Coming to Raleigh: Enabling the Next Wave of Digital Transformation
In today’s digital era, enterprises operate within a competitive environment and rely on technology to delight their customers. This has led companies to explore new ways to deliver improved business results by deploying modern technologies, such as cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and 5G networks.
Although these technologies have unlocked new use cases, they have also produced challenges for IT and operational technology departments. To capitalize on the next wave of digital transformation, companies need low-latency infrastructure, access to an ecosystem of technology providers, and resilient data centers, among other requirements. The first-of-its-kind American Tower Aggregation Edge Data Center will enable these business benefits for local companies and will be built in Raleigh, North Carolina.
New American Tower Aggregation Edge Data Center in Raleigh, North Carolina
Aggregation Edge Data Centers are located at the base of our towers and serve what we call the “network edge.” This allows American Tower to leverage its existing wireless network infrastructure to extend computing beyond today’s centralized data center footprint, typically in larger markets, and create a more distributed, consistent, and interoperable experience for end customers.
The result is a more efficient exchange of network traffic with reduced latency, cloud services, and internet peering in a more distributed manner, improving business outcomes through advanced performance for modern technologies, such as hybrid cloud and AI.
Raleigh represents an ideal data center location, since it is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. and is near the renowned academic institutions and large enterprises in Research Triangle Park.1
Leveraging Raleigh’s Thriving Tech Ecosystem
As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., Raleigh has a vibrant tech scene, with over 4,000 technology companies employing more than 60,000 people.2 The city is home to renowned tech firms, like Red Hat, and it continues to attract startups and established companies alike.
Industries that will most benefit from this new facility are those interested in leveraging advanced technologies, such as AI, hybrid cloud, and the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The Raleigh Data Center will also offer the digital ecosystem, including mobile network operators, cloud service providers, and content delivery networks, the ability to extend their services into a new market through advanced connectivity.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Raleigh’s strategic location near Research Triangle Park, one of the largest research parks in the world, offers proximity to top-tier academic institutions and large enterprises. It's an ideal location for a data center that aims to support advanced technologies and real-time applications. The city’s infrastructure, including excellent internet coverage with over 97% of households having access to a computer, further supports its suitability as a tech hub.3
Raleigh’s Competitive Rankings
Raleigh consistently ranks among the top tech cities in the U.S. In 2024, it was recognized as the sixth-best tech city, excelling in internet coverage and overall livability for tech professionals.4 Raleigh remains a top destination for IT job opportunities, with more than 41,000 technology job postings annually.5 This competitive edge makes Raleigh an attractive location for new tech investments.
Conclusion
Raleigh’s thriving technology ecosystem, strategic location, and competitive rankings made it an ideal choice for American Tower’s new Edge Data Center. As the city continues to grow and attract top talent, this facility will support the next generation of technological advancements.
Learn More
To read more about our Raleigh Data Center, visit americantower.com/raleighdatacenter.
For additional information on the American Tower Data Center portfolio, visit americantower.com/datacenters.
