operations, we may be forced to incur additional administrative and other costs to avoid experiencing deficiencies or material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting. We have not yet established processes or procedures for operating Hetnets as a separate business unit. We may be unable to successfully execute any of the business opportunities we have identified for Hetnets to pursue. In order for Hetnets to pursue business opportunities, we will need to build an effective company infrastructure and establish operational capabilities, including investing additional capital including a portion of the proceeds of our February 2013 equity offering. Our ability to do any of these actions successfully could be affected by any one or more of the following factors: • the ability of Hetnets equipment, our equipment suppliers or our service providers to perform as we expect; • the ability of Hetnets to grow and integrate new Small Cell antennae and shared wireless networks into our business; • the ability of Hetnets to identify suitable locations and then negotiate acceptable agreements with building owners so that it can establish new rooftop locations; • the ability of Hetnets to effectively manage the growth and expansion of its business operations without incurring excessive costs, high employee turnover or damage to business relationships; • the ability of Hetnets to attract and retain qualified personnel which may be affected by the significant competition in our industry for individuals experienced in network operations and engineering; • the ability of Hetnets to accurately predict and respond to the rapid technological changes in its industry and the evolving demands of  The failure of Hetnets to adequately address any one or more of the above factors could have a significant adverse impact on its ability to execute its business plan and may adversely affect its and our business, results of operations and financial condition. the markets it serves and plans to serve; and • our ability to raise additional capital to fund Hetnet’s growth and to support its operations until it reaches profitability. 14  Many of the potential customers of Hetnets, who have substantially greater assets than the Company, may invest in developing their own shared or dedicated wireless infrastructure, with equipment, vendors or service providers that may be superior to ours, which could have a material adverse effect on Hetnets and our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our competition may include businesses that are also potential customers of Hetnets. Hetnets will likely require additional capital for continued growth, and its growth may be slowed if it does not have sufficient capital. The continued growth and operation of Hetnets likely will require additional funding for working capital, the continual need for enhancement and upgrade of networks, the build-out of infrastructure to expand coverage, and possible acquisitions. Such funding may not be available when needed in adequate amounts or on acceptable terms, if at all. To execute the Hetnets business strategy, we may issue additional equity securities in public or private offerings, Additionally, Hetnets may raise capital independently of the Company, and potentially at a price lower than the market price or book value at the time of issuance. Any of such issuances may result in substantial dilution to existing shareholders. Similarly, we may seek debt financing and may be forced to incur interest expense. If we cannot secure sufficient funding for Hetnets, we may be forced to forego strategic opportunities for Hetnets or otherwise or delay, scale back or eliminate network deployments, operations, acquisitions, and other investments, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our plans for Hetnets may include financing or joint ventures on a stand-alone basis or a spinoff of all or a portion of the ownership of Hetnets. Our plans for Hetnets may include financing for Hetnets on a stand-alone basis, joint venture arrangements with strategic partners for financial investors, spinning all or a portion of Hetnets off to our stockholders, or a public offering of a portion of the equity of Hetnets, although such actions have not yet been approved by the Company and may change. Any of such actions ultimately may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. We depend on the continued availability of leases for our Hetnets shared wireless infrastructure business. We intend to seek to obtain five year initial terms for our leases with renewal options of three to five years each, although there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. Such renewal options are exercisable generally at our discretion before the expiration of the current term. If these leases are terminated or if the owners of these structures are unwilling to continue to enter into leases with us in the future, we could be forced to seek alternative arrangements with other building owners. If we are unable to continue to renew or replace our shared wireless infrastructure leases on satisfactory terms, Hetnets’ and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. Due to the long-term purchasing cycle of the expected customers for our wireless network infrastructure, we may face delays related to contract approvals, the adoption of new wireless technologies such as Small Cell, and our acceptance by large organizations as a participation in the industry as a new entrant offering services similar to competitors with significantly greater resources and scope of services (geographic and otherwise); Our expectations for revenues include a limited number of large companies, such as major telecom providers and carriers, internet, cellular and data providers, which may experience approval delays resulting from the timeliness of decisions, commitments and contract approvals our outright refusals from such organizations; Our growth will also be subject to the risk associated with the creditworthiness and financial strength of customers for our shared wireless infrastructure. We expect long lead times from our prospective customers prior to establishing predictable revenues for our Hetnets business, due to the long-term nature of purchasing and commitment decisions of large organizations. We also expect to experience delays in converting our trials and offerings into commitments from our prospective customers. The nature and duration of adoption and commitment delays is unpredictable. We depend on the willingness of our prospective customers to transact business with a new entrant in the tower industry offering shared wireless infrastructure, which technologies have not been fully proven or adopted by the industry. In addition we are and will continue to be subject to the continued financial strength and creditworthiness of our customers. Wireless service providers and other prospective customers operate with substantial leverage and have in the past filed for bankruptcy. As a small company, we may be more vulnerable than larger companies to client credit issues, payment delays and bankruptcies. In economic down cycles, necessary capital raising activities by our customers may be thwarted and cause further delays or impact new technology deployment, which could impact us. Each of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. 15  Hetnets will rely on a limited number of third party suppliers that manufacture carrier-class shared wireless infrastructure equipment, and install and maintain its wireless infrastructure. If these companies fail to perform or experience delays, shortages or increased demand for their products or services, we may face a shortage of components, increased costs, and may be required to suspend our business expansion. Hetnets depends on a limited number of third party suppliers for carrier-class equipment required for its shared wireless infrastructure. It also depends on a limited number of third parties to install and maintain its infrastructure equipment. Hetnets does not maintain any long term supply contracts with these manufacturers. If a manufacturer or other provider does not satisfy Hetnets’ requirements, or if it loses a manufacturer or any other significant provider, Hetnets may have insufficient equipment for installation or maintenance of infrastructure. Such developments could force it to suspend the deployment of its shared wireless infrastructure and may impair its growth. This could have a material adverse effect on Hetnets’ and our business, results of operations and financial condition. If data security measures employed by Hetnets are breached, customers may perceive that its shared wireless infrastructure is not secure which may adversely affect its ability to attract and retain customers and expose Hetnets to liability. Wireless infrastructure security and the authentication of customer credentials are designed to protect unauthorized access to data on our shared wireless infrastructure. Because techniques used to prevent unauthorized access to or to sabotage wireless infrastructure change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, Hetnets may be unable to anticipate or implement adequate preventive measures against unauthorized access or sabotage. Consequently, unauthorized parties may overcome Hetnets’ encryption and security systems, and gain access to data on its wireless infrastructure. In addition, because Hetnets operates and controls its shared wireless infrastructure and our customers’ Internet connectivity, unauthorized access or sabotage of the Hetnets shared wireless infrastructure could result in damage to Hetnets’shared wireless infrastructure and to the computers or other devices used by its customers. An actual or perceived breach of shared wireless infrastructure security, regardless of whether the breach is the fault of Hetnets, could harm public perception of the effectiveness of its security measures, adversely affect its ability to attract and retain customers, expose it to significant liability and adversely affect its business prospects. This could have a material adverse effect on Hetnets’ and, accordingly, our business, results of operations and financial condition. The technology used by Hetnets to develop and/or operate its shared wireless infrastructure may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others which may result in costly litigation and, if Hetnets does not prevail, could also cause Hetnets to pay substantial damages and/or prohibit it from maintaining our shared wireless infrastructure. Third parties may assert infringement or other intellectual property claims against Hetnets related to its trademarks, services or the technology it uses or may use in the future to develop and/or operate its shared wireless infrastructure . Hetnets may have to pay substantial damages, including damages for past infringement, if it is ultimately determined that the shared wireless infrastructure infringes on a third party’s proprietary rights. Further, it may be prohibited from maintaining the infringing shared wireless infrastructure or portions thereof or be required to pay substantial royalties or licensing fees to maintain it. Even if claims are determined to be without merit, defending a lawsuit takes significant time, may be expensive and may divert management’s attention from our other business concerns. Any public announcements related to litigation or interference proceedings initiated or threatened against it could materially and adversely affect its and our business, results of operations and financial condition. We do not maintain insurance coverage for intellectual property claims nor have we established any reserves for potential intellectual property claims. Hetnets may experience difficulties in constructing, upgrading and maintaining its shared wireless infrastructure , which could impair its ability to provide services to its customers and may reduce its revenues. Hetnets’ success depends on developing and providing services that give customers access to high quality shared wireless infrastructure. If the number of customers using its shared wireless infrastructure increases, it will require more infrastructure and network resources to maintain the quality of its services. Consequently, it may be required to make substantial investments to improve its facilities and equipment, and to upgrade its technology and infrastructure. If Hetnets does not implement these developments successfully, or experiences inefficiencies, operational failures or unforeseen costs during implementation, the quality of its shared wireless infrastructure could decline. 16  Hetnets may experience quality deficiencies, cost overruns and delays in implementing its shared wireless infrastructure, improvements and expansion and in maintenance and upgrade projects, including the portions of those projects not within its control or the control of its contractors. The development of shared wireless infrastructure may require securing permits and approvals from numerous governmental bodies including municipalities and zoning boards. Such bodies often limit the installation of rooftop and similar transmission equipment. Failure to receive approvals in a timely fashion can delay system rollouts and raise the cost of completing projects. In addition, Hetnets typically is required to obtain rights from building owners to install its antennae and other shared wireless infrastructure essential equipment. We may not be able to obtain, on terms acceptable to us, or at all, the rights necessary to install, expand, upgrade or maintain our shared wireless infrastructure. A failure in any of these areas could materially and adversely affect Hetnets’ and our business, results of operations and financial condition. Hetnets will rely on the availability of backhaul services from Towerstream and others to support our shared wireless infrastructure. Hetnets will rely on the availability of backhaul services from Towerstream and others to support its shared wireless infrastructure. Any delay or failure regarding the availability of backhaul services from Towerstream could have a material adverse effect on the operation of Hetnets’ or the costs incurred to operate its shared wireless infrastructure if it is required to obtain backhaul services from other providers or if such services otherwise are unavailable. This could have a material adverse effect on Hetnets’ and our business, results of operations and financial condition. Hetnets utilizes unlicensed spectrum in all of its markets, which is subject to intense competition, low barriers of entry and slowdowns due to multiple users. Hetnets’ shared wireless infrastructure presently utilizes unlicensed spectrum in all of its markets. Unlicensed or “free” spectrum is available to multiple users and may suffer bandwidth limitations, interference and slowdowns if the number of users exceeds traffic capacity. The availability of unlicensed spectrum is not unlimited and others do not need to obtain permits or licenses to utilize the same unlicensed spectrum that we currently or may utilize in the future. The inherent limitations of unlicensed spectrum could potentially threaten our ability to reliably maintain our shared wireless infrastructure. Moreover, the prevalence of unlicensed spectrum creates low barriers of entry in our industry which naturally creates the potential for increased competition for network availability, which could have a material and adverse effect on Hetnets’ and our business, results of operations and financial condition. Regulation of the unlicensed spectrum used by Hetnets could have an adverse effect . If the FCC or another governing agency determines to regulate the unlicensed spectrum that we presently use, then the additional regulations and costs could have a material adverse affect on Hetnets’ and our business, results of operations and financial condition. Interruption or failure of its shared wireless infrastructure systems could damage Hetnets’ reputation and adversely affect its operating results. The business of Hetnets depends on the continuing operation of its shared wireless infrastructure systems with minimal interruptions of service. Hetnets may experience service interruptions or system failures in the future. Any service interruption could adversely affect its customers’ ability to operate their businesses and could result in their immediate loss of revenues. If Hetnets experiences frequent or persistent infrastructure failures, its reputation could be permanently harmed and customers may be reluctant to contract with it for access to its shared wireless infrastructure. Hetnets may need to make significant capital expenditures to increase the reliability of its shared wireless infrastructure and it may not have sufficient funds to cover such expenditures. This could have a material and adverse effect on its and our business, results of operations, and financial condition. A small number of customers could account for a significant portion of Hetnets’ revenue. The loss or significant reduction in business from one or more of its large customers could significantly harm its business, financial condition, and results of operations. Hetnets currently expects to depend upon a relatively small number of potential customers for a significant percentage of its revenue which is expected to constitute a significant and growing portion of our revenues on a consolidated basis. As a result, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected if it loses one or more of its larger customers, if such customers significantly reduce their business with Hetnets, if they fail to make payments or delay making payments or if Hetnets chooses not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, any rights that it may have now or in the future against these significant customers because of its desire to maintain its relationship with them. 17  Hetnets faces competition for rooftop space and may be unable to lease rooftop space, renew existing leases for rooftop space or re-lease rooftop space as leases expire, which may adversely affect its business, results of operations, and financial condition. Hetnets competes with numerous broadband, Wi-Fi, cellular, commercial and other wireless network operators, many of whom desire rooftop locations similar to ours in the same markets, as well as various other public and privately held companies that may provide rooftop utilization as part of a more expansive managed services offering. In addition, Hetnets may face competition from new entrants into the wireless network market. Some of Hetnets’ competitors may have significant advantages over us, including longer operating histories, lower operating costs, pre-existing relationships with current or potential landlords, greater financial, marketing and other resources, and access to less expensive power. These advantages could allow its competitors to respond more quickly to strategic opportunities or changes in its industries or markets. If Hetnets is unable to compete effectively, it may lose existing or potential rooftop locations, incur costs to improve its locations or be forced to reduce the coverage of our shared wireless infrastructure. Third party landlords may not renew their leases following expiration. While historically our shared wireless infrastructure business has retained a significant number of its third party leased space, including those leased on a month-to-month basis, upon expiration landlords may elect to not renew their leases or renew their leases at higher rates, or for shorter terms. If Hetnets is unable to successfully renew or continue its third party leases on the same or more favorable terms or lease other comparable space when such leases expire, Hetnets’ and our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected. A substantial portion of the shared wireless infrastructure of Hetnets presently is located in a limited geographic area, which makes it more susceptible to localized catastrophic weather events. Hetnets shared wireless infrastructure presently is geographically concentrated in just five metropolitan areas. As such, it is susceptible to a natural disaster or an oversupply of, or decrease in demand for, shared wireless infrastructure in these markets, and its business could be adversely affected to a greater extent than if its shared wireless infrastructure was diversified geographically. Any failure of its shared wireless infrastructure could cause Hetnets to incur significant costs. Hetnets’ business depends on providing highly reliable shared wireless infrastructure services to its customers. The physical infrastructure may fail for a number of reasons, including: If, as a result of any of these events, or other similar events beyond its control there is an infrastructure failure, and it is not corrected immediately, Hetnets ultimately may suffer a loss of revenue which could materially and adversely affect Hetnets’ and our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Hetnets may have difficulty managing its growth. Hetnets intends to rapidly expand its shared wireless infrastructure significantly. This, in turn, will require it to increase significantly the number of its employees and, consequently, the entire size of Hetnets. Its growth may also significantly strain its management, operational and financial resources and systems. An inability to manage growth effectively or the increased strain on its management, resources and systems could materially adversely affect its business, results of operations, and financial condition. To fund its growth strategy, Hetnets will depend on external sources of capital, which may not be available to it on commercially reasonable terms or at all. It is likely that Hetnets will not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition financing, from operating cash flow. Consequently, Hetnets likely will rely on third-party capital markets sources for debt or equity financing to fund its growth strategy. In addition, it may need third-party capital markets sources to refinance any indebtedness at maturity. Continued or increased turbulence in the U.S. and other financial markets and economies may adversely affect its ability to access the capital markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure requirements and may result in adverse effects on its business, results of operations, and financial condition. As such, we may not be able to • human error; • unexpected equipment failure; • power loss or telecommunications failures; • improper building maintenance by landlords in the buildings where it maintains antennae; • fire, tropical storm, hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake and other natural disasters; • water damage; • war, terrorism and any related conflicts or similar events worldwide; and • sabotage and vandalism. obtain the financing on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital also depends, in part, on: 18  The loss of any of our key personnel devoted to Hetnets, including executive officers or key sales associates, could adversely affect Hetnets’ and our business, financial condition and results of operations. The success of Hetnets will continue to depend to a significant extent on its executive officers and key sales personnel. Each of its executive officers has a national or regional industry reputation that attracts business and investment opportunities. The loss of key sales personnel could hinder its ability to continue to benefit from existing and potential customers. We cannot provide any assurance that Hetnets will be able to retain its current executive officers or key sales personnel. The loss of any of these individuals could materially and adversely affect its and our business, results of operations, and financial condition. An economic or industry slowdown may materially and adversely affect the Hetnets business. Slowdowns in the economy or in the wireless or broadband industry may impact the demand for access to Hetnets shared wireless infrastructure. Users may reduce the amount of bandwidth that they purchase from wireless network operators during economic downturns which may adversely affect the rents Hetnets expects to receive from our customers. An economic or industry slowdown may cause other businesses or industries to delay or abandon implementation of new systems and technologies, including shared wireless infrastructure services. Further, political uncertainties, including acts of terrorism and other unforeseen events, may impose additional risks upon and materially and adversely affect the wireless or broadband industry generally and, in turn, the Hetnets business. Hetnets operates in a rapidly evolving industry which makes it difficult to forecast its future prospects as its shared wireless infrastructure, or portions thereof, may become obsolete and it may not be able to develop replacement infrastructure on a timely basis or at all. The wireless services industry is characterized by rapid technological change, competitive pricing, frequent new service introductions, and evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements. We believe that the success of Hetnets depends on its ability to anticipate and adapt to these challenges and to offer competitive shared wireless infrastructure opportunities on a timely basis. We face a number of difficulties and uncertainties such as: Risks Relating to the Wireless Industry An economic or industry slowdown may materially and adversely affect our business. Slowdowns in the economy or in the wireless or broadband industry may impact demand for our services. Customers may reduce the amount of bandwidth that they purchase from us during economic downturns which will directly affect our revenues and operating results. An economic or industry slowdown may cause other businesses or industries to delay or abandon implementation of new systems and technologies, including wireless broadband services. Further, political uncertainties, including acts of terrorism and other unforeseen events, may impose additional risks upon and adversely affect the wireless or broadband industry generally, and our business, specifically. • the market’s perception of Hetnets’ growth potential; • Hetnets’ then current debt levels; and • the market price per share of our common stock. • competition from service providers using more efficient, less expensive technologies including products not yet invented or developed; • responding successfully to advances in competing technologies in a timely and cost-effective manner; • migration toward standards-based technology, which may require substantial capital expenditures; and • existing, proposed or undeveloped technologies that may render our wireless network assets less profitable or obsolete. 