TALK THE TALK, WALK THE WALK – AND CLIMB. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr isn’t just a policymaker; he’s a hands-on advocate who doesn’t shy away from heights. In the photo above, Carr ascended the 2,000-foot broadcast tower of KDLT TV near Rowena, South Dakota. With the guidance of VIKOR’s skilled technicians, he got a firsthand look at the complexities of the repack transition, proving his commitment to understanding the challenges tower crews face on the front lines.
President-elect Donald Trump announced yesterday that he is tapping Brendan Carr of the Federal Communications Commission to chair the agency. With Senator John Thune (R-SD) taking on the role of Senate Majority Leader, both individuals’ relationships and support of the telecommunications industry have garnered increased attention.
Known for his consistent support of pro-business policies, Commissioner Carr has been a stalwart supporter of tower technicians throughout America. He has visited many contractors’ offices and climbed multiple towers to understand better the complex nature of the work involved, whether building out 5G, broadcast installations, or other communications work.
“When Americans pick up their smartphones or turn on their connected devices, many just assume that the networks are going to work—as if they run on magic. In reality, it’s the hard work of tower crews that power America’s world-leading wireless networks,” said Carr when honoring a tower foreman. His most recent recognition was to tower tech Benito “Benny” Banda.
“Commissioner Carr is a warrior for Free Speech and has fought against the regulatory Lawfare that has stifled Americans’ Freedoms and held back our Economy,” Trump said in a statement. “He will end the regulatory onslaught that has been crippling America’s Job Creators and Innovators, and ensure that the FCC delivers for rural America.”
Since Carr is already a commissioner, he can immediately assume control when Trump enters office in January. Carr was unanimously confirmed to a new five-year term last year and has been a commissioner since 2017.
Carr’s agenda will encounter some initial constraints, as he won’t immediately have a Republican majority at the FCC. To secure that adantage, Trump must nominate a third Republican commissioner, who the GOP-controlled Senate must confirm.
Trump’s pick drew quick accolades last night from congressional Republicans as well as FCC officials from both parties.
Todd Schlekeway, President and CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, also joined the growing number of tributes to Carr’s selection.
“NATE offers our heartfelt congrats to Brendan Carr on being selected by President-elect Trump to serve as the next FCC Chairman. Brendan is a champion for the tower technicians and contractor companies who do the tough, gritty work to enable connectivity in the United States. During his tenure serving as an FCC Commissioner, Brendan has invested a great amount of time and energy visiting NATE member companies on the front lines of deployment, including personally climbing many towers with America’s finest tower techs from around the country.”
“NATE and our member companies from coast to coast stand ready to support Commissioner Carr’s agenda at the FCC and collaborate with the agency on the many policy and regulatory issues facing our dynamic industry,“ Schlekeway added.
In the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,“ Carr outlined a strategic vision for the FCC centered on four key policy priorities: Reining in Big Tech, Protecting National Security, Unleashing Economic Prosperity, and Holding Government Accountable. Additional details are available from the Benton Foundation.
Thune is also in tune with America’s infrastructure workforce
Newly minted Senate Minority Leader-elect John Thune is aware of the professionalism of tower technicians and the role they play in building and maintaining the country’s communications infrastructure. Pictured at right, Senator Thune staff member Nicole Herman stops for a photo before preparing to experience a tower climb at a Crown Castle tower site in Manassas Park, Virginia, last month at a legislative advocacy event organized by NATE along with the assistance of Network Building + Consulting, LLC.
Senator Thune has established himself as a significant ally to telecom companies, advocating for regulatory frameworks prioritizing industry growth and innovation.
Over the years, Thune has consistently supported NATE and its tower technicians through legislative initiatives to enhance the telecommunications infrastructure and workforce development.
Thune’s background, having previously served as the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, provided him with a vast knowledge of the policy and regulatory issues confronting the communications infrastructure industry.
“Additionally, Senator Thune is a friend of NATE and has personally visited the headquarters of NATE member companies in his home state of South Dakota. Having someone of Senator Thune’s caliber in the role of Senate Majority Leader will benefit NATE members and the industry at large,“ said Schlekeway.
Thune is set to assume the majority leader role on January 3, 2025, coinciding with the commencement of the 119th Congress.
Over the years, he has received substantial campaign contributions from leading players in the sector, including major ISPs and wireless carriers. Critics argue that these financial ties may influence his policy decisions, but Thune maintains that his positions are rooted in a belief that less regulation fosters greater innovation.
Schumer is short on telecom worker accolades
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has supported the telecommunications sector, particularly in expanding broadband access and enhancing infrastructure in New York.
However, he has never publicly expressed support for telecom workers’ and tower technicians’ safety or acknowledged their role in building and maintaining America’s networks.
In June 2024, he addressed the Communications Workers of America via video, primarily to maintain continued support for President Biden’s reelection. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to pro-worker policies and that the BEAD program supported union workers.
Trump is impressed by tower techs, likely due to his construction background
President Trump shakes hands with tower technician John Dougherty, thanking him for his service to ensure that 5G can be built out through the dedication and talent of telecom professionals. The White House event held in April 2019 had NATE Chairman Jimmy Miller in attendance, at left, along with a delegation of NATE leaders, consisting of personnel ranging from tower technicians, foremen and company owners.
Trump has been an ardent supporter of tower technicians. In April 2019, He invited NATE’s Chairman, Jimmy Miller, and a contingent of industry representatives and tower techs to the White House, where he lauded the FCC’s efforts and the workers dedicated to rolling out 5G throughout America.
Trump is the most notable U.S. president with a background in construction. Many other presidents came from law, the military, or politics careers. Before entering politics, Trump was a prominent real estate developer and businessman, building skyscrapers and golf courses, amongst other projects.
When Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, introduced him at the 2016 Republican National Convention, she highlighted that his success in developing properties partly came from his deep-seated desire to receive worker feedback.
“Billionaire executives don’t usually ask the people doing the work for their opinions of the work,“ said Ivanka.
Ivanka said, “On every one of his projects, you’ll see him talking to the super, the painter, the engineers, the electricians. He’ll ask for their feedback if they think something should be done differently or could be done better.”
In 2016, Trump spent 30 minutes watching a tower crew install a frame mount on the rooftop of a 500-foot building in South Florida.