Telecommunications Cluster in Atlanta - Highlights

Georgia has a thriving telecommunications industry that includes major companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Cisco, T-Mobile, among others, along with 250 long-distance telecommunications providers, and is recognized as a growing home to U.S.-based call centers. In addition, Atlanta is home to the Georgia Centers for Advanced Telecommunications Technology (GCATT), which aims to promote technology-based economic development across the state of Georgia, and the Georgia Electronic Design Center (CEDC), which focuses on aiding the state in expanding its technology leadership with regard to broadband communications systems. Also headquartered in Atlanta is the Association for Telecom Professionals, which provides a platform for networking within the telecom community.

Recent Telecommunications wins in Atlanta (Projected number of jobs) (*Expansion)

• AirWatch, LLC. 200*

Major Industry Companies in Atlanta

• AT&T
• Birch Communications
• Sony Ericsson
• Verizon Wireless
• Cisco
• T-Mobile
• Teleperformance
• Windstream Communications
• Level 3 Communications

Industry Associations in Atlanta

• Georgia Centers for Advanced Telecommunications Technology
• Georgia Electronic Design Center
• Association for Telecom Professionals
• Atlanta Telecom Professionals
• Wired Technology Forum

Workforce Statistics

In 2011, there were more than 13,000 telecommunications workers in Atlanta. That number is expected to grow by 24 percent by 2021.

Available Incentives, Credits, Services from Invest Atlanta

City of Atlanta Economic Opportunity Fund – This Invest Atlanta administered deal-closing fund supports the growth of targeted industries in the City of Atlanta.  Invest Atlanta uses the fund to recruit and retain businesses resulting in job retention and creation.  This discretionary fund is structured on a project by project basis based upon criteria such as job retention and creation in the City of Atlanta, financial strength of the business, and amount of business investment in the project. 

Lease Purchase Bonds – Invest Atlanta has the ability to abate a portion of real and personal property taxes for projects that stimulate job creation and investment.  Invest Atlanta holds title to the client’s real and personal property allowing for a ten year partial abatement on these taxes starting at 50% and decreasing by 5% for the next 9 years until they are paying full taxes in year 11 of the project.  Invest Atlanta may not be able to offer this program in a TAD since the TAD’s rely on the property tax increment to fund their bonds.  

Tax Allocation District (TAD) – TAD’s are established to publicly finance certain redevelopment activities in underdeveloped areas.  Redevelopment costs are financed through the pledge of future incremental increases in property taxes generated by the resulting new development.

Small Business Loans – Invest Atlanta offers a variety of small business loan programs.  The Phoenix Fund provides loans ranging from $10,000 - $100,000 for 3 to 7 years and ½ of prime plus 2%.  The Opportunity Loan Fund provides gap financing from $100,000 - $200,000 for 3 to 7 years at ½ of prime plus 2%.  Invest Atlanta is also an SBA 504 lender for loans up to $4 million for a maximum term of 20 years at an interest rate based on a 10-year Treasury note.

Permitting Assistance – Invest Atlanta can act as an advocate for developers or tenants in their permitting approval process with appropriate City departments.  Invest Atlanta can help clarify the process to obtain a permit and make connections between the client and the appropriate department to help expedite the process.

Sources: www.metroatlantachamber.com; Metro Atlanta Economic Briefing Newsletter; Georgia Power Job by Industry Reports; Forbes.com

Economic Development

Southside Industrial Park Covenants

McPherson Planning LRA