19  We operate in an evolving industry which makes it difficult to forecast our future prospects as our services may become obsolete and we may not be able to develop competitive products or services on a timely basis or at all. The broadband and wireless services industries are characterized by rapid technological change, competitive pricing, frequent new service introductions, and evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements. We believe that our success depends on our ability to anticipate and adapt to these challenges and to offer competitive services on a timely basis. We face a number of difficulties and uncertainties such as: As the services offered by us and our competitors develop, businesses and consumers may not accept our services as a commercially viable alternative to other means of delivering wireless broadband services. As a result, our services may become obsolete and we may be unable to develop competitive products or services on a timely basis, or at all. We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities. If we fail to comply with these regulations, we may be subject to penalties, both monetary and non-monetary, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our business activities, including the acquisition, lease, maintenance and use of spectrum licenses, are extensively regulated by federal, state and local governmental authorities. A number of federal, state and local privacy, security, and consumer laws also apply to our business. These regulations and their application are subject to continuous change as new legislation, regulations or amendments to existing regulations are periodically implemented by governmental or regulatory authorities, including as a result of judicial interpretations of such laws and regulations. Current regulations directly affect the breadth of services we are able to offer and may impact the rates, terms and conditions of our services. Regulation of companies that offer competing services such as cable and DSL providers, and telecommunications carriers also affects our business. We are currently not required to register with the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) as a seller of telecommunications, nor are we required to collect Universal Service Fund (“USF”) fees from our customers or to pay USF fees directly. In October 2011, the FCC adopted an Order dramatically changing the USF program. In the next few months, the FCC is also expected to address USF contribution reform. It is possible that the FCC could adopt new regulations requiring broadband service providers to register and pay USF fees. If the FCC were to implement such a change, we would likely be obligated to pay USF fees on some or all of our gross revenues. In addition, the FCC or other regulatory authorities could restrict our ability to manage customers’ use of our network, thereby limiting our ability to prevent or address customers’ excessive bandwidth demands. To maintain the quality of our network and user experience, we may manage the bandwidth used by our customers’ applications, in part by restricting the types of applications that may be used over our network. If the FCC or other regulatory authorities were to adopt regulations that constrain our ability to employ bandwidth management practices, excessive use of bandwidth-intensive applications would likely reduce the quality of our services for all customers. Such decline in the quality of our services could harm our business. The breach of a license or applicable law, even if accidentally, can result in the revocation, suspension, cancellation or reduction in the term of a license or the imposition of fines. In addition, regulatory authorities may grant new licenses to third parties, resulting in greater competition in territories where we already have rights to licensed spectrum. In order to promote competition, licenses may also require that third parties be granted access to our bandwidth, frequency capacity, facilities or services. We may not be able to obtain or retain any required license, and we may not be able to renew a license on favorable terms, or at all. Wireless broadband services may become subject to greater state or federal regulation in the future. The scope of the regulations that may apply to companies like us and the impact of such regulations on our competitive position are presently unknown and could be detrimental to our business and prospects. • competition from service providers using more efficient, less expensive technologies including products not yet invented or developed; • responding successfully to advances in competing technologies in a timely and cost-effective manner; • migration toward standards-based technology, which may require substantial capital expenditures; and • existing, proposed or undeveloped technologies that may render our wireless broadband services less profitable or obsolete. 20  Risks Relating to Our Organization Our certificate of incorporation allows for our board of directors to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock. Our board of directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our board of directors also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to such holders (i) the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, (ii) the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock and (iii) the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock. In addition, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing common stockholders. Any of the actions described in the preceding paragraph could significantly adversely affect the investment made by holders of our common stock. Holders of common stock could potentially not receive dividends that they might otherwise have received. In addition, holders of our common stock could receive less proceeds in connection with any future sale of the Company, whether in liquidation or on any other basis. Our officers and directors own a substantial amount of our common stock and, therefore, exercise significant control over our corporate governance and affairs which may result in their taking actions with which other shareholders do not agree. Our executive officers and directors, and entities affiliated with them, control approximately 11% of our outstanding common stock (including shares of common stock underlying exercisable stock options). These shareholders, if they act together, may be able to exercise substantial influence over the outcome of all corporate actions requiring approval of our shareholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions, which may result in corporate action with which other shareholders do not agree. This concentration of ownership may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control which might be in other shareholders’ best interest but which might negatively affect the market price of our common stock. We are subject to extensive financial reporting and related requirements for which our accounting and other management systems and resources may not be adequately prepared. We are subject to reporting and other obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Section 404 requires us to conduct an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. These reporting and other obligations will place significant demands on our management, administrative, operational and accounting resources. We anticipate that we may need to (i) upgrade our systems, (ii) implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures, (iii) implement an internal audit function, and (iv) hire additional accounting, internal audit and finance staff. If we are unable to accomplish these objectives in a timely and effective manner, our ability to comply with our financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies could be impaired. Any failure to maintain effective internal controls could have a negative impact on our ability to manage our business and on our stock price. We may be at risk to accurately report financial results or detect fraud if we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls. As directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report that contains an assessment by management on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in their annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q. While we are consistently working on improvements and conducting rigorous reviews of our internal controls over financial reporting, our independent auditors may interpret Section 404 requirements and apply related rules and regulations differently. If our independent auditors are not satisfied with our internal control over financial reporting or with the level at which it is documented, operated or reviewed, they may decline to accept management’s assessment and not provide an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. Additionally, if we are not able to meet all the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, we might be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the SEC. 21  We cannot assure you that significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting will not be identified in the future. Also, future changes in our accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory environment may create new areas of risk exposure. Failure to modify our existing control environment accordingly may impair our controls over financial reporting and cause our investors to lose confidence in the reliability of our financial reporting, which may adversely affect our stock price. Risks Relating to Our Common Stock We may fail to qualify for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market which could make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares. In May 2007, our common stock was approved for listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market and our common stock continues to be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market. There can be no assurance that trading of our common stock on such market will be sustained or that we can meet NASDAQ’s continued listing standards. In the event that our common stock fails to qualify for continued inclusion, our common stock could thereafter only be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or the “pink sheets.” Under such circumstances, shareholders may find it more difficult to sell, or to obtain accurate quotations, for our common stock, and our common stock would become substantially less attractive to certain purchasers such as financial institutions, hedge funds and other similar investors. Our common stock may be affected by limited trading volume and price fluctuations which could adversely impact the value of our common stock. While there has been relatively active trading in our common stock over the past twelve months, there can be no assurance that an active trading market in our common stock will either develop or be maintained. Our common stock has experienced, and is likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, we believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and changes in the overall economy or the condition of the financial markets could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations may also cause short sellers to periodically enter the market in the belief that we will have poor results in the future. We cannot predict the actions of market participants and, therefore, can offer no assurances that the market for our common stock will be stable or appreciate over time. We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends in the future. Any return on an investment in our common stock is expected to be limited to an increase in the value of the common stock. We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on our earnings, financial condition, and other business and economic factors as our board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be considered less valuable because a return on a shareholder’s investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates. We adopted a Rights Plan in 2010 which may discourage third parties from attempting to acquire control of our company and have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock. In November 2010, we adopted a rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock as of the record date on November 14, 2010. Each right, when exercisable, entitles the registered holder to purchase one-hundredth (1/100 th ) of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per shares of the Company at a purchase price of $18.00 per one-hundredth (1/100 th ) of a share of the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to certain adjustments. The rights will generally separate from the common stock and become exercisable if any person or group acquires or announces a tender offer to acquire 15% or more of our outstanding common stock without the consent of our board of directors. Because the rights may substantially dilute the stock ownership of a person or group attempting to take us over without the approval of our board of directors, our Rights Plan could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us (or a significant percentage of our outstanding capital stock) without first negotiating with our board of directors. In addition, we are governed by provisions of Delaware law that may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us. The provisions in our charter, bylaws, Rights Plan and under Delaware law related to the foregoing could discourage takeover attempts that our stockholders would otherwise favor, or otherwise reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay for our common stock in the future. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. Not applicable. 22  Item 2. Properties. Our executive offices are currently located in Middletown, Rhode Island, where we lease approximately 42,137 square feet of space, consisting of a 17,137 square feet building at 55 Hammarlund Way for our administrative, engineering, information technology and customer care offices and a 25,000 square feet building at 88 Silva Lane for our sales call center. Our annual rent payments totaled approximately $570,000 in 2012 and will total approximately $49,000 a month through the end of the lease. Our lease expires on December 31, 2013 with an option to renew for an additional five-year term. We do not own any real property. Item 3. Legal Proceedings. There are no significant legal proceedings pending, and we are not aware of any material proceeding contemplated by a governmental authority, to which we are a party or any of our property is subject. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Not applicable. 23  PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Market Information Our common stock was quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board from January 12, 2007 through May 30, 2007 under the symbol TWER.OB. Since May 31, 2007, our common stock has been listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol TWER. Prior to January 12, 2007, there was no active market for our common stock. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not represent actual transactions. The last reported sales price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on December 31, 2012 was $3.25 and on March 14, 2013, the last reported sales price was $2.80. According to the records of our transfer agent, as of March 14, 2013, there were approximately 50 holders of record of our common stock. Performance Graph On May 31, 2007, our shares of common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The chart below compares the annual percentage change in the cumulative total return on our common stock with the NASDAQ Capital Market Composite Index and the NASDAQ Telecom Index. The chart shows the value as of December 31, 2012, of $100 invested on May 31, 2007, the day our common stock was first publicly traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market, in our common stock, the NASDAQ Capital Market Composite Index and the NASDAQ Telecom Index. Comparison of Cumulative Total Returns Among Towerstream, NASDAQ Capital Market Composite Index and NASDAQ Telecom Index FISCAL YEAR 2012 HIGH LOW First Quarter $ 5.07 $ 2.09 Second Quarter $ 5.86 $ 3.34 Third Quarter $ 4.70 $ 3.33 Fourth Quarter $ 4.15 $ 2.40 FISCAL YEAR 2011 HIGH LOW First Quarter $ 5.09 $ 3.42 Second Quarter $ 5.70 $ 3.61 Third Quarter $ 5.51 $ 2.50 Fourth Quarter $ 3.23 $ 1.78 24  Dividend Policy We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock, and we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Rather, we expect to retain future earnings (if any) to fund the operation and expansion of our business and for general corporate purposes. Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans As of December 31, 2012, securities issued and securities available for future issuance under our 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan, our 2007 Equity Compensation Plan and our 2007 Incentive Stock Plan were as follows: Equity Compensation Plan Information Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities None. 5/31/2007 12/31/2007 12/31/2008 12/31/2009 12/31/2010 12/31/2011 12/31/2012 Towerstream Corporation $ 100.00 $ 41.32 $ 9.29 $ 26.11 $ 54.64 $ 28.53 $ 43.74 NASDAQ Capital Market Composite Index $ 100.00 $ 83.83 $ 38.91 $ 52.06 $ 61.12 $ 47.08 $ 53.44 NASDAQ Telecom Index $ 100.00 $ 101.58 $ 57.91 $ 85.85 $ 89.22 $ 77.96 $ 79.52 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 under equity compensation plans Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 3,916,045 $ 2.85 3,181,773 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders - $ - - Total 3,916,045 $ 2.85 3,181,773 25  Item 6. Selected Financial Data The annual financial information set forth below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The information should be read in connection with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this report and in our SEC filings. Years Ended December 31, 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Revenues $ 10,656,081 $ 14,915,435 $ 19,645,893 $ 26,494,737 $ 32,279,430 Operating Expenses Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation) 4,076,100 3,690,089 4,887,881 8,190,112 16,379,186 Depreciation and amortization 3,222,716 4,035,267 5,770,335 9,138,318 13,634,294 Customer support services 1,820,101 2,132,968 2,549,615 3,557,124 4,709,413 Sales and marketing 7,692,268 5,545,714 5,088,085 5,362,103 6,134,020 General and administrative 7,208,801 6,943,086 7,398,420 9,411,608 12,168,183 Total Operating Expenses 24,019,986 22,347,124 25,694,336 35,659,265 53,025,096 Operating (Loss) Income (13,363,905 ) (7,431,689 ) (6,048,443 ) (9,164,528 ) (20,745,666 ) Other Income/ (Expense) Interest income 578,373 26,605 4,411 57,544 41,531 Interest expense (509,593 ) (740,409 ) (489 ) (22,058 ) (105,245 ) Gain on business acquisitions - - 355,876 2,231,534 (40,079 ) Loss on derivative financial instruments - (478,544 ) - - - Other income (expense), net (82,294 ) (1,213 ) 85,638 (9,581 ) (13,860 ) Total Other Income/ (Expense) (13,514 ) (1,193,561 ) 445,436 2,257,439 (117,653 ) Loss before income taxes (13,377,419 ) (8,625,250 ) (5,603,007 ) (6,907,089 ) (20,863,319 ) Provision for income taxes - - - (118,018 ) (126,256 ) Net (loss) income $ (13,377,419 ) $ (8,625,250 ) $ (5,603,007 ) $ (7,025,107 ) $ (20,989,575 ) Net (loss) income per common share – basic and diluted $ (0.39 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.39 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted 34,543,972 34,606,798 35,626,783 47,505,861 54,434,173 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DATA (at December 31,): Cash and cash equivalents $ 24,740,268 $ 14,040,839 $ 23,173,352 $ 44,672,587 $ 15,152,226 Property, plant and equipment, net 12,890,779 13,634,685 15,266,056 27,531,273 41,982,210 Total assets 39,287,834 29,502,707 44,589,825 83,636,896 67,109,714 Working capital 19,412,428 11,452,316 20,184,121 40,231,504 10,087,917 Stockholder’s equity 33,007,119 25,411,171 40,020,878 77,144,910 57,803,908 OTHER FINANCIAL DATA: Capital expenditures $ 7,683,855 $ 4,707,679 $ 5,304,434 $ 13,620,180 $ 20,722,510 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (7,873,237 ) (3,120,323 ) 238,534 702,518 (8,078,493 ) Net cash used in investing activities (8,095,870 ) (4,803,760 ) (8,057,744 ) (18,218,729 ) (21,343,128 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (47,490 ) (2,775,346 ) 16,951,723 39,015,446 (98,740 ) 26  We focus on Adjusted EBITDA as a principal indicator of the operating efficiency and overall financial performance of our business. We believe this information provides the users of our financial statements with valuable insight into our operating results. Beginning in 2010, we have been exploring opportunities to leverage our industry experience and our fixed wireless network in major urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. We have presented costs associated with these efforts as non-core expenses so that users can understand the operating performance of our core business, Fixed Wireless Services, which has been operating for more than ten years, as well as costs that we have incurred to develop new wireless technology solutions and services. EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expenses, excluding when applicable, stock-based compensation, other non-operating income or expenses, non-core expenses as well as gain or loss on (i) disposal of property and equipment, (ii) nonmonetary transactions, and (iii) business acquisitions. It is important to note, however, that non-GAAP financial measures as presented do not represent cash provided by or used in operating activities and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Neither should be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Overview We provide fixed wireless broadband services to commercial customers and deliver access over a wireless network transmitting over both regulated and unregulated radio spectrum. Our service supports bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, virtual private networks (“VPNs”), disaster recovery, bundled data and video services. We provide service to approximately 3,600 business customers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, Nashville, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. In February 2013, we acquired Delos Internet which expands our service coverage into Houston, Texas. Years Ended December 31, 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP measures: Net loss $ (13,377,419 ) $ (8,625,250 ) $ (5,603,007 ) $ (7,025,107 ) $ (20,989,575 ) Depreciation and amortization 3,222,716 4,035,267 5,770,335 9,138,318 13,634,294 Non-recurring expenses, primarily acquisition-related - 185,166 758,589 495,860 517,251 Stock-based compensation 899,339 802,956 771,812 1,081,042 1,658,200 Loss on property and equipment 83,409 57,413 74,533 65,215 171,230 Loss on nonmonetary transactions - - - 41,228 259,291 Gain on business acquisitions - - (355,876 ) (2,231,534 ) 40,079 Loss on derivative instruments - 478,544 - - - Interest income (578,373 ) (26,605 ) (4,411 ) (57,544 ) (41,531 ) Interest expense 509,593 740,409 489 22,058 105,245 Other income (expense), net 82,294 1,213 (85,638 ) 9,581 13,860 Provision for income taxes - - - 118,018 126,256 Adjusted EBITDA, excluding non-recurring expenses (9,158,441 ) (2,350,887 ) 1,326,826 1,657,135 (4,505,400 ) Non-core expenses - - 604,604 3,580,958 10,875,391 Adjusted EBITDA, excluding non-recurring and non-core expenses $ (9,158,441 ) $ (2,350,887 ) $ 1,931,430 $ 5,238,093 $ 6,369,991 27  Since 2010, we have been exploring opportunities to leverage our fixed wireless network in major urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Over the past few years, a significant increase in mobile data generated by smartphones, tablets, and other devices has placed tremendous demand on the networks of the carriers. This has caused the carriers to explore a wide range of solutions including (i) acquiring additional spectrum, (ii) employing Wi-Fi to offload data traffic, and (iii) utilizing small cell technologies to increase capacity in dense urban areas. During this period, we have incurred various costs related to identifying possible new solutions and services. These costs included (a) rent payments under lease agreements which provide the right to install wireless technology equipment on street level rooftops, (b) construction of a carrier-class network to offload data traffic, and (c) installation of relay Points of Presence (“PoPs”) to connect our offload network to our fixed wireless network. We entered into the lease agreements and commenced these capital projects for the purpose of securing capacity that we believe we needed to maintain our competitive advantage in the wireless industry. In recent months, the Company has concluded that the wireless communications industry is experiencing a fundamental shift from its current, macro-cellular architecture to hyper-densified Small Cell architecture where existing cell sites will be supplemented by many smaller base stations operating near street level. The Company also believes that Wi-Fi will be an integral component of Small Cell architecture. In April 2010, we completed the acquisition of the customer relationships, network infrastructure and related assets of the Chicago, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee networks of Sparkplug Chicago, Inc. (“Sparkplug”). The aggregate consideration included (i) approximately $1.2 million in cash and (ii) 275,700 shares of our common stock with a fair value of approximately $0.4 million. The acquisition of Sparkplug was a business combination accounted for under the acquisition method. In December 2010, we completed the acquisition of the customer relationships, network infrastructure and related assets of Pipeline Wireless, LLC (“Pipeline”), which was primarily based in the greater Boston area. The aggregate consideration included (i) approximately $1.6 million in cash, (ii) 411,523 shares of common stock with a fair value of approximately $1.5 million, (iii) approximately $0.5 million of deferred cash payments over a 36 month period beginning June 2011, and (iv) approximately $0.2 million in assumed liabilities. The acquisition of Pipeline was a business combination accounted for under the acquisition method. In September 2011, we finalized the purchase price of the Pipeline acquisition. The final purchase price of $3,719,047 was $112,421, or 3%, lower than the initially reported purchase price of $3,831,468. The adjustment resulted in a decrease in deferred payments of $145,065, or $112,421 on a net present value basis. In addition, identifiable net assets and goodwill were reduced by $62,131 and $50,290, respectively. In May 2011, we completed the acquisition of the customer relationships, network infrastructure and related assets of One Velocity Inc. (“One Velocity”) which was based in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition included (i) approximately $1.6 million in cash, and (ii) 269,886 shares of common stock with a fair value of approximately $1.3 million. The acquisition of One Velocity was a business combination accounted for under the acquisition method. In January 2012, we finalized the purchase price of the One Velocity acquisition. The final purchase price of $2,881,959 was $557,773, or 16%, lower than the initially reported purchase price of $3,439,732. The adjustment resulted in a decrease of 117,426 shares of common stock issued to One Velocity, from 387,312 to 269,886 shares. In addition, we recognized additional gain on business acquisition of approximately $481,000 and a reduction of approximately $77,000 of identifiable net assets in the fourth quarter of 2011. In December 2011, we completed the acquisition of certain customer relationships, network infrastructure and related assets of Color Broadband Communications, Inc. (“Color Broadband”), which is based in the Los Angeles area. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition included (i) approximately $2.8 million in cash, (ii) 827,230 shares of our common stock with a fair value of approximately $2.0 million, and (iii) approximately $0.2 million in assumed liabilities. The acquisition of Color Broadband was a business combination accounted for under the acquisition method. In May 2012, we finalized the purchase price of Color Broadband. The final purchase price of $5,098,996 was $220,885, or 4%, lower than the initially reported purchase price of $5,319,881. The finalization of the purchase price resulted in a reduction of approximately $261,000 of identifiable net assets and a reduction in the gain on business acquisition of approximately $40,000. The purchase price adjustment resulted in a decrease in the number of shares of common stock issued to Color Broadband of 98,506 from 925,736 to 827,230 shares. In addition, 45,600 shares of common stock were returned to the Company principally representing accounts receivable collections retained by Color Broadband during the post-closing transition services period. In August 2012, we entered into a binding merger agreement with Delos Internet (“Delos”) pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of ours would be merged with and into Delos, with Delos becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of ours. Delos operates in Houston, Texas. We closed the acquisition of Delos in February 2013. Characteristics of our Revenues and Expenses We offer our fixed wireless broadband services under agreements having terms of one, two or three years. Pursuant to these agreements, we bill customers on a monthly basis, in advance, for each month of service. Payments received in advance of services performed are recorded as deferred revenues and recognized as revenue ratably over the service period. Costs of revenues consists of expenses that are directly related to providing services to our customers, including Core Network expenses (tower and roof rent and utilities, bandwidth costs, PoP maintenance and other) and Customer Network expenses (customer maintenance, non-installation fees and other customer specific expenses). We collectively refer to Core Network and Customer Network as our “Network,” and Core Network costs and Customer Network costs as “Network Costs.” When we first enter a new market, or expand in an existing market, we are required to incur up-front costs in order to be able to provide wireless broadband services to commercial customers . We refer to these activities as establishing a “Network Presence. ” These costs include building PoPs which are Company Locations where we install a substantial amount of equipment in order to connect numerous customers to the Internet. The costs to build PoPs are capitalized and expensed over a five year period. In addition to building PoPs, we also enter tower and roof rental agreements, secure bandwidth and incur other Network Costs. Once we have established a Network Presence in a new market or expanded our Network Presence in an existing market, we are capable of servicing a significant number of customers through that Network Presence. The variable cost to add new customers is relatively modest, especially compared to the upfront cost of establishing or expanding our Network Presence. As a result, our gross margins in a market normally increase over time as we add new customers in that market. However, we may experience variability in gross margins during periods in which we are expanding our Network Presence in a market. 