COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1999 -- AEP Communications, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), and American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT) have signed an agreement where the companies will jointly build communications towers and offer build-to-suit services throughout the Midwest. American Tower will also provide marketing services for AEP’s existing 175,000 structures to all telecommunications providers. "We're excited about this venture's potential," said Pete Thomas, vice president of AEP Communications. "No other company can offer this number of locations to wireless providers. "AEP's strengths will mesh well with American Tower's expertise. AEP has experienced construction personnel, access to existing structures and the ability to develop communications sites, while American Tower can provide marketing, management and leasing expertise. “Together, we can anticipate where the need for towers will be, and then have sites available when service providers are ready to enter or expand into the attractive Midwest market.” “We are pleased to be joining forces with a dynamic energy company that shares our vision for a stronger tower presence in the Midwest,” said Jeffrey A. Ebihara, vice president/general manager of American Tower’s Southeast region. "Both American Tower and AEP Communications will be focused on quick turnaround, speed to market." American Tower Corporation is a leading independent owner and operator of broadcast and wireless communications sites in the United States, and giving effect to pending transactions announced to date, owns and manages more than 3,000 towers in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Based in Boston, the company has a national footprint with regional hubs in Boston, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago. AEP Communications, LLC, was formed in 1997 to provide fiber, wireless and information services to wholesale and retail customers. The company has built high-speed fiber optic lines and wireless antenna structures, and has invested in digital personal communications service providers. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States’ largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.