28  Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of the salaries, benefits, travel and other costs of our sales and marketing teams, as well as marketing initiatives and business development expenses. Customer support services include salaries and related payroll costs associated with our customer support services, customer care, and installation and operations staff. General and administrative expenses include costs attributable to corporate overhead and the overall support of our operations. Salaries and other related payroll costs for executive management, finance, administration and information systems personnel are included in this category. Other costs include office rent, utilities and other facilities costs, accounting, legal and other professional services, and other general operating expenses. Market Information We operate in one segment which is the business of fixed wireless broadband services. Although we provide services in multiple markets, these operations have been aggregated into one reportable segment based on the similar economic characteristics among all markets, including the nature of the services provided and the type of customers purchasing such services. While we operate in only one business segment, we recognize that providing information on the revenues and costs of operating in each market can provide useful information to investors regarding our operating performance. As of December 31, 2012, we operated in twelve markets across the United States including New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, Nashville, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. The markets were launched at different times, and as a result, may have different operating metrics based on their size and stage of maturation. We incur significant up-front costs in order to establish a Network Presence in a new market. These costs include building PoPs and Network Costs. Other material costs include hiring and training sales and marketing personnel who will be dedicated to securing customers in that market. Once we have established a Network Presence in a new market, we are capable of servicing a significant number of customers. The rate of customer additions varies from market to market, and we are unable to predict how many customers will be added in a market during any specific period. We believe that providing operating information regarding each of our markets provides useful information to shareholders in understanding the leveraging potential of our business model, the operating performance of our mature markets, and the long-term potential for our newer markets. Set forth below is a summary of our operating performance on a per-market basis, and a description of how each category is determined. Revenues : Revenues are allocated based on which market each customer is located in. Costs of Revenues : Includes payroll, Core Network costs and Customer Network costs that can be allocated to a specific market. Costs that cannot be allocated to a specific market are classified as Centralized Costs. Operating Costs : Costs which can be specifically allocated to a market include direct sales personnel, certain direct marketing expense, certain customer support and installation payroll expenses and third party commissions. Centralized Costs : Represents costs incurred to support activities across all of our markets that are not allocable to a specific market. This principally consists of payroll costs for customer care representatives, customer support engineers, sales support, marketing and certain installations personnel. These individuals service customers across all markets rather than being dedicated to any specific market. Corporate Expenses : Includes costs attributable to corporate overhead and the overall support of our operations. Salaries and related payroll costs for executive management, finance, administration and information systems personnel are included in this category. Other costs include office rent, utilities and other facilities costs, professional services and other general operating expenses. Non-Core Expenses: Represent those operating costs that are not related to the operation of our primary business of providing fixed wireless services to businesses. These costs relate to our efforts to develop other wireless technology solutions and services, and primarily consist of rent payments for street level rooftops, costs associated with constructing an offload network and payroll costs for employees working on these projects. Adjusted Market EBITDA : Represents a market’s net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, and other income (expense). We believe this metric provides useful information regarding the cash flow being generated in a market. The Sparkplug acquisition in April 2010 expanded and strengthened our presence in Chicago and also brought us into the Nashville, Tennessee market. The Pipeline acquisition in December 2010 expanded and strengthened our operations in the greater Boston area. We entered the Las Vegas-Reno market in May 2011 through the acquisition of One Velocity. The Color Broadband acquisition in December 2011 expanded and strengthened our operations in the Los Angeles area. 29  Year ended December 31, 2012 Year ended December 31, 2011 Market Revenues Cost of Revenues Gross Margin Operating Costs Adjusted Market EBITDA Los Angeles $ 7,946,272 $ 2,364,112 $ 5,582,160 $ 1,490,563 $ 4,091,597 New York 7,286,768 2,297,818 4,988,950 1,286,914 3,702,036 Boston 6,822,836 1,520,727 5,302,109 917,472 4,384,637 Chicago 3,704,547 1,209,953 2,494,594 665,728 1,828,866 Las Vegas-Reno 1,545,404 613,723 931,681 148,955 782,726 Miami 1,662,264 414,598 1,247,666 370,914 876,752 San Francisco 1,541,928 414,354 1,127,574 301,988 825,586 Dallas-Fort Worth 643,174 345,136 298,038 341,295 (43,257 ) Providence-Newport 488,871 207,086 281,785 115,241 166,544 Seattle 485,484 213,062 272,422 101,801 170,621 Philadelphia 112,698 73,659 39,039 105,237 (66,198 ) Nashville 39,184 57,745 (18,561 ) 36,050 (54,611 ) Total $ 32,279,430 $ 9,731,973 $ 22,547,457 $ 5,882,158 $ 16,665,299 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure to GAAP Financial Measure Adjusted market EBITDA $ 16,665,299 Centralized costs (3,586,743 ) Corporate expenses (7,612,073 ) Non-core expenses (10,919,655 ) Depreciation and amortization (13,634,294 ) Stock-based compensation (1,658,200 ) Other income (expense) (117,653 ) Provision for income taxes (126,256 ) Net loss $ (20,989,575 ) Market Revenues Cost of Revenues Gross Margin Operating Costs Adjusted Market EBITDA Boston $ 6,740,600 $ 1,561,551 $ 5,179,049 $ 946,209 $ 4,232,840 Los Angeles 4,472,136 891,400 3,580,736 1,039,553 2,541,183 New York 6,100,471 1,522,891 4,577,580 1,220,426 3,357,154 Chicago 3,461,614 1,034,376 2,427,238 635,910 1,791,328 San Francisco 1,491,814 263,663 1,228,151 363,206 864,945 Miami 1,389,477 303,917 1,085,560 392,065 693,495 Las Vegas-Reno 1,031,535 437,469 594,066 105,266 488,800 Providence-Newport 459,255 176,917 282,338 94,106 188,232 Seattle 526,228 209,659 316,569 110,341 206,228 Dallas-Fort Worth 655,521 333,594 321,927 275,783 46,144 Nashville 53,210 52,435 775 41,516 (40,741 ) Philadelphia 112,876 61,751 51,125 106,150 (55,025 ) Total $ 26,494,737 $ 6,849,623 $ 19,645,114 $ 5,330,531 $ 14,314,583 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure to GAAP Financial Measure Adjusted market EBITDA $ 14,314,583 Centralized costs (3,012,771 ) Corporate expenses (6,660,782) Non-core expenses (3,586,198 ) Depreciation and amortization (9,138,318 ) Stock-based compensation (1,081,042 ) Other income (expense) 2,257,439 Provision for income taxes (118,018 ) Net loss $ (7,025,107 ) 30  Year ended December 31, 2010 Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011 Revenues . Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $32,279,430 compared to $26,494,737 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $5,784,693, or 22%. This increase was primarily related to higher monthly recurring revenue (“MRR”) in the 2012 period, of which approximately $2,791,000 was related to a full year of revenue from the Color Broadband and One Velocity acquisitions and approximately $1,845,000 was related to organic growth in our core business. In addition, revenue generated from temporary connections increased by approximately $455,000, or 70%, in the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Average revenue per user (“ARPU”) as of December 31, 2012 totaled $717 compared to $710 as of December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $7, or 1%. ARPU for new customers for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $531 compared to $599 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing a decrease of $68, or 11%. Customer churn, calculated as a percent of revenue lost on a monthly basis from customers terminating service or reducing their service level, totaled 1.59% for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 1.45% for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing a 10% increase on a percentage basis. Our goal is to maintain churn levels between 1.4% and 1.7% which we believe is below industry averages of approximately 2.0%. Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation, for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $16,379,186 compared to $8,190,112 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $8,189,074, or 100%. Gross margins for the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased to 49% compared to 69% during the year ended December 31, 2011. Expenses associated with non-core activities, primarily rent for rooftop tower sites needed to expand our wireless capacity, totaled approximately $6,523,000 and $1,137,000 which impacted gross margin by 20 and 4 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Core Network costs increased by approximately $2,626,000 primarily related to higher tower rent and bandwidth expense. Customer Network costs increased by approximately $348,000 primarily related to the growth in our customer base. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization totaled $13,634,294 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $9,138,318 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $4,495,976, or 49%. Depreciation expense totaled $10,262,526 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $6,507,271 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $3,755,255, or 58%. The gross base of depreciable assets increased by $24,389,376, or 48% compared to the prior year. The increased depreciable base reflects continued growth in our fixed wireless network (approximately $12,873,000) as well as spending on rooftop tower sites (approximately $11,516,000). Market Revenues Cost of Revenues Gross Margin Operating Costs Adjusted Market EBITDA New York $ 5,782,616 $ 1,132,777 $ 4,649,839 $ 1,173,566 $ 3,476,273 Boston 4,509,905 728,428 3,781,477 689,102 3,092,375 Los Angeles 3,178,027 611,541 2,566,486 1,098,552 1,467,934 Chicago 2,452,568 798,457 1,654,111 604,367 1,049,744 San Francisco 1,161,016 246,348 914,668 361,730 552,938 Miami 987,144 317,548 669,596 360,991 308,605 Providence-Newport 494,784 161,921 332,863 112,231 220,632 Seattle 510,516 217,624 292,892 126,704 166,188 Nashville 59,084 29,400 29,684 17,563 12,121 Dallas-Fort Worth 492,963 315,287 177,676 225,604 (47,928 ) Philadelphia 17,270 54,139 (36,869 ) 183,920 (220,789 ) Total $ 19,645,893 $ 4,613,470 $ 15,032,423 $ 4,954,330 $ 10,078,093 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure to GAAP Financial Measure Adjusted market EBITDA $ 10,078,093 Centralized costs (2,800,098 ) Corporate expenses (6,179,687 ) Non-core expenses (604,604 ) Depreciation and amortization (5,770,335 ) Stock-based compensation (771,812 ) Other income (expense) 445,436 Net loss $ (5,603,007 ) 31  Amortization expense totaled $3,371,768 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $2,631,047 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $740,721, or 28%. Amortization expense relates to customer related intangible assets recorded in connection with acquisitions and can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending upon the timing of acquisitions, the relative amounts of intangible assets recorded, and the amortization periods. The increase in the 2012 period is principally related to a year of amortization expense related to the Color Broadband acquisition as compared to no expense in the 2011 period. Amortization expense also increased due to the One Velocity acquisition but decreased significantly related to the Sparkplug and Pipeline acquisitions. Customer Support Services. Customer support services totaled $4,709,413 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $3,557,124 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $1,152,289, or 32%. The increase was related to additional personnel hired to support our growing customer base. Average department headcount increased by 29% from 63 in 2011 to 81 in 2012. Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $6,134,020 compared to $5,362,103 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $771,917, or 14%. This increase was primarily related to an increase in payroll costs of approximately $290,000, and an increase in commissions and bonuses of approximately $319,000. We improved the base pay and bonus program for account executives in 2012 as part of a concerted effort to attract and retain qualified personnel. General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $12,168,183 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $9,411,608 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $2,756,575, or 29%. Expenses associated with non-core activities, including rooftop tower sites, totaled approximately $3,491,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $1,998,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of approximately $1,493,000 or 75%. The increase in costs associated with non-core activities related to higher payroll, stock-based compensation, and information technology spending of $758,000, $265,000 and $268,000, respectively. In addition, stock-based compensation associated with our core services increased by approximately $312,000, and information technology spending increased by approximately $408,000. Interest Income. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $41,531 compared to $57,544 for the year ended December 31, 2011 representing a decrease of $16,013, or 28%. The decrease primarily relates to lower average cash balances in the 2012 period compared with the 2011 period. Average cash balances decreased from approximately $35.3 million in the 2011 period to approximately $29.8 million in the 2012 period. Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $105,245 compared to $22,058 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $83,187, or 377%. Interest expense related to capital leases acquired and deferred payment obligations to the Pipeline and Color Broadband acquisitions. Gain on Business Acquisitions. Loss on business acquisitions totaled $40,079 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to a gain of $2,231,534 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing a decrease of $2,271,613, or 102%. The gain in the 2011 period related to the acquisition of One Velocity in May 2011 and Color Broadband in December 2011. The loss in the 2012 period related to the final purchase price adjustment for the Color Broadband acquisition in December 2011. We previously recognized a gain on the acquisition of Color Broadband of $1,186,090. The final net gain totaled $1,146,011. Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes totaled $126,256 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with $118,018 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $8,238, or 7%. The expense recognized in the periods related to deferred tax liabilities associated with FCC licenses and goodwill which are amortized for tax purposes but not for book purposes. Net Loss. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $20,989,575 compared to $7,025,107 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $13,964,468, or 199%. Revenues increased by $5,784,693, or 22%, while operating expenses increased by $17,365,831, or 49%. Cash operating expenses associated with non-core activities, including rooftop tower sites, totaled $10,875,391 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $3,580,958 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $7,294,433, or 204%. In addition, non-operating expense totaled $117,653 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with non-operating income of $2,257,439 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010 Revenues . Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $26,494,737 compared to $19,645,893 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $6,848,844, or 35%. This increase was primarily related to a 26% increase in our customer base during 2011 from approximately 2,800 at the end of 2010 to approximately 3,600 at the end of 2011. 32  ARPU as of December 31, 2011 totaled $710 compared to $682 as of December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $28, or 4%. The customers acquired from One Velocity in May 2011 had an ARPU of $734 compared to $690 for our customer base which had the effect of increasing our post acquisition ARPU by $2. The customers acquired from Color Broadband in December 2011 had an ARPU of $645 compared to $717 for our customer base which had the effect of decreasing our post acquisition ARPU by $7. In addition, the increase related to new and existing customers purchasing higher bandwidth levels. ARPU for new customers for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $599 compared to $561 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $38, or 7%. Customer churn, calculated as a percent of revenue lost on a monthly basis from customers terminating service or reducing their service level, totaled 1.45% for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 1.35% for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing a 7% increase on a percentage basis. Our goal is to maintain churn levels between 1.4% and 1.7% which we believe is below industry averages of approximately 2.0%. Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation, for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $8,190,112 compared to $4,887,881 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $3,302,231, or 68%. Gross margins for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased to 69% compared to 75% during the year ended December 31, 2010. Expenses associated with non-core activities, primarily rent for rooftop tower sites needed to expand our wireless capacity, totaled approximately $1,137,000 and $34,000 which impacted gross margin by 4 and 0 percentage points for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Core Network costs increased by approximately $1,638,000 primarily related to higher tower rent and bandwidth expenses which were partly related to acquisitions. Customer Network costs increased by approximately $350,000 primarily related to the growth in our customer base. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization totaled $9,138,318 for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $5,770,335 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $3,367,983, or 58%. Depreciation expense totaled $6,507,271 for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $4,815,113 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $1,692,158, or 35%. The base of depreciable assets increased by $18,505,808, or 57% compared to the prior year. The increased depreciable base reflects continued growth in the core business, spending on rooftop tower sites and additions resulting from acquisitions. Amortization expense totaled $2,631,047 for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $955,222 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $1,675,825, or 175%. The increase primarily relates to the amortization of customer related intangible assets recorded in connection with the acquisitions of Pipeline in the fourth quarter of 2010 and One Velocity in the second quarter of 2011. Customer Support Services. Customer support services totaled $3,557,124 for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $2,549,615 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $1,007,509, or 40%. The increase was related to additional personnel hired to support our growing customer base. Average department headcount increased by 34% from 47 in 2010 to 63 in 2011. Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $5,362,103 compared to $5,088,085 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $274,018, or 5%. This increase was primarily related to higher commissions and bonuses of approximately $416,000 in the 2011 period. This increase was offset by approximately $256,000 of lower base salary costs for core activities as average sales personnel decreased from 60 for the year ended December 31, 2010 to 53 for the same period in 2011, a decrease in headcount of 12%. General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $9,411,608 for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $7,398,420 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $2,013,188, or 27%. Expenses associated with non-core activities, including rooftop tower sites, totaled approximately $1,998,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to approximately $502,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in costs associated with non-core activities related to higher payroll, stock-based compensation and information technology spending of approximately $697,000, $273,000 and $123,000, respectively. In addition, information technology spending for our core activities increased by approximately $285,000, acquisition costs increased by approximately $184,000 and bad debt increased by approximately $95,000. The balance of the increase occurred across a number of functional components including travel and office. Interest Income. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $57,544 compared to $4,411 for the year ended December 31, 2010 representing an increase of $53,133, or greater than 100%. The increase primarily relates to higher average cash balances in the 2011 period compared with the 2010 period. Average cash balances increased from approximately $12.5 million in the 2010 period to approximately $35.3 million in the 2011 period. 33  Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $22,058 compared to $489 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $21,569, or greater than 100%. Interest expense related to capital leases acquired and deferred payments made related to the Pipeline acquisition. Gain on Business Acquisitions. Gain on business acquisitions totaled $2,231,534 for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared with $355,876 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $1,875,658, or greater than 100%. In 2011, we recognized a gain of $1,045,444 on the One Velocity acquisition and a gain of $1,186,090 on the Color Broadband acquisition. The gain recognized in 2010 was in connection with the acquisition of Sparkplug in April 2010. Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes totaled $118,018 for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared with zero for the year ended December 31, 2010. The expense recognized in 2011 related to deferred tax liabilities associated with FCC licenses and goodwill which are amortized for tax purposes but not for book purposes. Net Loss. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $7,025,107 compared to $5,603,007 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $1,422,100, or 25%. Revenues increased by $6,848,844, or 35%, while operating expenses increased by $9,964,929, or 39%. Cash operating expenses associated with non-core activities, including rooftop tower sites, totaled $3,580,958 for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $604,604 for the year end December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $2,976,354, or 492%. In addition, non-operating income (expense) increased by $1,812,003, primarily related to gain on business acquisitions. Liquidity and Capital Resources We have historically met our liquidity and capital requirements primarily through the public sale and private placement of equity securities and debt financing. Changes in capital resources during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are described below. At March 1, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $39,000,000. Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $8,078,493 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $702,518 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing a decrease of $8,781,011, or greater than 100%. During the year ended December 31, 2012, cash flow provided by operations for our core business totaled $5,630,750 as compared to $4,892,246 during the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2012, cash flow used in operations for our non-core activities, including rooftop tower sites, totaled $10,875,391 as compared to $3,580,958 during the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $7,294,433 or 204%. Changes in operating assets and liabilities generally represent timing differences regarding payments and receipts, and are normally not indicative of operating results. During the year ended December 31, 2012, changes in operating assets and liabilities used cash of $2,833,852. During the year ended December 31, 2011, changes in operating assets and liabilities used cash of $608,770. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $702,518 compared to $238,534 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $463,984, or 195%. During the year ended December 31, 2011, cash flow provided by operations for our core business totaled $4,892,246 as compared to $1,337,635 during the year ended December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2011, cash flows used in operations for our non-core activities, including rooftop tower sites, totaled $3,580,958 as compared to $604,604 during the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $2,976,354 or greater than 100%. During the year ended December 31, 2011, changes in operating assets and liabilities used cash of $608,770. During the year ended December 31, 2010, changes in operating assets and liabilities used cash of $494,497. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $21,343,128 compared to $18,218,729 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of $3,124,399 or 17%. The increase in the 2012 period related to higher spending on property and equipment which increased by $7,102,330 or 52%, from $13,620,180 to $20,722,510. Expenditures related to network equipment increased by approximately $1,916,000 in the 2012 period compared to the 2011 period. Expenditures related to the construction of the rooftop tower sites increased by approximately $4,927,000 in the 2012 period compared to the 2011 period. In addition, we paid cash of $1,600,000 for the acquisition of One Velocity and $2,800,000 for the acquisition of Color Broadband in the 2011 period. There were no acquisitions in the 2012 period. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $18,218,729 compared to $8,057,744 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $10,160,985, or 126%. The increase in the 2011 period related to higher spending on property and equipment which increased by $8,315,746, or 156%, from $5,304,434 to $13,620,180. The significant components of the increase included approximately $4,114,000 related to the construction of our rooftop tower sites, approximately $2,084,000 related to customer premise equipment and approximately $1,919,000 related to network equipment. In addition, we paid $1,600,000 in cash for the acquisition of One Velocity and $2,800,000 for the acquisition of Color Broadband for a total of $4,400,000 in the 2011 period compared to $1,170,000 in cash for the acquisition of Sparkplug and $1,580,060 for the acquisition of Pipeline for a total of $2,750,060 in the 2010 period. 34  Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Financing Activities . Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $98,740 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $39,015,446 for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing a decrease of $39,114,186, or 100%. The decrease is primarily related to net proceeds of $38,834,709 received in July 2011from the sale of 10,350,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The decrease also related to payments on capital leases which totaled approximately $492,479 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $174,569 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $39,015,446 compared to $16,951,723 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $22,063,723, or 130%. The increase is primarily related to net proceeds of $38,834,709 resulting from the sale of 10,350,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share in July 2011, as compared to our net proceeds of $16,957,933 resulting from the sale of 6,571,429 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $2.80 per share in November 2010. Working Capital. As of December 31, 2012, we had working capital of $10,087,917. In February and March 2013, we completed a public offering which raised net proceeds of approximately $30.5 million. Based on our current operating activities and plans, we believe our working capital position at the end of the first quarter 2013 will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements for at least the next twelve months. Acquisition of Sparkplug. In April 2010, we completed the acquisition of the customer relationships, network infrastructure and related assets of the Chicago, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee networks of Sparkplug. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition was (i) approximately $1.2 million in cash, and (ii) 275,700 shares of our common stock with a fair value of approximately $0.4 million. The acquisition of Sparkplug was a business combination accounted for under the acquisition method. Acquisition of Pipeline. In December 2010, we completed the acquisition of the customer relationships, network assets and related assets of Pipeline, which was primarily based in the greater Boston area. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition includes (i) approximately $1.6 million in cash, (ii) 411,523 shares of our common stock with a fair value of approximately $1.5 million, (iii) approximately $0.5 million of deferred cash payments over a 36 month period beginning June 2011, and (iv) approximately $0.2 million in assumed liabilities. The acquisition of Pipeline was a business combination accounted for under the acquisition method. Acquisition of One Velocity. In May 2011, we completed the acquisition of the customer relationships, network infrastructure and related assets of One Velocity which was based in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition included (i) approximately $1.6 million in cash, and (ii) 269,886 shares of common stock with a fair value of approximately $1.3 million. The acquisition of One Velocity was a business combination accounted for under the acquisition method. Acquisition of Color Broadband. In December 2011, we completed the acquisition of certain customer relationships, network infrastructure and related assets of Color Broadband which was based in the Los Angeles area. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition included (i) approximately $2.8 million in cash, (ii) 827,230 shares of common stock with a fair value of approximately $2.0 million, and (iii) approximately $0.2 million in assumed liabilities. The acquisition of Color Broadband was a business combination accounted for under the acquisition method. Underwritten Offerings. In July 2011, we completed an underwritten offering of 10,350,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The total gross proceeds of the offering were $41,400,000. Net proceeds were approximately $38,835,000, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. In February and March 2013, we completed an underwritten offering of 11,000,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $3.00 per share. The total gross proceeds of the offering were $33,000,000. Net proceeds were approximately $30,516,000, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. Contractual Obligations and Commitments The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2012: Payments due by period Total 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Thereafter Capital leases $ 3,798,725 $ 905,909 $ 969,128 $ 884,556 $ 651,615 $ 387,517 $ - Operating leases 61,145,565 15,205,446 13,856,549 12,842,334 11,711,817 6,428,609 1,100,810 Deferred payments 282,717 199,565 83,152 - - - - Other 130,275 130,275 - - - - - Total $ 65,357,282 $ 16,441,195 $ 14,908,829 $ 13,726,890 $ 12,363,432 $ 6,816,126 $ 1,100,810 35  Capital Leases. We have entered into capital leases to acquire network, rooftop tower site and customer premise equipment expiring through December 2017. In December 2011, we entered into an agreement with Cisco Capital to acquire equipment related to our information technology infrastructure. The total lease obligation is approximately $2,100,000, of which approximately $1,400,000 commenced in the second quarter of 2012. The remaining $700,000 is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2013. These leases will be paid in various installments over a 60 month period from their respective commencement dates. Operating Leases. We have entered into operating leases related to roof rights, towers, office space, and equipment leases under various non-cancelable agreements expiring through January 2023. Deferred Payments . We are making deferred payments to Pipeline as part of the consideration paid for the acquisition. There were 17 monthly payments of $16,630 remaining as of December 31, 2012. Other. In December 2011, we entered into a one year information technology infrastructure support agreement. The agreement became effective at the end of the first quarter of 2012. The monthly payments are approximately $43,000 and will be paid through the first quarter of 2013. Impact of Inflation, Changing Prices and Economic Conditions Pricing for many technology products and services have historically decreased over time due to the effect of product and process improvements and enhancements. In addition, economic conditions can affect the buying patterns of customers. In 2012, the core business continued to grow and benefit from a slowly improving economy. Customers, in general, were more willing to make a purchase compared to 2011 however they continued to place a premium on value and performance. Pricing of services continued to be a focus for prospective buyers with multi-point and midrange product pricing remaining steady while competition for high capacity links intensified. In part, pressure on high capacity links was due to decreased costs for equipment and some competitors willing to sacrifice margins. We believe that our customers will continue to upgrade their bandwidth service. The continued migration of many business activities and functions to the Internet, and growing use of cloud computing should also result in increased bandwidth requirements over the long term. Critical Accounting Policies The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses. Critical accounting policies are those that require the application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. In preparing the financial statements, we utilize available information, including our past history, industry standards and the current economic environment, among other factors, in forming our estimates and judgments, giving appropriate consideration to materiality. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates which may impact the comparability of our results of operations to other companies in our industry. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and estimation, or are fundamentally important to our business. Revenue Recognition. We normally enter into contractual agreements with our customers for periods ranging between one to three years. We recognize the total revenue provided under a contract ratably over the contract period including any periods under which we have agreed to provide services at no cost. Deferred revenues are recognized as a liability when billings are issued in advance of the date when revenues are earned. We recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery or installation has been completed, (iii) the customer accepts and verifies receipt, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Long-Lived Assets . Long-lived assets with definite lives consist primarily of property and equipment, and intangible assets such as acquired customer relationships. Long-lived assets are evaluated periodically for impairment or whenever events or circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. Conditions that would result in an impairment charge include a significant decline in the fair value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. When such events or circumstances arise, an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows produced by the asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the asset’s carrying value to determine if impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the impairment loss is measured based on the excess of its carrying value over its fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying value or net realizable value. 36  Business Acquisitions . Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. When we acquire a business, we assess the acquired assets and liabilities assumed for the appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions at the acquisition date. The excess of the total consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. If the total consideration is lower than the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, the difference is recognized as a gain on business acquisition. Acquisition costs are expensed and included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The highest level of judgment and estimation involved in accounting for business acquisitions relates to determining the fair value of the customer relationship and network assets acquired. In each of the four acquisitions completed over the past three years, the highest asset value has been allocated to the customer relationship acquired. Determining the fair value of customer relationships involves judgments and estimates regarding how long the customers will continue to contract services with us. During the course of completing four acquisitions, we have developed a database of historical experience from prior acquisitions to assist us in preparing future estimates of cash flows. Similarly, we have used our historical experience in building networks to prepare estimates regarding the fair value of the networks assets that we acquire. Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in an acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is reviewed annually for impairment, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We initially perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill which considers macro-economic conditions, industry and market trends, and the current and projected financial performance of the reporting unit. No further analysis is required if it is determined that there is a less than 50 percent likelihood that the carrying value is greater than the fair value. Asset Retirement Obligations. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on asset retirement obligations addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated costs. This guidance requires the recognition of an asset retirement obligation and an associated asset retirement cost when there is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. Our network equipment is installed on both buildings in which we have a lease agreement (“Company Locations”) and at customer locations. In both instances, the installation and removal of our equipment is not complicated and does not require structural changes to the building where the equipment is installed. Costs associated with the removal of our equipment at Company or customer locations are not material, and accordingly, we have determined that we do not presently have asset retirement obligations under the FASB’s accounting guidance. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. We have no off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities known as ‘‘Special Purposes Entities.’’ 37  Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, Intangibles -Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (ASU 2012-02), to simplify how entities test indefinite-lived intangibles assets for impairment. ASU 2012-02 allows entities to assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. This pronouncement becomes effective for annual and interim tests performed for the fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. Our primary market risk relates to interest rates. At December 31, 2012, all cash and cash equivalents are immediately available cash balances. A portion of our cash and cash equivalents are held in three institutional money market funds. Our interest rate risk exposure is that a decline in interest rates which would result in a decline in interest income. Due to our current market yields, a further decline in interest rates would not have a material impact on earnings. 38  Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Page Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 40 Consolidated Balance Sheets 41 Consolidated Statements of Operations 42 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 43 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 44 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 45 39  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Towerstream Corporation We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 consolidated financial position of Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Towerstream Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated, March 18, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. /s/ Marcum LLP Marcum LLP New York, NY March 18, 2013 40  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2012 2011 Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,152,226 $ 44,672,587 Accounts receivable, net 609,302 592,539 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 943,420 622,505 Total Current Assets 16,704,948 45,887,631 Property and equipment, net 41,982,210 27,531,273 Intangible assets, net 4,548,177 7,959,761 Goodwill 1,674,281 1,674,281 Other assets 2,200,098 583,950 Total Assets $ 67,109,714 $ 83,636,896 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 1,163,442 $ 1,443,919 Accrued expenses 2,986,020 1,914,712 Deferred revenues 1,457,464 1,591,286 Current maturities of capital lease obligations 775,087 313,664 Other 235,018 392,546 Total Current Liabilities 6,617,031 5,656,127 Long-Term Liabilities Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities 2,387,674 425,997 Other 301,101 409,862 Total Long-Term Liabilities 2,688,775 835,859 Total Liabilities 9,305,806 6,491,986 Commitments (Note 14) Stockholders' Equity Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued - - Common stock, par value $0.001; 95,000,000 shares authorized; 54,670,712 and 54,256,083 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 54,671 54,256 Additional paid-in-capital 121,118,127 119,469,969 Accumulated deficit (63,368,890 ) (42,379,315 ) Total Stockholders' Equity 57,803,908 77,144,910 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 67,109,714 $ 83,636,896 41  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. For the Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Revenues $ 32,279,430 $ 26,494,737 $ 19,645,893 Operating Expenses Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation) 16,379,186 8,190,112 4,887,881 Depreciation and amortization 13,634,294 9,138,318 5,770,335 Customer support services 4,709,413 3,557,124 2,549,615 Sales and marketing 6,134,020 5,362,103 5,088,085 General and administrative 12,168,183 9,411,608 7,398,420 Total Operating Expenses 53,025,096 35,659,265 25,694,336 Operating Loss (20,745,666 ) (9,164,528 ) (6,048,443 ) Other Income/(Expense) Interest income 41,531 57,544 4,411 Interest expense (105,245 ) (22,058 ) (489 ) Gain on business acquisitions (40,079 ) 2,231,534 355,876 Other income (expense), net (13,860 ) (9,581 ) 85,638 Total Other Income/(Expense) (117,653 ) 2,257,439 445,436 Loss before income taxes (20,863,319 ) (6,907,089 ) (5,603,007 ) Provision for income taxes (126,256 ) (118,018 ) - Net Loss $ (20,989,575 ) $ (7,025,107 ) $ (5,603,007 ) Net loss per common share – basic and diluted $ (0.39 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.16 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted 54,434,173 47,505,861 35,626,783 42  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Common Stock Additional Paid-In- Accumulated Shares Amount Capital Deficit Total Balance at December 31, 2009 34,662,229 $ 34,662 $ 55,127,710 $ (29,751,201 ) $ 25,411,171 Issuance of common stock for bonuses 9,225 9 17,241 17,250 Issuance of common stock for business acquisitions 687,223 687 1,914,911 1,915,598 Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 6,571,429 6,572 16,951,361 16,957,933 Issuance of common stock for services 66,075 66 104,994 105,060 Cashless exercise of options 119,104 119 (119 ) - Exercise of options 1,333 2 918 920 Stock-based compensation for options 649,502 649,502 Reclassification of derivative liabilities to equity linked financial instruments 566,451 566,451 Net loss (5,603,007 ) (5,603,007 ) Balance at December 31, 2010 42,116,618 42,117 75,332,969 (35,354,208 ) 40,020,878 Issuance of common stock for business acquisitions 1,195,622 1,195 3,567,331 3,568,526 Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 10,350,000 10,350 38,824,359 38,834,709 Cashless exercise of options 173,691 174 (174 ) - Exercise of options 297,533 297 265,626 265,923 Exercise of warrants 6,000 6 26,994 27,000 Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan 26,632 27 73,349 73,376 Stock-based compensation for options 951,850 951,850 Stock-based compensation for restricted stock 118,200 118,200 Issuance of common stock for FCC license 89,987 90 309,465 309,555 Net loss (7,025,107 ) (7,025,107 ) Balance at December 31, 2011 54,256,083 54,256 119,469,969 (42,379,315 ) 77,144,910 Cashless exercise of options 162,884 163 (163 ) - Exercise of options 337,128 337 328,704 329,041 Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan 28,723 29 117,222 117,251 Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock awards 30,000 30 (30 ) - Stock-based compensation for options 1,532,282 1,532,282 Stock-based compensation for restricted stock 108,350 108,350 Adjustment to common stock issued for business acquisitions (144,106 ) (144 ) (403,222 ) (403,366 ) Fair value of options repurchased (34,985 ) (34,985 ) Net loss (20,989,575 ) (20,989,575 ) Balance at December 31, 2012 54,670,712 $ 54,671 $ 121,118,127 $ (63,368,890 ) $ 57,803,908 43  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Loss $ (20,989,575 ) $ (7,025,107 ) $ (5,603,007 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Deferred income taxes 126,256 118,018 - Provision for doubtful accounts 219,082 249,492 154,123 Depreciation and amortization 13,634,294 9,138,318 5,770,335 Stock-based compensation 1,658,200 1,081,042 771,812 Gain on business acquisitions 40,079 (2,231,534 ) (355,876 ) Loss on sale and disposition of property and equipment 171,230 65,215 74,533 Deferred rent (104,207 ) (84,156 ) (78,889 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (202,051 ) 157,990 45,619 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (537,609 ) (265,456 ) (30,885 ) Other assets (1,289,698 ) (254,020 ) - Account payable (280,477 ) 424,572 (200,379 ) Accrued expenses (169,467 ) (339,147 ) 154,190 Other current liabilities - (30,489 ) (9,728 ) Deferred revenues (354,550 ) (302,220 ) (453,314 ) Total Adjustments 12,911,082 7,727,625 5,841,541 Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities (8,078,493 ) 702,518 238,534 Cash Flows From Investing Activities Acquisitions of property and equipment (20,722,510 ) (13,620,180 ) (5,304,434 ) Acquisition of businesses - (4,400,000 ) (2,750,060 ) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 12,850 28,701 - Change in security deposits (345,129 ) (97,612 ) (3,250 ) Change in deferred acquisition payments (288,339 ) (129,638 ) - Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (21,343,128 ) (18,218,729 ) (8,057,744 ) Cash Flows From Financing Activities Payment of capital leases (492,479 ) (174,569 ) (7,130 ) Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options 329,041 265,923 920 Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants - 27,000 - Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan 99,683 62,383 - Repurchase of options (34,985 ) - - Net proceeds from sale of common stock - 38,834,709 16,957,933 Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities (98,740 ) 39,015,446 16,951,723 Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents (29,520,361 ) 21,499,235 9,132,513 Cash and Cash Equivalents – Beginning of year 44,672,587 23,173,352 14,040,839 Cash and Cash Equivalents – Ending of year $ 15,152,226 $ 44,672,587 $ 23,173,352 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Cash paid during the periods for: Interest $ 105,245 $ 22,058 $ 489 Taxes $ 19,993 $ 18,335 $ 12,263 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Fair value of common stock (returned)/ issued in connection with acquisitions $ (403,366 ) $ 3,568,526 $ 1,915,598 Fair value of common stock issued for FCC license $ - $ 309,555 $ - Acquisition of property and equipment: Under capital leases $ 2,915,580 $ 769,882 $ 152,164 Included in accrued expenses $ 1,240,774 $ 658,144 $ 355,268 Other $ 18,679 $ - $ -  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 44  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business Towerstream Corporation (referred to as ‘‘Towerstream’’ or the ‘‘Company’’) was incorporated in Delaware in December 1999. The Company provides fixed wireless broadband services to commercial customers and delivers access over a wireless network transmitting over both regulated and unregulated radio spectrum. The Company’s service supports bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, virtual private networks (“VPNs”), disaster recovery, bundled data and video services. The Company provides service to business customers in thirteen metropolitan markets including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, Nashville, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. At times, our cash and cash equivalents may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalent balances of approximately $7,136,000 in excess of the federally insured limit of $250,000. Under the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee (“TAG”) program, noninterest-bearing transaction deposit accounts had full federal deposit insurance coverage through December 31, 2012. The Company had one noninterest-bearing transaction deposit account with a balance of approximately $529,000 as of December 31, 2012 that was covered under the TAG program. The Company also had approximately $7,766,000 invested in three institutional money market funds. These funds are protected under the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (‘‘SIPC’’), a nonprofit membership corporation which provides limited coverage up to $500,000. Accounts Receivable . Accounts receivable are stated at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts which reflects the Company’s estimate of balances that will not be collected. The allowance is based on the history of past write-offs, the aging of balances, collections experience and current credit conditions. Additions include provisions for doubtful accounts and deductions include customer write-offs. Additions for the year ended December 31, 2011 include approximately $30,000 in connection with the acquisition of One Velocity, Inc. (“One Velocity”), and approximately $39,000 in connection with the acquisition of Color Broadband Communications (“Color Broadband”). Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 Beginning of period $ 262,525 $ 118,825 Additions 219,082 327,571 Deductions (291,498 ) (183,871 ) End of period $ 190,109 $ 262,525 45  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost and include equipment, installation costs and materials. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful lives or the term of the respective lease. Network, base station, rooftop tower site and customer premise equipment are depreciated over estimated useful lives of 5 years; furniture, fixtures and other from 3 to 5 years and information technology from 3 to 5 years. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs which do not extend the useful life of the assets are charged to expense as incurred. Gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment are reflected in general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations. FCC Licenses. Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses are initially recorded at cost and are considered to be intangible assets with an indefinite life because the Company is able to maintain the license indefinitely as long as it complies with certain FCC requirements. The Company intends to and has demonstrated an ability to maintain compliance with such requirements. The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets states that an asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized. However, as further described in the next paragraph, these assets are reviewed annually for impairment. Long-Lived Assets . Long-lived assets with definitive lives consist primarily of property and equipment, and intangible assets. Long-lived assets are evaluated periodically for impairment, or whenever events or circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. Conditions that would result in an impairment charge include a significant decline in the fair value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. When such events or circumstances arise, an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows produced by the asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the asset’s carrying value to determine if impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the impairment loss is measured based on the excess of its carrying value over its fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying value or net realizable value. The Company has determined that there were no impairments of property and equipment or intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The FASB’s guidance on asset retirement obligations addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated costs. This guidance requires the recognition of an asset retirement obligation and an associated asset retirement cost when there is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The Company’s network equipment is installed on both buildings in which the Company has a lease agreement (“Company Locations”) and at customer locations. In both instances, the installation and removal of the Company’s equipment is not complicated and does not require structural changes to the building where the equipment is installed. Costs associated with the removal of the Company’s equipment at company or customer locations are not material, and accordingly, the Company has determined that it does not presently have asset retirement obligations under the FASB’s accounting guidance. Business Acquisitions . Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. When the Company acquires a business, it assesses the acquired assets and liabilities assumed for the appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions at the acquisition date. The excess of the total consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. If the total consideration is lower than the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, the difference is recognized as a gain on business acquisition. Acquisition costs are expensed and included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The highest level of judgment and estimation involved in accounting for business acquisitions relates to determining the fair value of the customer relationships and network assets acquired. In each of the four acquisitions completed over the past three years, the highest asset value has been allocated to the customer relationships acquired. Determining the fair value of the customer relationships involves judgments and estimates regarding how long the customers will continue to contract services with the Company. During the course of completing four acquisitions, the Company has developed a database of historical experience from prior acquisitions to assist us in preparing future estimates of cash flows. Similarly, we have used our historical experience in building networks to prepare estimates regarding the fair value of the networks assets that we acquire. Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in an acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is reviewed annually for impairment, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company initially performs a qualitative assessment of goodwill which considers macro-economic conditions, industry and market trends, and the current and projected financial performance of the reporting unit. No further analysis is required if it is determined that there is a less than 50 percent likelihood that the carrying value is greater than the fair value. The Company completed a q ualitative assessment and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 46  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company has categorized its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy in accordance with the FASB’s guidance. Fair value is defined as an exit price, the amount that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid upon the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial assets and liabilities with readily available, actively quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and require less judgment in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial assets and liabilities that are rarely traded or not quoted have less price observability and are generally measured at fair value using valuation models that require more judgment. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency of the asset, liability or market and the nature of the asset or liability. Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period enacted. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the period in which related temporary differences become deductible. The benefit of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the Company’s income tax returns are recognized in the consolidated financial statements if such positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Segment Information. The FASB has established standards for reporting information on operating segments of an enterprise in interim and annual financial statements. The Company operates in one segment which is the business of providing broadband services. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker reviews the Company’s operating results on an aggregate basis and manages the Company’s operations as a single operating segment. Revenue Recognition. The Company normally enters into contractual agreements with its customers for periods ranging between one to three years. The Company recognizes the total revenue provided under a contract ratably over the contract period, including any periods under which the Company has agreed to provide services at no cost. The Company applies the revenue recognition principles set forth under SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, (“SAB 104”) which provides for revenue to be recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery or installation has been completed, (iii) the customer accepts and verifies receipt, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Deferred Revenues. Customers are billed monthly in advance. Deferred revenues are recognized for that portion of monthly charges not yet earned as of the end of the reporting period. Deferred revenues are also recognized for certain customers who pay for their services in advance. Advertising Costs. The Company charges advertising costs to expense as incurred. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were approximately $1,096,000, $1,041,000 and $962,000, respectively, and are included in sales and marketing expenses in the statements of operations. Stock-Based Compensation. The Company accounts for stock-based awards issued to employees in accordance with FASB guidance. Such awards primarily consist of options to purchase shares of common stock. The fair value of stock-based awards is determined on the grant date using a valuation model. The fair value is recognized as compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight line basis over the service period which is normally the vesting period. Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share. Basic and diluted net loss per share has been calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. All potentially dilutive common shares have been excluded since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. 47  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED The following common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per common share because they were anti-dilutive. The exercise of these common stock equivalents would dilute earnings per shares if the Company becomes profitable in the future. The exercise of the stock options and warrants outstanding at December 31, 2012 would generate proceeds up to approximately $13,410,000. Reclassifications. Certain accounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the presentation in the current year consolidated financial statements. These reclassifications have no effect on the previously reported net loss. Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, Intangibles -Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (ASU 2012-02), to simplify how entities test indefinite-lived intangibles assets for impairment. ASU 2012-02 allows entities to assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. This pronouncement becomes effective for annual and interim tests performed for the fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. Subsequent Events . Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date of this filing. Note 3. Business Acquisitions Delos Internet In August 2012, the Company and Delos Internet (“Delos”) entered into a binding merger agreement pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company would be merged with and into Delos, with Delos becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Delos operates in Houston, Texas. The Company completed its acquisition of Delos in February 2013 for consideration consisting of $225,000 of cash and 433,673 shares of common stock. Color Broadband Communications In December 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of Color Broadband. The Company obtained full control of Color Broadband in the acquisition. The Company has determined that the acquisition of Color Broadband was a business combination to be accounted for under the acquisition method. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Stock options 3,916,045 4,635,624 3,706,885 Warrants 450,000 4,776,310 4,332,310 Total 4,366,045 9,411,934 8,039,195 Fair value of consideration transferred: Cash $ 2,800,000 Common stock (827,230 shares) 2,043,258 Capital lease obligations assumed 133,961 Other liabilities assumed 121,777 5,098,996 Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Customer relationships 4,544,940 Property and equipment 1,976,852 Accounts receivable 383,527 Security deposits 7,506 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 48,425 Accounts payable (5,984 ) Deferred revenue (492,981 ) Customer credits (217,278 ) Total identifiable net assets 6,245,007 Gain on business acquisition $ 1,146,011 48  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED The Company recognized a gain on business acquisition of $1,146,011 which is included in other income (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations of which $1,186,090 was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2011 and subsequently adjusted by $40,079 in the year ended December 31, 2012. The challenging economic environment during 2011 made it difficult for smaller companies like Color Broadband to raise sufficient capital to sustain their growth. As a result, the Company was able to acquire the customer relationships and wireless network of Color Broadband at a discounted price. In May 2012, the Company finalized the purchase price of Color Broadband. The final purchase price of $5,098,996 was $220,885, or 4%, lower than the initially reported purchase price of $5,319,881. The finalization of the purchase price resulted in a reduction of approximately $261,000 of identifiable net assets and a reduction in the gain on business acquisition of approximately $40,000. The purchase price adjustment resulted in a decrease in the number of shares of common stock issued to Color Broadband of 98,506 from 925,736 to 827,230 shares. In addition, 45,600 shares of common stock were returned to the Company principally representing accounts receivable collections retained by Color Broadband during the post-closing transition services period. The results of operations of Color Broadband have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations since the completion of the acquisition in December 2011. Revenues generated from customers acquired from Color Broadband totaled approximately $226,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, the Company incurred approximately $359,000 and $209,000 of third-party costs in connection with the Color Broadband acquisition. These expenses are included in the general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. One Velocity, Inc. In May 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of One Velocity. T he transaction was the Company’s first acquisition in a new geographical market and introduced Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada as the Company’s 12 th market nationally. The Company obtained full control of One Velocity in the acquisition. The Company has determined that the acquisition of One Velocity was a business combination to be accounted for under the acquisition method. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: The Company recognized a gain on business acquisition of $1,045,444 which is included in other income (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The challenging economic environment during 2011 made it difficult for smaller companies like One Velocity to raise sufficient capital to sustain their growth. As a result, the Company was able to acquire the customer relationships and wireless network of One Velocity at a discounted price. In January 2012, the Company finalized the purchase price of the One Velocity acquisition. The final purchase price of $2,881,959 was $557,773, or 16%, lower than the initially reported purchase price of $3,439,732. The adjustment resulted in a decrease of 117,426 shares of common stock issued to One Velocity, from 387,312 to 269,886 shares. In addition, the Company recognized additional gain on business acquisition of approximately $481,000 and a reduction of approximately $77,000 of identifiable net assets in the fourth quarter of 2011. These adjustments are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. The results of operations of One Velocity have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations since the completion of the acquisition in May 2011. Revenues generated from customers acquired from One Velocity totaled approximately $976,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Fair value of consideration transferred: Cash $ 1,600,000 Common stock (269,886 shares) 1,281,959 2,881,959 Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Customer relationships 2,329,533 Property and equipment 1,952,883 Accounts receivable 133,220 Security deposits 21,679 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 795 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (106,748 ) Deferred revenue (403,959 ) Total identifiable net assets 3,927,403 Gain on business acquisition $ 1,045,444 49  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company incurred approximately $202,000 of third-party costs in connection with the One Velocity acquisition. These expenses are included in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Pipeline Wireless, LLC In December 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of Pipeline Wireless, LLC (“Pipeline”). The Company obtained full control of Pipeline in the acquisition. The Company has determined that the acquisition of Pipeline was a business combination to be accounted for under the acquisition method. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: The Company allocated the purchase price of Pipeline to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values on the date of acquisition. The Company recognized $1,674,281 of goodwill related to the acquisition which represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets. The Company expects the full balance of goodwill to be tax deductible for tax purposes. Pipeline had a very concentrated network comprised of only six Points-of-Presence (“PoPs”) compared to other acquisitions which had at least twice as many PoPs. The relatively low valuation of the Pipeline network resulted in goodwill being recognized on the transaction. In September 2011, the Company finalized the purchase price of the Pipeline acquisition. The final purchase price of $3,719,047 was $112,421, or 3%, lower than the intially reported purchase price of $3,831,468. The adjustment resulted in a decrease in deferred payments of $145,065, or $112,421 on a net present value basis. In addition, identifiable net assets and goodwill were reduced by $62,131 and $50,290, respectively. Total deferred payments of $623,804 were discounted at a 12% rate and recorded at $501,225 for acquisition purposes. Current and long-term balances totaled $148,198 and $56,827 at December 31, 2012, and $166,563 and $205,024 at December 31, 2011, respectively. There were 17 monthly payments of $16,630 remaining as of December 31, 2012. The results of operations of Pipeline have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations since the completion of the acquisition in December 2010. Revenues generated from customers acquired from Pipeline totaled approximately $79,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company incurred approximately $20,000 and $337,000 of third-party costs in connection with the Pipeline acquisition for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These expenses are included in the general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Fair value of consideration transferred: Cash $ 1,580,060 Common stock (411,523 shares) 1,485,598 Deferred payments 501,225 Capital lease obligations assumed 152,164 3,719,047 Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Customer relationships 1,864,187 Property and equipment 266,345 Accounts receivable 194,137 Security deposits 6,363 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 21,175 Accounts payable (27,285 ) Deferred revenue (239,939 ) Other current liabilities (40,217 ) Total identifiable net assets 2,044,766 Goodwill $ 1,674,281 50  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Sparkplug Chicago, Inc In April 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of the customer relationships, network infrastructure and related assets of the Chicago, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee networks of Sparkplug Chicago, Inc. (“Sparkplug”). T he acquisition expanded the Company’s presence in the Chicago market and introduced Nashville, Tennessee as the Company's 11 th market nationally. The Company obtained full control of Sparkplug in the acquisition. The Company has determined that the acquisition of Sparkplug was a business combination to be accounted for under the acquisition method. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: The Company recognized a gain on the business acquisition of $355,876 as a result of Sparkplug Chicago, Inc. being sold at a discounted price due to the realignment of its geographic markets by its parent company, Sparkplug Inc. The gain on business acquisition is included in other income (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The results of operations of Sparkplug have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations since the completion of the acquisition in April 2010. Revenues generated from customers acquired from Sparkplug totaled approximately $1,188,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company incurred approximately $282,000 of third-party costs in connection with the Sparkplug acquisition. These expenses are included in the general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Pro Forma Information The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations had the acquisitions taken place at the beginning of the 2011 and 2010 periods: The pro forma information presented above does not purport to present what actual results would have been had the acquisitions actually occurred at the beginning of 2011 and 2010 nor does the information project results for any future period. Fair value of consideration transferred: Cash $ 1,170,000 Common stock (275,700 shares) 430,000 1,600,000 Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Customer relationships 1,483,000 Property and equipment 591,590 Accounts receivable 85,387 Security deposits 3,400 Prepaid expenses 844 Accounts payable (23,903 ) Deferred revenue (184,442 ) Total identifiable net assets 1,955,876 Gain on business acquisition $ 355,876 Years Ended December 31, 2011 2010 Revenues $ 29,774,462 $ 26,350,792 Amortization expense 4,815,980 5,538,540 Total operating expenses 39,743,995 34,010,693 Net loss (7,712,095 ) (7,214,467 ) Basic net loss per share $ (0.16 ) $ (0.20 ) 51  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Note 4. Property and Equipment The Company’s property and equipment is comprised of: Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011and 2010 was $10,262,526, $6,507,271, and $4,815,113, respectively. The Company sold or disposed of property and equipment with $508,167 of original cost and $324,087 of accumulated depreciation during the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company received proceeds of $12,850 and recognized a loss of $171,230 for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company sold or disposed of property and equipment with $307,975 of original cost and $215,824 of accumulated depreciation during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company received proceeds of $28,701 and recognized a loss of $63,450 for the year ended December 31, 2011. In addition, the Company exchanged property and equipment with a net book value of $20,815 for property and equipment with a fair value of $19,050 resulting in a loss of $1,765 during the year ended December 31, 2011. There were no exchanges of property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2012. Property held under capital leases included within the Company’s property and equipment consists of the following: During the first quarter of 2012, the Company made final payments of $46,412 on capital leases acquired with the Color Broadband acquisition. The Company obtained clear title to the equipment, and accordingly, is no longer reporting these assets as property held under capital leases. Note 5. Intangible Assets The Company’s intangible assets consist of the following: Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $3,371,768, $2,631,047 and $955,222, respectively. The customer relationships acquired in the Sparkplug acquisition totaled $1,483,000 and were amortized over a 14 month period which ended in June 2011. The customer relationships acquired in the Pipeline acquisition totaled $1,864,187 and were amortized over a 17 month period which As of December 31, 2012 2011 Network and base station equipment $ 28,983,284 $ 22,987,201 Customer premise equipment 23,036,057 18,078,855 Rooftop tower sites 17,232,566 5,716,067 Information technology 3,863,212 1,977,302 Furniture, fixtures and other 1,598,979 1,579,269 Leasehold improvements 789,392 775,420 75,503,490 51,114,114 Less: accumulated depreciation 33,521,280 23,582,841 $ 41,982,210 $ 27,531,273 As of December 31, 2012 2011 Network and base station equipment $ 736,612 $ 576,033 Rooftop tower sites 1,216,142 81,305 Customer premise equipment 59,330 59,328 Information technology 1,779,135 205,381 $ 3,791,219 922,047 Less: accumulated depreciation 541,800 77,915 Property acquired through capital leases, net $ 3,249,419 $ 844,132 As of December 31, 2012 2011 Goodwill $ 1,674,281 $ 1,674,281 Customer relationships $ 10,221,659 $ 10,261,475 Less: accumulated amortization 6,958,037 3,586,269 Customer relationships, net 3,263,622 6,675,206 FCC licenses 1,284,555 1,284,555 Intangible assets, net $ 4,548,177 $ 7,959,761 ended May 2012. The customer relationships acquired in the One Velocity acquisition are being amortized over a 30 month period ending November 2013. The customer relationships acquired in the Color Broadband acquisition are being amortized over a 28 month period ending April 2014. As of December 31, 2012, the average remaining amortization period was approximately 13 months. Future amortization expense is expected to be as follows: 52  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED The Company’s FCC licenses are not subject to amortization as they have an indefinite useful life. Note 6. Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consist of the following: Network expenses consist of costs incurred to provide services to our customers, and include tower rentals, bandwidth, troubleshooting and gear removal. Note 7. Other Liabilities Other current and long-term liabilities consist of the following: The gross balance of deferred acquisition payments totaled $282,717 at December 31, 2012 and is payable in monthly installments of $16,630 through May 2014. The net present value was calculated at a discount rate of 12%. Note 8. Capital Stock The Company is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock at a par value of $0.001. There was no preferred stock outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Years Ending December 31, 2013 $ 2,766,925 2014 496,697 $ 3,263,622 As of December 31, 2012 2011 Property and equipment $ 1,240,774 $ 658,144 Payroll and related 859,130 608,101 Professional services 314,270 277,213 Network 288,060 149,755 Information technology support 21,713 - Acquisition - 95,911 Other 262,073 125,588 Total $ 2,986,020 $ 1,914,712 As of December 31, 2012 2011 Other Current Liabilities Deferred rent $ 86,820 $ 104,206 Deferred acquisition payments 148,198 288,340 Total $ 235,018 $ 392,546 Other Long-Term Liabilities Deferred rent $ - $ 86,820 Deferred acquisition payments 56,827 205,024 Deferred taxes 244,274 118,018 Total $ 301,101 $ 409,862 53  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED The Company is authorized to issue 95,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. The holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the board of directors out of legally available funds. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets that are legally available for distribution. The holders of the Company’s common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of the Company’s common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, which may be designated solely by action of the board of directors and issued in the future. At the Company’s annual meeting in November 2012, the shareholders approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 70,000,000 to 95,000,000. In November 2010, the Company adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”). The purpose of the Rights Plan is to protect the long-term value of the Company for its shareholders and to protect shareholders from various abusive takeover tactics. Under the Rights Plan, the Company issued one preferred share purchase right for each share of the Company's common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 24, 2010. In general, the rights would become exercisable if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company’s common stock or announces a tender offer or exchange offer for 15% or more of the Company’s common stock. Each holder of a right will be allowed to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of a newly created series of the Company’s preferred shares at an exercise price of $18.00. The rights will expire on November 8, 2020. The Company may redeem the rights for $0.001 each at any time until the tenth business day following public announcement that a person or group has acquired 15% or more of its outstanding common stock. Executive officers were issued 9,225 shares of common stock in 2010 as part of their quarterly bonus. The Company recognized compensation expense totaling $17,250, which represented the fair value of the shares on the date of issuance. In 2011 and 2012, there were no shares of common stock issued to executive officers as part of their quarterly bonuses. Stock options were exercised by current or former employees as follows: Under a cashless exercise, the holder uses a portion of the shares that would otherwise be issuable upon exercise, rather than cash, as consideration for the exercise. The amount of net shares issuable in connection with a cashless exercise will vary based on the exercise price of the option or warrant compared to the current market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise. In April 2010, the Company issued 275,700 shares of common stock to Sparkplug as part of the consideration paid for the acquisition. The fair value of the common stock issued was $430,000. In November 2010, the Company issued 6,571,429 shares of common stock in connection with an underwritten offering at $2.80 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of $18,400,000. The Company incurred costs of approximately $1,440,000 related to the offering. In December 2010, the Company issued 411,523 shares of common stock to Pipeline as part of the consideration paid for the acquisition. The fair value of the common stock issued was $1,485,598. In May 2011, the Company issued 269,886 shares of common stock to One Velocity as part of the consideration paid for the acquisition. The fair value of the common stock issued was $1,281,959. In July 2011, the Company issued 10,350,000 shares of common stock in connection with an underwritten offering at $4.00 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of $41,400,000. The Company incurred costs of approximately $2,565,000 related to the offering. In August 2011, the Company issued 89,987 shares of common stock in connection with the acquisition of a FCC license. The fair value of the common stock issued was $309,555. In December 2011, the Company issued 925,736 shares of common stock to Color Broadband as part of the consideration paid for the acquisition. The fair value of the common stock issued was $2,286,567. In May 2012, the Company reduced the number of shares of common stock issued to Color Broadband by 98,506 as a result of an adjustment to the purchase price. In addition, 45,600 shares of common stock were returned to the Company principally representing accounts receivable collections retained by Color Broadband during the post-closing transition services period. The reduction of common stock had a fair value of $403,366. For the Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Cash basis: Total options exercised 337,128 297,533 1,333 Total proceeds received $ 329,041 $ 265,923 $ 920 Cashless basis: Total options exercised 256,955 250,394 361,950 Net issuance of common stock 162,884 173,691 119,104 Note 9. Stock Option Plans In January 2007, the Company adopted the 2007 Equity Compensation Plan (the ‘‘2007 Plan’’) which provides for the issuance of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, bonus shares and dividend equivalents to officers and other employees, consultants and directors of the Company. The total number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2007 Plan is 2,403,922. A total of 2,309,607 stock options or common stock has been issued under the 2007 Plan as of December 31, 2012. In May 2007, the Board of Directors approved adoption of the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan which provides for the issuance of up to 2,500,000 shares of common stock in the form of options or restricted stock (the ‘‘2007 Incentive Stock Plan’’). The 2007 Incentive Stock Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders in May 2007. Shareholders approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock issuable under the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan from 2,500,000 to 5,000,000 in November 2012. A total of 2,112,542 stock options, common stock or restricted stock has been issued under the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan as of December 31, 2012. Options granted under both the 2007 Plan and the 2007 Incentive Plan have terms up to ten years and are exercisable at a price per share not less than the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The total number of shares of common stock that remain available for issuance as of December 31, 2012 under the 2007 Plan and the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan combined is 2,981,773 shares. 54  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED In August 2008, the Company’s stockholders approved adoption of the 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan (the “2008 Directors Plan”). Under the 2008 Directors Plan, an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares have been reserved for issuance. As of December 31, 2012, 800,000 stock options or common stock have been issued under this plan. Options granted under the 2008 Directors Plan have terms of up to ten years and are exercisable at a price per share equal to the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to value options granted to employees, directors and consultants. Compensation expense, including the effect of forfeitures, is recognized over the period of service, generally the vesting period. Stock-based compensation for the amortization of stock options granted under the Company’s stock option plans totaled $1,532,282, $951,850, and $649,502 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Stock-based compensation is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The unamortized amount of stock options expense was $1,649,754 as of December 31, 2012 which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. The fair values of stock option grants were calculated on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions: The risk-free interest rate was based on rates established by the Federal Reserve. The Company’s expected volatility was based upon the historical volatility for its common stock. The expected life of the Company’s options was determined using the simplified method as a result of limited historical data regarding the Company’s activity. The dividend yield is based upon the fact that the Company has not historically paid dividends, and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company issued 90,000 shares of restricted stock to two executives. The fair value of $354,600 was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock vests over a three year period, of which 30,000 shares were vested as of December 31, 2012. Stock-based compensation for restricted stock totaled $108,350 and $118,200 for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost of $59,100 at December 31, 2012 will be recognized ratably through December 2014. As of December 31, 2012, 30,000 shares of restricted stock remain outstanding and 30,000 shares of restricted stock were forfeited due to the resignation of an executive in November 2012. The Company recorded additional stock-based compensation related to the issuance of common stock to executive officers as a part of their bonus programs which totaled $17,250 for the year ended December 31, 2010. Total shares issued to executive officers were 9,225 for the year ended December 31, 2010. There were no shares of common stock issued to executive officers as part of their quarterly bonuses in 2011 or 2012. In the third quarter of 2010, the Company recorded stock-based compensation related to the issuance of 66,075 shares of common stock to a third party for services rendered. The fair value of the common stock issued was $105,060. Option transactions under the stock option plans during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Risk-free interest rate 0.6%- 1.0% 1.6%- 2.1% 1.0% - 3.3% Expected volatility 65% - 74% 50% - 58% 73 % Expected life (in years) 5.0–5.3 5.3–6.4 2.5 – 6.1 Expected dividend yield 0 % 0 % 0 % Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding as of January 1, 2010 3,738,638 $ 1.69 Granted during 2010 375,000 1.80 Exercised (363,283 ) 1.37 Forfeited /expired (43,470 ) 0.95 Outstanding as of December 31, 2010 3,706,885 $ 1.74 Granted during 2011 1,485,000 4.95 Exercised (547,927 ) 1.04 Forfeited /expired (8,334 ) 0.68 Outstanding as of December 31, 2011 4,635,624 $ 2.85 Granted during 2012 250,000 3.62 Exercised (594,083 ) 1.19 Forfeited /expired (375,496 ) 6.04  Grants under the stock option plans were as follows: All options granted during the period from 2010 to 2012 had a ten year term except for the 2010 grant to outside directors which had a five year term. All grants were issued at an exercise price equal to fair value on the date of grant. Director grants vest over a one year period from the date of issuance. Employee options vest over a four year period from the date of issuance. The non-employee grant was immediately vested upon issuance. Performance based grants vest over a two to three year period with vesting beginning upon attainment of specified performance targets. Cancellations for the year ended December 31, 2012 included 281,746 options related to employee terminations, 18,750 options that were repurchased and 75,000 options that expired. The 18,750 options had a fair value of $34,985. Cancellations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 related to employee terminations. The weighted-average fair values of the options granted during 2012 and 2011 were $2.16 and $2.61, respectively. Outstanding options of 3,916,045 as of December 31, 2012 had exercise prices that ranged from $0.68 to $7.05 and had a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 5.6 years. Exercisable options of 3,043,616 as of December 31, 2012 had exercise prices that ranged from $0.68 to $7.05 and had a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 4.8 years. The intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options totaled $4,202,624 and $4,113,748, respectively, as of December 31, 2012. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2012, which was $3.25 per share, and the exercise price of the options. The number of shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, and the proceeds upon the exercise of such options, will be lower if an option holder elects to exercise on a cashless basis. Outstanding as of December 31, 2012 3,916,045 $ 2.85 For the Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Annual grants to outside directors 200,000 200,000 200,000 Performance based grants to executives - 745,000 - Employee grants - 540,000 175,000 Non-employee grant 50,000 - - Total 250,000 1,485,000 375,000 55  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Note 10. Employee Benefit Programs The Company has established a 401(k) retirement plan (“401(k) plan”) which covers all eligible employees who have attained the age of twenty-one and have completed 30 days of employment with the Company. The Company can elect to match up to a certain amount of employees’ contributions to the 401(k) plan. No employer contributions were made during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Under the Company’s 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP Plan”), participants can purchase shares of the Company’s stock at a 15% discount. A maximum of 200,000 shares of common stock can be issued under the ESPP Plan. The first issuance under the ESPP Plan occurred on June 30, 2011. During the years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011, a total of 28,723 and 26,632 shares were issued under the ESPP Plan with a fair value of $117,251 and $73,376, respectively. The Company recognized $17,568 and $10,992 of stock-based compensation related to the 15% discount for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Note 11. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes consists of the following: The provision for income taxes using the statutory Federal tax rate as compared to the Company’s effective tax rate is summarized as follows: The Company files income tax returns for Towerstream Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U. S. federal and various state jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2012, the tax returns for Towerstream Corporation for the years 2009 through 2012 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and various state authorities. The Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) consisted of the effects of temporary differences attributable to the following: Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Current Federal $ - $ - $ - State - - - Total current - - - Deferred Federal (7,017,749 ) (2,359,649 ) (1,922,412 ) State (1,238,426 ) (416,408 ) (339,251 ) Change in valuation allowance 8,382,431 2,894,075 2,261,663 Total deferred 126,256 118,018 - Provision for income taxes $ 126,256 $ 118,018 $ - Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Federal statutory rate (34.0 )% (34.0 )% (34.0 )% State taxes (6.0 )% (6.0 )% (6.0 )% Permanent differences 0.2 % 0.4 % (0.4 )% Valuation allowance 40.4 % 41.3 % 40.4 % Effective tax rate 0.6 % 1.7 % 0.0 % Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 Deferred tax assets Net operating loss carryforwards $ 23,944,956 $ 16,114,362 Stock-based compensation 1,444,084 1,061,290 Intangible assets 1,801,894 645,305 Allowance for doubtful accounts 76,044 105,010 Other 213,658 31,258 Total deferred tax assets 27,480,636 17,957,225 Valuation allowance (24,263,237 ) (15,880,805 ) Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 3,217,399 2,076,420 Deferred tax liabilities Depreciation (3,217,399 ) (2,076,420 )  Intangible assets (244,274 ) (118,018 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (3,461,673 ) (2,194,438 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (244,274 ) $ (118,018 ) 56  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes ASC Topic 740 clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in income tax law. ASC Topic 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The guidance also provides direction on derecogntion, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company has evaluated and concluded that there were no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s policy is to classify assessments, if any, for tax related interest as interest expense and penalties as general and administrative expenses. No interest and penalties were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. NOL Limitations The Company’s utilization of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards is subject to an annual limitation due to ownership changes that have occurred previously or that could occur in the future as provided in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as similar state provisions. Section 382 limits the utilization of NOLs when there is a greater than 50% change of ownership as determined under the regulations. Since its formation, the Company has raised capital through the issuance of capital stock and various convertible instruments which, combined with the purchasing shareholders’ subsequent disposition of these shares, has resulted in an ownership change as defined by Section 382, and also could result in an ownership change in the future upon subsequent disposition. As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company had approximately $59,862,000, $40,286,000 and $32,235,000, respectively, of federal and state NOL carryovers. Federal NOLs will begin expiring in 2027. State NOLs began expiring in 2012. Valuation Allowance In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company has considered whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. In making this determination, under the applicable financial reporting standards, the Company is allowed to consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. A full valuation allowance has been recorded for the deferred tax asset balance as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. The change in valuation allowance was $8,382,431 and $2,894,075, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. In future periods, the Company will generate additional deferred tax liabilities related to the amortization of its FCC licenses and goodwill for tax purposes because these assets are not amortized for financial reporting purposes. The tax amortization in future years will result in a temporary difference, and the deferred tax liabilities will not reverse until such time, if any, that the FCC licenses and goodwill become impaired or sold. Due to the uncertain timing of this reversal, the temporary difference cannot be considered as future taxable income for purposes of determining a valuation allowance; therefore, the deferred tax liabilities cannot be used to offset the deferred tax assets related to the net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes. 57  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Note 12. Stock Warrants Warrant transactions during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows: Number of Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding as of January 1, 2010 4,332,310 $ 4.61 Granted during 2010 - - Exercised - - Forfeited/expired - - Outstanding as of December 31, 2010 4,332,310 $ 4.61 Granted during 2011 450,000 5.00 Exercised (6,000 ) 4.50 Forfeited /expired - - Outstanding as of December 31, 2011 4,776,310 $ 4.65 Granted during 2012 - - Exercised - - Forfeited /expired (4,326,310 ) 4.61 Outstanding as of December 31, 2012 450,000 $ 5.00 58  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED In July 2011, the Company issued 450,000 warrants to purchase shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share under its July 2011 underwritten offering. These warrants became exercisable in July 2012 and expire in July 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2011, 6,000 warrants were exercised which resulted in proceeds of $27,000. There were no warrants exercised in 2012. A total of 4,026,310 warrants exercisable at prices ranging from $4.00 to $6.00 expired in January 2012 and an additional 300,000 warrants with an exercise price of $4.00 expired in June 2012. As of December 31, 2012, there were 450,000 warrants exercisable at $5.00 with a remaining contractual life of 3.5 years. There was no intrinsic value associated with the warrants outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2012. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2012, which was $3.25 per share, and the exercise price of the warrants. The number of shares issuable upon the exercise of a warrant will be lower if a holder exercises on a cashless basis. Note 13. Fair Value Measurement Valuation Hierarchy The FASB’s accounting standard for fair value measurements establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Cash and cash equivalents were carried at fair value and measured as follows: Cash and cash equivalents are measured at fair value using quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to their short maturities. There were no changes in the valuation techniques during the year ended December 31, 2012. Note 14. Commitments Operating Lease Obligations. The Company has entered into operating leases related to roof rights, towers, office space and equipment leases under various non-cancelable agreements expiring through January 2023. As of December 31, 2012, total future operating lease obligations were as follows: Total Carrying Value Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) December 31, 2012 $ 15,152,226 $ 15,152,226 $ - $ - December 31, 2011 $ 44,672,587 $ 44,672,587 $ - $ - Years Ending December 31, 2013 $ 15,205,446 2014 13,856,549 2015 12,842,334 2016 11,711,817 2017 6,428,609 Thereafter 1,100,810 $ 61,145,565 59  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011and 2010 totaled approximately $12,020,000, $5,566,000 and $3,280,000, respectively. In March 2007, the Company entered into a lease agreement for its corporate offices (the “Original Space”). In August 2007, the Company signed a lease amendment adding approximately 25,000 square feet (the “Additional Space”) and extending the lease term. The new lease term commenced in October 2007 and terminates six years from the date of commencement with an option to renew for an additional five-year term. The Company’s annual rent payments totaled approximately $570,000 in 2012 and will total approximately $49,000 a month through the end of the lease. Our lease expires on December 31, 2013 with an option to renew for an additional five-year term. We do not own any real property. The landlord provided the Company with certain incentives as an inducement to enter the lease agreements. These incentives included (i) an allowance of $163,330 for leasehold improvements on the Original Space, (ii) an allowance of $200,000 for leasehold improvements on the Additional Space, and (iii) an initial six-month rent-free period on half of the Additional Space. Leasehold improvements funded by the landlord have been (i) capitalized and are being amortized over the remaining lease term and (ii) recognized as deferred rent and amortized ratably over the term of the lease. The economic value of the rent-free period is also recognized as deferred rent and amortized ratably over the term of the lease. The current balance totaled $86,820 at December 31, 2012. There was no long-term balance at December 31, 2012. Capital Lease Obligations. We have entered into capital leases to acquire network, rooftop tower site and customer premise equipment expiring through December 2017. In December 2011, we entered into an agreement with Cisco Capital to acquire equipment related to our information technology infrastructure. The total lease obligation is approximately $2,100,000, of which the first lease for approximately $1,400,000 commenced in the second quarter of 2012. The second lease obligation of approximately $700,000 is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2013. We received approximately $555,000 of the leased equipment under the second lease in 2012 and have recorded the asset and liability obligation on this equipment. The remaining equipment under the second lease was not received in 2012 and is reflected as a reconciling item in the table below. These leases will be paid in various installments over a 60 month period from their respective commencement dates. As of December 31, 2012, total future capital lease obligations were as follows: Other. In December 2011, we entered into a one year information technology infrastructure support agreement. The agreement became effective at the end of the first quarter of 2012. The monthly payments are approximately $43,000 and will be paid through the first quarter of 2013. Years Ending December 31, 2013 $ 905,909 2014 969,128 2015 884,556 2016 651,615 2017 387,517 Thereafter - $ 3,798,725 Less: Obligations not commenced as of December 31, 2012 162,333 Less: Interest expense 473,631 Total capital lease obligations $ 3,162,761 Current $ 775,087 Long-Term $ 2,387,674 60  TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Note 15. Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) Quarterly results for 2011 reflect the purchase price adjustment for the One Velocity acquisition. Note 16. Subsequent Events In January 2013, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”). The Company plans to transfer certain assets to Hetnets to support the operation of a shared wireless infrastructure business. Hetnets plans to generate rental income from four separate sources including (i) rental of space on street level rooftops for the installation of customer owned Small Cells which includes Wi-Fi antennae, DAS, and Metro and Pico cells, (ii) rental of a channel on Hetnets’ Wi-Fi network for the offloading of mobile data, (iii) rental of cabinets, switch ports, interconnection services, including backhaul or transport, and (iv) rental of power and power backup. The Company has determined that Hetnets represents a new business segment. Beginning in 2013, the Company will provide segment financial reporting for two business segments which will be referred to as (i) Fixed Wireless Services, and (ii) Shared Wireless Infrastructure. In February 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Delos which is based in Houston, Texas and became the Company's 13th market nationally. The Company paid consideration consisting of $225,000 in cash and 433,673 shares of common stock. In February 2013, the Company completed an underwritten offering under which it raised gross proceeds of $30,000,000 in connection with the sale of 10,000,000 shares at $3.00 per share. In March 2013, the Company raised additional gross proceeds of $3,000,000 in connection with the sale of 1,000,000 shares at $3.00 per share as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option. Three months ended March 31, 2010 June 30, 2010 September 30, 2010 December 31, 2010 Revenues $ 4,244,217 $ 4,868,539 $ 5,080,650 $ 5,452,487 Operating Expenses 5,795,819 6,553,974 6,489,388 6,855,155 Operating Loss (1,551,602 ) (1,685,435 ) (1,408,738 ) (1,402,668 ) Net Loss (1,531,773 ) (1,306,532 ) (1,387,154 ) (1,377,548 ) Net Loss per common share – basic and diluted (0.04 ) (0.04 ) (0.04 ) (0.04 ) Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic and diluted 34,668,162 34,914,818 35,004,822 37,890,751 Three months ended March 31, 2011 June 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 December 31, 2011 Revenues $ 5,953,013 $ 6,581,059 $ 6,775,892 $ 7,184,773 Operating Expenses 7,466,710 8,438,318 9,404,962 10,349,275 Operating Loss (1,513,697 ) (1,857,259 ) (2,629,070 ) (3,164,502 ) Net Loss (1,512,584 ) (812,396 ) (2,620,411 ) (2,079,716 ) Net Loss per common share – basic and diluted (0.04 ) (0.02 ) (0.05 ) (0.04 ) Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic and diluted 42,209,682 42,638,966 51,599,165 53,579,906 Three months ended March 31, 2012 June 30, 2012 September 30, 2012 December 31, 2012 Revenues $ 7,819,059 $ 8,103,321 $ 8,127,507 $ 8,229,543 Operating Expenses 12,189,123 12,817,112 13,507,490 14,511,371 Operating Loss (4,370,064 ) (4,713,791 ) (5,379,983 ) (6,281,828 ) Net Loss (4,380,132 ) (4,758,659 ) (5,408,234 ) (6,442,550 ) Net Loss per common share – basic and diluted (0.08 ) (0.09 ) (0.10 ) (0.12 ) Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic and diluted 54,312,066 54,369,177 54,403,237 54,648,241 61  Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. None. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Disclosure Controls and Procedures We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’). Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon our evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of December 31, 2012, in ensuring that material information that we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our system of internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by a company’s board of directors, management and other personnel 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. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. • pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; • provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and • provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 62  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING To the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Towerstream Corporation We have audited Towerstream Corporation's (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company'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 Annual 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 of internal control over financial reporting 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 the 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 degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Towerstream Corporation maintained, in all material aspects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and 2010 of the Company and our report dated March 18, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. /s/ Marcum LLP Marcum LLP New York, NY March 18, 2013 63  Item 9B. Other Information. None. 64  PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. Directors and Executive Officers The following table sets forth the names, ages, and positions of the current directors and executive officers of Towerstream Corporation (“Towerstream”, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”). Our directors hold office for one-year terms until the following annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified or until the director’s earlier resignation or removal. Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and serve at the discretion of the Board. (1) Member of our Audit Committee. (2) Member of our Compensation Committee. (3) Member of our Nominating Committee. The biographies below include information related to service by the persons below to Towerstream Corporation and our subsidiary, Towerstream I, Inc. On January 4, 2007, we merged with and into a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary for the sole purpose of changing our state of incorporation to Delaware. On January 12, 2007, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours completed a reverse merger with and into a private company, Towerstream Corporation, with Towerstream Corporation (the private company) being the surviving company and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. Upon closing of the merger, we discontinued our former business and succeeded to the business of Towerstream Corporation as our sole line of business. At the same time, we also changed our name to Towerstream Corporation and, our newly acquired subsidiary, Towerstream Corporation, changed its name to Towerstream I, Inc. Jeffrey M. Thompson co-founded Towerstream I, Inc. in December 1999 with Philip Urso. Mr. Thompson has served as a director since inception and as chief operating officer from inception until November 2005 when Mr. Thompson became president and chief executive officer. Since becoming a public entity in January 2007, Mr. Thompson has been our president, chief executive officer and a director. In 1995, Mr. Thompson co-founded and was vice president of operations of EdgeNet Inc., a privately held Internet service provider (which was sold to Citadel Broadcasting Corporation in 1997 and became eFortress (“eFortress”)) through 1999. Mr. Thompson holds a B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts. Mr. Thompson was appointed to the Board due to his significant experience in the wireless broadband industry, his familiarity with the Company, as well as his extensive business management expertise. Philip Urso co-founded Towerstream I, Inc. in December 1999 with Jeffrey M. Thompson. Mr. Urso has served as a director and chairman since inception and as chief executive officer from inception until November 2005. Since becoming a public entity in January 2007, Mr. Urso has been our chairman and a director. In 1995, Mr. Urso co-founded eFortress and served as its president through 1999. From 1983 until 1997, Mr. Urso owned and operated a group of radio stations. In addition, Mr. Urso co-founded the regional cell-tower company, MCF Communications, Inc. Mr. Urso was appointed to the Board due to his significant experience in the wireless broadband and tower industries, his familiarity with the Company, as well as his extensive business management expertise. Joseph P. Hernon has been our chief financial officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer since joining Towerstream Corporation in May 2008. From November 2007 until May 2008, Mr. Hernon was a financial consultant to a high technology company. From November 2005 until October 2007, Mr. Hernon served as the chief financial officer of Aqua Bounty Technologies Inc., a biotechnology company dedicated to the improvement of productivity in the aquaculture industry. From August 1996 until October 2005, Mr. Hernon served as vice president, chief financial officer and secretary of Boston Life Sciences Inc., a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics and diagnostics for central nervous system diseases. From January 1987 until August 1996, Mr. Hernon held various positions while employed at PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, an international accounting firm. Mr. Hernon is a certified public accountant and holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Lowell, Massachusetts and a M.S. degree in Accounting from Bentley College in Waltham, MA. Name Age Position Jeffrey M. Thompson 48 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Philip Urso 53 Chairman of the Board of Directors Joseph P. Hernon 53 Chief Financial Officer Howard L. Haronian, M.D. (1)(2)(3) 51 Director Paul Koehler (1)(3) 53 Director William J. Bush (1)(2) 47 Director 65  Howard L. Haronian, M.D., has served as a director of Towerstream I, Inc. since inception in December 1999. Since becoming a public entity in January 2007, Dr. Haronian has been a director. Dr. Haronian is an interventional cardiologist and has been president of Cardiology Specialists, Ltd. of Rhode Island since 1994. Dr. Haronian has served on the clinical faculty of the Yale School of Medicine since 1994. Dr. Haronian graduated from the Yale School of Management Program for Physicians in 1999. Dr. Haronian has directed the Cardiac Catheterization program at The Westerly Hospital since founding the program in 2003. Dr. Haronian was appointed to the Board due to his extensive knowledge of the Company’s operations since its founding and his executive level experience at other organizations. Paul Koehler has been a director since January 2007. Mr. Koehler has served as vice president of corporate development of Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NasdaqGM: PEIX) since June 2005. Mr. Koehler has over twenty-five years of experience in the power and renewable fuels industries and in marketing, trading and project development. Prior to working for Pacific Ethanol Inc., from 2001 to 2005, Mr. Koehler developed wind power projects for PPM Energy Inc., a wind power producer and marketer. Mr. Koehler was president and co-founder of Kinergy LLC, a consulting firm focused on renewable energy, project development and risk management from 1993 to 2003. During the 1990s, Mr. Koehler worked for Portland General Electric Company and Enron Corp. in power marketing and energy trading. Mr. Koehler holds a B.A. degree from the Honors College at the University of Oregon. Mr. Koehler currently serves on the board of directors of Oregon College of Art and Craft Foundation since 2011. Mr. Koehler also served on the board of directors of Oregon College of Art and Craft, a private art college from 1998 to 2007 and again from 2009 to 2012. Mr. Koehler was appointed to the Board due to his experience as an executive at other public companies and as a director of other organizations. William J. Bush has been a director since January 2007. Since January 2010, Mr. Bush has served as the chief financial officer of Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., which is one of the nation’s leading financiers, designers and installers of commercial and government grid-connected solar electric power systems. From October 2008 to December 2009, Mr. Bush served as the chief financial officer of Solar Semiconductor, Ltd., a private vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of quality photovoltaic modules and systems targeted for use in industrial, commercial and residential applications with operations in India helping it reach $100 million in sales in its first 15 months of operation. Prior to that, Mr. Bush served as chief financial officer and corporate controller for a number of high growth software and online media companies as well as being one of the founding members of Buzzsaw.com, Inc., a spinoff of Autodesk, Inc. Prior to his work at Buzzsaw.com, Mr. Bush served as corporate controller for Autodesk, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ADSK), the fourth largest software applications company in the world. His prior experience includes seven years in public accounting with Ernst & Young, and Price Waterhouse. Mr. Bush holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from U.C. Berkeley and is a certified public accountant. Mr. Bush was appointed to the Board because he has significant experience in finance. Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight Currently, the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board are held by two different individuals. Jeffrey M. Thompson currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board and Philip Urso serves as Chairman of the Board. Although no formal policy currently exists, the Board determined that the separation of these positions would allow Mr. Thompson to devote his time to the daily execution of the Company’s business strategies and Mr. Urso to devote his time to the long-term strategic direction of the Company. Our Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes on behalf of our Board. The Audit Committee receives and reviews periodic reports from management, auditors, legal counsel, and others, as considered appropriate regarding our Company’s assessment of risks. In addition, the Audit Committee reports regularly to the full Board which also considers our risk profile. The Audit Committee and the full Board focus on the most significant risks facing our Company and our Company’s general risk management strategy, and also ensure that risks undertaken by our Company are consistent with the Board’s tolerance for risk. While the Board oversees our Company’s risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most effective approach to address the risks facing our Company. Directorships Except as otherwise reported above, none of our directors held directorships in other reporting companies or registered investment companies at any time during the past five years. Family Relationships Except for Howard L. Haronian, M.D. and Philip Urso, who are cousins, there are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers. 66  Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings To our knowledge, during the last ten years, none of our directors and executive officers (including those of our subsidiaries) has: Board Committees Since January 2007, the standing committees of our Board consist of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee. Each member of our committees is “independent” as such term is defined under and required by the federal securities laws and the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. The charters of each of the committees have been approved by our Board and are available on our website at www.towerstream.com . Audit Committee The Audit Committee is comprised of three directors: William J. Bush, Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and Paul Koehler. Mr. Bush is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s duties include recommending to our Board the engagement of independent auditors to audit our financial statements and to review our accounting and auditing principles. The Audit Committee reviews the scope, timing and fees for our annual audit and the results of audit examinations performed by independent public accountants, including their recommendations to improve our system of accounting and our internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee oversees the independent auditors, including their independence and objectivity. However, the committee members are not acting as professional accountants or auditors, and their functions are not intended to duplicate or substitute for the activities of management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee is empowered to retain independent legal counsel and other advisors as it deems necessary or appropriate to assist the Audit Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities, and to approve the fees and other retention terms of the advisors. Each of our Audit Committee members possesses an understanding of financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles. The Board has determined that Mr. Bush is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. The designation of Mr. Bush as an “audit committee financial expert” will not impose on him any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than those that are generally imposed on him as a member of our Audit Committee and our Board, and his designation as an “audit committee financial expert” will not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of our Audit Committee or Board. Compensation Committee The Compensation Committee is comprised of two directors: Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and William J. Bush. Dr. Haronian is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has certain duties and powers as described in its charter, including but not limited to periodically reviewing and approving our salary and benefits policies, compensation of executive officers, administering our stock option plans, and recommending and approving grants of stock-based awards under such plans. Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation None of the members of our Compensation Committee is an officer or employee of our Company. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one of more executive officers serving on our Board or Compensation Committee. • Had a bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time. • Been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses. • Been subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities. • Been found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated. • Been the subject to, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity, or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. 67  Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee is comprised of two directors: Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and Paul Koehler. Dr. Haronian is the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee considers and makes recommendations on matters related to the practices, policies and procedures of the Board and takes a leadership role in shaping our corporate governance. As part of its duties, the Nominating Committee assesses the size, structure and composition of the Board and its committees, and coordinates the evaluation of Board performance. The Nominating Committee also acts as a screening and nominating committee for candidates considered for election to the Board. Changes in Nominating Process There are no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board. Compensation of Directors The following table summarizes the compensation awarded during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 to our directors who are not named executive officers in the summary compensation table below: Pursuant to the 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan, each non-employee director is entitled to receive periodic grants of ten-year options to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. An initial grant is made upon such non-employee director’s election or appointment to our Board and thereafter annually on the first business day in June, subject to such director remaining on the Board. Non-employee directors also receive $50,000 per annum in cash. In connection with the additional responsibilities associated with such positions, the Chairman of the Board will receive an additional $10,000 per year, and the Chairman of the Audit and Compensation Committees will each receive an additional $5,000 per year. Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Based solely on our review of copies of such reports and representations from our executive officers and directors, we believe that our executive officers and directors complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements during the year ended December 31, 2012, except that Joseph P. Hernon, our Chief Financial Officer, failed by one day to timely file a Form 4 reporting the exercise of stock options to purchase shares of our common stock on September 25, 2012. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Our Board has adopted a code of ethics and business conduct that establishes the standards of ethical conduct applicable to all directors, officers and employees of Towerstream Corporation. The code of ethics and business conduct addresses, among other things, conflicts of interest, compliance with disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting, corporate opportunities and confidentiality requirements. The Audit Committee is responsible for applying and interpreting our code of ethics and business conduct in situations where questions are presented to it. There were no amendments or waivers to our code of ethics and business conduct in fiscal year 2012. Our code of ethics and business conduct is available for review on our website at www.towerstream.com . We will provide a copy of our code of ethics and business conduct free of charge to any person who requests a copy. Requests should be directed by e-mail to Joseph P. Hernon, our Chief Financial Officer, at jhernon@towerstream.com, by mail to Towerstream Corporation, 55 Hammarlund Way, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, or by telephone at (401) 848-5848. Name Fees Earned or Paid in Cash Option Awards (1)(2) Total Philip Urso $ 60,000 $ 107,510 $ 167,510 Howard L. Haronian, M.D. $ 55,000 $ 107,510 $ 162,510 Paul Koehler $ 50,000 $ 107,510 $ 157,510 William J. Bush $ 55,000 $ 107,510 $ 162,510 (1) Based upon the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. Our policy and assumptions made in the valuation of share-based payments are contained in Note 9 to our December 31, 2012 financial statements included in the Original Filing. (2) Option awards relate to the issuance in 2012 of options to purchase 50,000 shares each for Messrs. Urso, Koehler and Bush, and Dr. Haronian. 68  Item 11. Executive Compensation. Compensation Committee Report Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), this Compensation Committee Report is not deemed to be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating this Annual Report by reference into any filings with the SEC. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on this review and these discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Submitted by the Compensation Committee Howard L. Haronian, M.D., Chairman William J. Bush Compensation Discussion and Analysis The following discussion and analysis of compensation arrangements of our named executive officers for 2012 should be read together with the compensation tables and related disclosures set forth below. We believe our success depends on the continued contributions of our named executive officers. Personal relationships and experience are very important in our industry. Our named executive officers are primarily responsible for many of our critical business development relationships. The maintenance of these relationships is critical to ensuring our future success as is experience in managing these relationships. Therefore, it is important to our success that we retain the services of these individuals and prevent them from competing with us should their employment with us terminate. General Philosophy Our overall compensation philosophy is to provide an executive compensation package that enables us to attract, retain and motivate executive officers to achieve our short-term and long-term business goals. The goals of our compensation program are to align remuneration with business objectives and performance, and to enable us to retain and competitively reward executive officers who contribute to the long-term success of the Company. We attempt to pay our executive officers competitively in order that we will be able to retain the most capable people in the industry. In making executive compensation and other employment compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee considers achievement of certain criteria, some of which relate to our performance and others of which relate to the performance of the individual employee. Awards to executive officers are based on achievement of Company and individual performance criteria. The Compensation Committee will evaluate our compensation policies on an ongoing basis to determine whether they enable us to attract, retain and motivate key personnel. To meet these objectives, the Compensation Committee may from time to time increase salaries, award additional stock grants or provide other short and long-term incentive compensation to executive officers and other employees. Compensation Program & Forms of Compensation We provide our executive officers with a compensation package consisting of base salary, bonus, equity incentives and participation in benefit plans generally available to other employees. In setting total compensation, the Compensation Committee considers individual and company performance, as well as market information regarding compensation paid by other companies in our industry. Base Salary. Salaries for our executive officers are initially set based on negotiation with individual executive officers at the time of recruitment and with reference to salaries for comparable positions in the industry for individuals of similar education and background to the executive officers being recruited. We also consider the individual’s experience, reputation in his industry and expected contributions to the Company. Base salary is continuously evaluated by competitive pay and individual job performance. In each case, we take into account the results achieved by the executive, his future potential, scope of responsibilities and experience, and competitive salary practices. At times our executive officers have elected to take less than market salaries. These salaries were subject to increases to base salary that is comparable with his role and responsibilities when compared to companies of comparable size in similar locations. 69  Bonuses. We design our bonus programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market. Our bonus program is designed to motivate employees to achieve overall goals. Our programs are designed to avoid entitlements, to align actual payouts with the actual results achieved and to be easy to understand and administer. The Compensation Committee and the executive officer work together to establish targets and goals for the executive officer. Upon completion of the fiscal year, the Compensation Committee assesses the executive officer’s performance and with input from management determines the achievement of the bonus targets and the amount to be awarded within the parameters of the executive officer’s agreement with us. Equity-Based Rewards We design our equity programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market. We monitor the market and applicable accounting, corporate, securities and tax laws and regulations and adjust our equity programs as needed. Stock options and other forms of equity compensation are designed to reflect and reward a high level of sustained individual performance over time. We design our equity programs to align employees’ interests with those of our stockholders. Timing of Equity Awards The Board has authorized the Compensation Committee to approve stock option grants to our executive officers. Stock options are generally granted at scheduled meetings of the Compensation Committee. The exercise price of a newly granted option is the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Benefits Programs We design our benefits programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market while conforming with local laws and practices. We monitor the market, local laws and practices and adjust our benefits programs as needed. We design our benefits programs to provide an element of core benefits, and to the extent possible, offer options for additional benefits, and balance costs and cost sharing between us and our employees. Tax and Accounting Considerations In the review and establishment of our compensation programs, we consider the anticipated accounting and tax implications to us and our executives. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a limit on the amount of compensation that we may deduct in any one year with respect to our chief executive officer and each of our next four most highly compensated executive officers, unless certain specific and detailed criteria are satisfied. Performance-based compensation, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, is fully deductible if the programs are approved by stockholders and meet other requirements. We believe that grants of equity awards under our incentive-based equity option plans may qualify as performance-based for purposes of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m), thereby permitting us to receive a federal income tax deduction, if applicable, in connection with such awards. In general, we have determined that we will not seek to limit executive compensation so that it is deductible under Section 162(m). However, from time to time, we monitor whether it might be in our interests to structure our compensation programs to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m). We seek to maintain flexibility in compensating our executives in a manner designed to promote our corporate goals and therefore our Compensation Committee has not adopted a policy requiring all compensation to be deductible. Our Compensation Committee will continue to assess the impact of Section 162(m) on our compensation practices and determine what further action, if any, is appropriate. Role of Executives in Executive Compensation Decisions The Board and our Compensation Committee generally seek input from our executive officers when discussing the performance of, and compensation levels for, executives. The Compensation Committee also works with our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer to evaluate the financial, accounting, tax and retention implications of our various compensation programs. None of our other executives participates in deliberations relating to his compensation. 2012 Bonus Payments Mr. Thompson. Mr. Thompson was awarded bonus payments of an aggregate of $255,389 in recognition of services performed during 2012. The bonus payments of $255,389 constituting approximately 77% of Mr. Thompson’s salary, were awarded in part on a discretionary basis by our Compensation Committee and in part pursuant to our success in meeting certain performance-related targets consisting of revenue, EBITDA and the number of hotzones installed. The 77% payout ratio slightly exceeds the stated plan ratio of 75% established by the Compensation Committee. Certain performance related goals were exceeded by more than 100% resulting in slightly higher payouts than the stated dollar amounts. Bonus payments are calculated quarterly and all payments were approved by the Compensation Committee. 70  Mr. Hernon . Mr. Hernon was awarded bonus payments of an aggregate of $153,836 in recognition of services performed during 2012. The bonus payments of $153,836, constituting approximately 62% of Mr. Hernon’s salary, were awarded in part on a discretionary basis by our Compensation Committee and in part pursuant to our success in meeting certain performance-related targets consisting of revenue and EBITDA. The 62% payout ratio slightly exceeds the stated offer letter ratio of 58% established by the Board. Certain performance related goals were exceeded by more than 100% resulting in slightly higher payouts than the stated dollar amounts. Bonus payments are calculated quarterly and all payments were approved by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Yarbrough . Mr. Yarbrough was awarded bonus payments of an aggregate of $76,805 in recognition of services performed during 2012, constituting approximately 34% of Mr. Yarbrough’s salary. Mr. Yarbrough’s bonus payments were awarded pursuant to our success in meeting certain performance-related targets consisting of revenue, EBITDA and the number of hotzones installed. See “Employment Agreements and Change-in-Control Agreements” below for a discussion of our employment agreement with Mr. Thompson and our employment arrangement with Messr. Hernon. Compensation Risk Management We have considered the risk associated with our compensation policies and practices for all employees, and we believe we have designed our compensation policies and practices in a manner that does not create incentives that could lead to excessive risk taking that would have a material adverse effect on us. Summary Compensation Table The following table summarizes the annual and long-term compensation paid to our chief executive officer and our other most highly compensated executive officer who was serving at the end of 2012, and one of the most highly compensated executive officer who served during 2012, whom we refer to collectively in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the “named executive officers”: Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Option Awards(1) Restricted Stock Awards(1) Total Jeffrey M. Thompson 2012 $ 330,000 $ 255,389 (2) $ - $ - $ 585,389 President and Chief Executive 2011 $ 301,904 $ 245,156 (3) $1,135,308 (4) $ - $ 1,682,368 Officer 2010 $ 250,227 $ 205,931 (5) $ - $ - $ 456,158 Joseph P. Hernon 2012 $ 243,750 $ 153,836 (6) $ - $ - $ 397,586 Chief Financial Officer 2011 $ 226,063 $ 115,738 (7) $ 669,491 (8) $ 177,300 (9) $ 1,188,592 2010 $ 198,188 $ 131,168 (10) $ - $ - $ 329,356 Melvin L. Yarbrough, Jr. 2012 $ 222,917 $ 76,805 (12) $ - $ - $ 299,722 Chief Operating Officer (11) 2011 $ 226,063 $ 113,066 (13) $ 894,497 (14) $ 177,300 (9) $ 1,410,926 2010 $ 198,188 $ 125,473 (15) $ - $ - $ 323,661 (1) Based upon the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. Our policy and assumptions made in the valuation of share-based payments are contained in Note 9 to our December 31, 2012 financial statements. (2) Mr. Thompson was awarded $155,616 in 2012 in recognition of services performed during 2011. Approximately $100,000 is expected to be awarded in 2013 in recognition of services performed in 2012. (3) Mr. Thompson was awarded $184,688 in 2011 in recognition of services performed during 2011 and Mr. Thompson was awarded $60,468 in April 2012 in recognition of services performed in 2011. (4) On June 24, 2011, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.94 per share in recognition of services performed during 2011, with one-third of the options vesting on June 24, 2012 and the remaining options vesting in quarterly installments over the subsequent two years. On July 7, 2011, Mr. Thompson was granted a ten-year option to purchase 132,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.25 per share. These options were granted in six tranches of 22,000 options. The tranches begin vesting sequentially based on the closing of the next six acquisitions by the Company. The vesting of each tranche begins only when an acquisition is completed for that respective tranche. Each tranche vests on a quarterly basis over the two year period following the date on which each respective acquisition is completed. 71  The first tranche began vesting on December 2, 2011 when the Company completed the acquisition of Color Broadband, and will vest in quarterly installments over a two year period. On July 7, 2011, Mr. Thompson was granted a ten-year option to purchase 175,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.25 per share. These options were granted in six tranches and each tranche begins vesting sequentially based on the execution of the next six backhaul contracts executed by the Company. The vesting of each tranche begins only when a backhaul contract is executed for that respective tranche. The first tranche was for 50,000 options and the remaining five tranches were for 25,000 options each. Each tranche vests on a quarterly basis over the two year period following the date on which each respective backhaul contract is executed. The first tranche of 50,000 options began vesting on March 29, 2012 when the Company executed a backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. In May 2012, Mr. Thompson exercised a right to exchange 25%, or 12,500, of the 50,000 options for a cash payment of $34,969 which equaled the fair value of the 12,500 options on the grant date, as calculated in accordance with the Black-Scholes valuation model. The remaining 37,500 options will continue to vest ratably on a quarterly basis through March 2014. The second tranche of 25,000 options began vesting on April 30, 2012 when the Company executed its second backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. In May 2012, Mr. Thompson exercised a right to exchange 25%, or 6,250, of the 25,000 options for a cash payment of $17,647 which equaled the fair value of the 6,250 options on the grant date, as calculated in accordance with the Black-Scholes valuation model. The remaining 18,750 options will continue to vest ratably on a quarterly basis through April 2014. (5) Mr. Thompson was awarded $126,803 in 2010 in recognition of services performed during 2010 and Mr. Thompson was awarded $79,128 in February 2011 in recognition of services performed in 2010. (6) Mr. Hernon was awarded $95,383 in 2012 in recognition of services performed in 2012. Approximately $59,000 is expected to be awarded in 2013 in recognition of services performed in 2012. (7) Mr. Hernon was awarded $58,725 in 2011 in recognition of services performed during 2011 and Mr. Hernon was awarded $25,000 in January 2012 and $32,013 in April 2012 in recognition of services performed in 2011. (8) On June 24, 2011, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 60,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.94 per share in recognition of services performed during 2011, with one-third of the options vesting on June 24, 2012 and the remaining options vesting in quarterly installments over the subsequent two years. On July 7, 2011, Mr. Hernon was granted a ten-year option to purchase 96,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.25 per share. These options were granted in six tranches of 16,000 options. The tranches begin vesting sequentially based on the closing of the next six acquisitions by the Company. The vesting of each tranche begins only when an acquisition is completed for that respective tranche. Each tranche vests one-third on the one year anniversary of the closing of the acquisition with the remaining two-thirds vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following two years. The first tranche began vesting on December 2, 2011 when the Company completed the acquisition of Color Broadband. One-third of the first tranche will vest on the one year anniversary (December 2, 2012) with the remaining two-thirds vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following two years (through December 2, 2014). On July 7, 2011, Mr. Hernon was granted a ten-year option to purchase 82,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.25 per share. These options were granted in six tranches and each tranche begins vesting sequentially based on the execution of the next six backhaul contracts executed by the Company. The vesting of each tranche begins only when a backhaul contract is executed for that respective tranche. The first tranche was for 20,000 options and the remaining five tranches were for 12,500 options each. Each tranche vests on a quarterly basis over the two year period following the date on which each respective backhaul contract is executed. The first tranche of 20,000 options began vesting on March 29, 2012 when the Company executed a backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. The second tranche of 12,500 options began vesting on April 30, 2012 when the Company executed its second backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. (9) Represents a restricted stock award of 45,000 shares of common stock granted on January 3, 2011, which vests as to one-third of the shares subject to the restricted stock award annually, commencing January 3, 2012. 72  Grants of Plan-Based Awards There were no stock option or restricted stock awards granted to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2012. (10) Mr. Hernon was awarded $81,477 in 2010 in recognition of services performed during 2010 and Mr. Hernon was awarded $49,691 in February 2011 in recognition of services performed in 2010. (11) Mr. Yarbrough resigned from the Company on November 30, 2012. (12) Mr. Yarbrough was awarded $76,805 in 2012 in recognition of services performed in 2012. (13) Mr. Yarbrough was awarded $77,995 in 2011 in recognition of services performed during 2011 and Mr. Yarbrough was awarded $35,071 in April 2012 in recognition of services performed in 2011. (14) On June 24, 2011, Mr. Yarbrough received a ten-year option to purchase 60,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.94 per share in recognition of services performed during 2011, with one-third of the options vesting on June 24, 2012 and the remaining options vesting in quarterly installments over the subsequent two years. On July 7, 2011, Mr. Yarbrough was granted a ten-year option to purchase 72,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.25 per share. These options were granted in six tranches of 12,000 options. The tranches begin vesting sequentially based on the closing of the next six acquisitions by the Company. A portion of the grant associated with each acquisition may be forfeited based on how many acquired customers have been retained as of the six month date following the closing of each respective acquisition. The vesting of each tranche begins only when an acquisition is completed for that respective tranche. Each tranche vests one-eighth on the nine month anniversary of the closing of the acquisition with the remaining seven-eighth vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following seven quarters. The first tranche began vesting on December 2, 2011 when the Company completed the acquisition of Color Broadband. One-eighth of the first tranche will vest on the nine month anniversary (September 2, 2012) with the remaining seven-eighths vesting ratably on a quarterly basis through June 2, 2014. On July 7, 2011, Mr. Yarbrough was granted a ten-year option to purchase 187,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.25 per share. These options were granted in six tranches and each tranche begins vesting sequentially based on the execution of the next six backhaul contracts executed by the Company. The vesting of each tranche begins only when a backhaul contract is executed for that respective tranche. The first tranche was for 100,000 options and the remaining five tranches were for 17,500 options each. Each tranche vests on a quarterly basis over the two year period following the date on which each respective backhaul contract is executed. The first tranche of 100,000 options began vesting on March 29, 2012 when the Company executed a backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. The second tranche of 17,500 options began vesting on April 30, 2012 when the Company executed its second backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. (15) Mr. Yarbrough was awarded $77,409 in 2010 in recognition of services performed during 2010 and Mr. Yarbrough was awarded $48,064 in February 2011 in recognition of services performed in 2010. 73  Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards to our named executive officers as of December 31, 2012: Option Awards Name Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable Option Exercise Price Option Expiration Date Jeffrey M. Thompson 140,000 (1) – $ 0.78 2/27/13 175,193 (2) – $ 1.14 12/14/14 175,193 (3) – $ 1.43 4/28/15 12,010 (4) – $ 2.00 12/2/17 11,032 (5) – $ 2.00 3/2/18 75,000 (6) – $ 0.69 12/30/18 18,406 (7) – $ 0.77 3/30/19 125,000 (8) – $ 0.78 5/5/19 50,001 49,999 (9) $ 4.94 6/23/21 11,000 121,000 (10) $ 5.25 7/6/21 18,752 137,498 (11) $ 5.25 7/6/21 Joseph P. Hernon 113,426 (12) – $ 1.45 6/1/18 31,665 (8) – $ 0.78 5/5/19 30,000 30,000 (9) $ 4.94 6/23/21 5,334 90,666 (13) $ 5.25 7/6/21 10,626 71,874 (14) $ 5.25 7/6/21 (1) Such option vested as to one-third of the shares subject to the option annually, commencing February 28, 2004. (2) Such option was fully vested and exercisable on December 15, 2004, the date of grant. (3) Such option was fully vested and exercisable on April 29, 2005, the date of grant. (4) Such option was fully vested and exercisable on December 3, 2007, the date of grant. (5) Such option vests as to one-third of the shares subject to the option annually, commencing March 3, 2009. (6) Such option vests as to one-third of the shares subject to the option annually, commencing December 31, 2009. (7) Such option was fully vested and exercisable on March 31, 2009, the date of grant. (8) Such option vested in equal quarterly installments over an 18 month period commencing August 6, 2009. (9) Such option vests with one-third of the shares on June 24, 2012 and the remaining options vesting in quarterly installments ratably over the subsequent two years. (10) Such option was granted in six tranches of 22,000 and each tranche begins vesting sequentially based on the closing of the next six acquisitions by the Company. The first tranche began vesting on December 2, 2011 when the Company completed the acquisition of Color Broadband, and will vest in quarterly installments over a two year period. The remaining five tranches will vest in the same manner based on when the remaining five acquisitions are completed. The vesting of the remaining five tranches will begin only when the Company completes each subsequent acquisition. (11) Such option was granted in six tranches and each tranche begins vesting sequentially based on the execution of the next six backhaul contracts executed by the Company. The vesting of each tranche begins only when a backhaul contract is executed for that respective tranche. The first tranche was for 50,000 options and the remaining five tranches were for 25,000 options each. Each tranche vests on a quarterly basis over the two year period following the date on which each respective backhaul contract is executed. 74  The first tranche of 20,000 options began vesting on March 29, 2012 when the Company executed a backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. The second tranche of 12,500 options began vesting on April 30, 2012 when the Company executed its second backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. Option Exercises and Stock Vested The following table summarizes, with respect to our named executive officers, all options that were exercised during fiscal 2012: The first tranche of 50,000 options began vesting on March 29, 2012 when the Company executed a backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. In May 2012, Mr. Thompson exercised a right to exchange 25%, or 12,500, of the 50,000 options for a cash payment of $34,969 which equaled the fair value of the 12,500 options on the grant date, as calculated in accordance with the Black-Scholes valuation model. The remaining 37,500 options will continue to vest ratably on a quarterly basis through March 2014. The second tranche of 25,000 options began vesting on April 30, 2012 when the Company executed its second backhaul contract with a national wireless carrier. In May 2012, Mr. Thompson exercised a right to exchange 25%, or 6,250, of the 25,000 options for a cash payment of $17,647 which equaled the fair value of the 6,250 options on the grant date, as calculated in accordance with the Black-Scholes valuation model. The remaining 18,750 options will continue to vest ratably on a quarterly basis through April 2014. (12) Such option vests as to one-third of the shares subject to the option annually, commencing June 2, 2009. (13) Such option was granted in six tranches of 16,000 options and each tranche begins vesting sequentially based on the closing of the next six acquisitions by the Company. The first tranche began vesting on December 2, 2011 when the Company completed the acquisition of Color Broadband. One-third of the first tranche will vest on the one year anniversary (December 2, 2012) with the remaining two-thirds vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following two years (through December 2, 2014). The remaining five tranches will vest in the same manner based on when the remaining five acquisitions are completed. The vesting of the remaining five tranches will begin only when the Company completes each subsequent acquisition. (14) Such option was granted in six tranches and each tranche begins vesting sequentially based on the execution of the next six backhaul contracts executed by the Company. The vesting of each tranche begins only when a backhaul contract is executed for that respective tranche. The first tranche was for 20,000 options and the remaining five tranches were for 12,500 options each. Each tranche vests on a quarterly basis over the two year period following the date on which each respective backhaul contract is executed. Option Awards Restricted Stock Name Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) Value Realized on Exercise ($) Number of Shares Vested (#) Value Realized on Vesting ($) Jeffrey M. Thompson 140,309 $ 538,787 Joseph P. Hernon 25,000 $ 97,750 8,334 $ 32,586 35,000 $ 136,850 15,000 $ 34,650 Melvin L. Yarbrough, Jr. 21,668 $ 61,754 16,667 $ 47,501 15,000 $ 34,650 75  Employment Agreements and Change-in-Control Agreements In December 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Jeffrey M. Thompson, our principal executive officer, which was amended in December 2011. Pursuant to the terms of the amended agreement, Mr. Thompson serves as our chief executive officer and president for a period of two years, with automatic one-year renewals, subject to either party electing not to renew. Mr. Thompson’s base salary under the amended agreement is $330,000 per annum. Under his initial employment agreement, Mr. Thompson’s base salary was $225,000 which was subsequently adjusted to $248,063 effective January 1, 2010 and to $300,000 effective December 16, 2010. Mr. Thompson is eligible for a bonus of up to 75% of his base salary, as determined by our Board. Under the amended agreement, Mr. Thompson was awarded special bonuses totaling $75,000, which included (i) $25,000 on the effective date of the amended agreement, (ii) $25,000 related to the closing of the acquisition of Color Broadband and (iii) $25,000 upon the execution of an agreement with a large technology company. In addition, we will pay 100% of all costs associated with Mr. Thompson’s employee benefits, including without limitation health insurance. If Mr. Thompson’s employment is terminated (i) by us without “cause,” (ii) by him for “good reason” or (iii) by us within two years of a “change of control” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), then (a) we will be required to pay Mr. Thompson twenty-four months base salary in monthly installments, (b) any unvested options to purchase shares of our common stock would immediately vest and become exercisable and any restrictions on restricted stock would immediately lapse, and (c) we must continue to provide employee benefits, including health insurance, for a period of five years following such termination. During Mr. Thompson’s employment with us, and for a period of twelve months following his termination (the “Restricted Period”), except for a termination by Mr. Thompson for “good reason,” he is prohibited from engaging in any line of business in which we were engaged or had a formal plan to enter during the period of his employment with us. We will continue to pay Mr. Thompson his base salary then in effect, in accordance with our customary payroll practices for the duration of any such Restricted Period in the event that Mr. Thompson’s employment is terminated voluntarily by him, except for “good reason,” or by us for “cause.” In May 2008, Joseph P. Hernon joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer. His employment offer provided for a base annual salary of $190,000 and bonus payments up to 58% of base salary, as determined by the Board. Effective April 1, 2010, Mr. Hernon’s base salary was increased to $199,500. Effective December 16, 2010, Mr. Hernon’s base salary was increased to $225,000. Effective April 1, 2012, Mr. Hernon’s base salary was increased to $250,000. Upon joining the Company, Mr. Hernon was granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.45 per share, vesting in three annual installments commencing upon the first anniversary of the grant. He has received subsequent awards and is eligible to receive additional stock-based awards at the discretion of the Board and as provided under the Company’s stock-based incentive plans. The Company pays 100% of Mr. Hernon’s health insurance. He is also eligible to participate in the Company’s health and other employee benefit plans. Mr. Hernon is an employee at will. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 14, 2013 by: The percentages of common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of, with respect to the security. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, each beneficial owner named in the table below has sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned and each person’s address is c/o Towerstream Corporation, 55 Hammarlund Way, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, unless otherwise indicated. As of March 14, 2013, there were 66,355,741 shares of our common stock outstanding. • each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock (based solely on our review of SEC filings); • each of our directors; • each of our named executive officers listed in the section entitled “Summary Compensation Table” under Item 11. Executive Compensation; and • all of our directors and executive officers as a group. 76  * Less than 1%. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. Related parties can include any of our directors or executive officers, certain of our stockholders and their immediate family members. Each year, we prepare and require our directors and executive officers to complete Director and Officer Questionnaires identifying any transactions with us in which the officer or director or their family members have an interest. This helps us identify potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, in any way with the interests of the Company as a whole. Our code of ethics and business conduct requires all directors, officers and employees who may have a potential or apparent conflict of interest to immediately notify our Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is responsible for considering and reporting to the Board any questions of possible conflicts of interest of Board members. Our code of ethics and business conduct further requires pre-clearance before any employee, officer or director engages in any personal or business activity that may raise concerns about conflict, potential conflict or apparent conflict of interest. Copies of our code of ethics and business conduct and the Audit Committee charter are posted on the corporate governance section of our website at www.towerstream.com . Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1) Percent of Class(1) 5% Stockholders: FMR LLC (2) 5,821,162 8.8 % 82 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02109 Directors and Named Executive Officers: Philip Urso 1,749,449 (3) 2.6 % William J. Bush 263,334 (4) * Howard L. Haronian, M.D. 1,275,204 (5) 1.9 % Paul Koehler 205,834 (6) * Jeffrey M. Thompson 2,599,558 (7) 3.9 % Joseph P. Hernon 350,527 (8) * All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons) 6,443,906 (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8) 9.4 % (1) Shares of common stock beneficially owned and the respective percentages of beneficial ownership of common stock assumes the exercise of all options, warrants and other securities convertible into common stock beneficially owned by such person or entity currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 14, 2013. Shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding and held by the holder of such options or warrants for computing the percentage of outstanding common stock beneficially owned by such person, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of outstanding common stock beneficially owned by any other person. (2) Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 8, 2013. Includes 5,821,162 shares held by FMR LLC. (3) Includes 129,386 shares of common stock held by Mr. Urso’s minor children, for whom Mr. Urso and his former wife are the trustees, and 299,133 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Urso and his former wife disclaim beneficial ownership of the 129,386 shares held in trust. (4) Includes 258,334 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. The remaining shares are held in trust for the benefit of the Bush family. Mr. Bush is a trustee of this trust. He disclaims beneficial ownership of such 5,000 shares. (5) Includes 10,000 shares of common stock held by Dr. Haronian’s wife, for which Dr. Haronian has an indirect interest in, and 270,873 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. (6) Includes 205,834 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. (7) Includes 692,047 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. (8) Includes 203,011 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. 77  At no time during the last two fiscal years has any executive officer, director or any member of these individuals’ immediate families, any corporation or organization with whom any of these individuals is an affiliate or any trust or estate in which any of these individuals serves as a trustee or in a similar capacity or has a substantial beneficial interest been indebted to the Company or was involved in any transaction in which the amount exceeded $120,000 and such person had a direct or indirect material interest. In evaluating related party transactions and potential conflicts of interest, our Chief Financial Officer and/or Chairman of the Audit Committee apply the same standards of good faith and fiduciary duty they apply to their general responsibilities. They will approve a related party transaction only when, in their good faith judgment, the transaction is in the best interest of the Company. Director Independence Each of Howard L. Haronian, M.D., Paul Koehler and William J. Bush are independent directors, as provided in NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. The following table sets forth the fees that the Company accrued or paid to Marcum LLP for fiscal year 2012 and fiscal year 2011. 2012 2011 Audit Fees(1) $ 227,179 $ 236,287 Audit-Related Fees(2) – – Tax Fees(3) – – All Other Fees – – Total $ 227,179 $ 236,287 (1) Audit fees relate to professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, quarterly review of financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and audit services provided in connection with other statutory and regulatory filings. (2) Audit-related fees relate to professional services rendered in connection with assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements, including due diligence. (3) Tax fees relate to professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the Company. 78  PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. Exhibit No. Description 2.1 Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization, dated January 12, 2007, by and among University Girls Calendar, Ltd., Towerstream Acquisition, Inc. and Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007). 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of University Girls Calendar, Ltd. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of University Girls Calendar, Ltd. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2007). 3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of University Girls Calendar, Ltd., changing the Company’s name to Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007). 3.3 Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series A Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2010). 3.4 By-Laws of Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007). 3.5 Amendment No. 1 to the By-Laws of Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 30, 2007). 3.6 Amendment No. 1 to the Certificate of Incorporation of Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2012). 4.1 Rights Agreement dated as of November 9, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2010). 10.1* Towerstream Corporation 2007 Equity Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007). 10.2* Form of 2007 Equity Compensation Plan Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007). 10.3* Form of 2007 Equity Compensation Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007). 10.4 Form of Directors and Officers Indemnification Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007). 10.5* Towerstream Corporation 2007 Incentive Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 2012). 10.6 Form of Placement Agent Agreement for June 2007 Offering (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (333-142032) of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2007). 10.7 Form of Subscription Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (333-142032) of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2007). 10.8 Employment Agreement, dated December 21, 2007, between Towerstream Corporation and Jeffrey M. Thompson (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2007). 10.9 Office Lease Agreement dated March 21, 2007 between Tech 2, 3, & 4 LLC (Landlord) and Towerstream Corporation (Tenant) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2009). 10.10 First Amendment to Office Lease dated August 8, 2007, amending Office Lease Agreement dated March, 21 2007 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2009). 10.11** 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2010). 79  10.12** Amendment to Employment Agreement of Jeffrey M. Thompson (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 9, 2011). 10.13** Amendment to Employment Agreement of Jeffrey M. Thompson (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2012). 10.14** 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2010). 14.1 Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2011). 21.1 List of Subsidiaries. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 on Annual Report on Form 10-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2009). 31.1 Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer. 31.2 Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer. 32.1 Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive Officer. 32.2 Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer. * Management compensatory plan ** Management contract 80  SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION Date: March 18, 2013 By: /s/ Jeffrey M. Thompson Jeffrey M. Thompson President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) By: /s/ Joseph P. Hernon Joseph P. Hernon Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) Name Capacity Date /s/ Jeffrey M. Thompson Director, Chief Executive Officer and President Jeffrey M. Thompson (Principal Executive Officer) March 18, 2013 /s/ Joseph P. Hernon Chief Financial Officer March 18, 2013 Joseph P. Hernon (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) / s/ Philip Urso Philip Urso Director - Chairman of the Board of Directors March 18, 2013 /s/ Howard L. Haronian, M.D. Howard L. Haronian, M.D. Director March 18, 2013 /s/ William J. Bush William J. Bush Director March 18, 2013 /s/ Paul Koehler Paul Koehler Director March 18, 2013 81  EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Jeffrey M. Thompson, certify that: Date: March 18, 2013 (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Towerstream Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2012; (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; (4) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in the report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of the annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. (5) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. /s/ Jeffrey M. Thompson Jeffrey M. Thompson President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)  EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Joseph P. Hernon, certify that: Date: March 18, 2013 (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Towerstream Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2012; (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; (4) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in the report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of the annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. (5) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. /s/ Joseph P. Hernon Joseph P. Hernon Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)  EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S. C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of Towerstream Corporation, (the ‘‘Company’’) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the ‘‘Report’’), I, Jeffrey M. Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge: Date: March 18, 2013 (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Jeffrey M. Thompson Jeffrey M. Thompson President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)  EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of Towerstream Corporation, (the ‘‘Company’’) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the ‘‘Report’’), I, Joseph P. Hernon, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge: Date: March 18, 2013 (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Joseph P. Hernon Joseph P. Hernon Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) 

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