DC staffers, government agency representatives, and other industry stakeholders swapped computers for climbing gear, practicing inspections, tie-offs, and safe ascents under the guidance of NATE-member instructors.
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association and member companies SBA Communications, an independent provider of critical wireless infrastructure, and contractor firm Banner Enterprise LLC, recently hosted a unique cell tower climbing experience and legislative advocacy event at an SBA tower site in Ashburn, Virginia.
The event welcomed Capitol Hill staffers, government agency representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as leaders from the Wireless Infrastructure Association, telecom – centric think tank organizations and other industry stakeholders.
Attendees had the opportunity to be outfitted with proper fall protection gear and, under expert supervision from safety trainers and certified technicians, climb a live telecommunications tower -offering them a firsthand look at the complex and skilled work performed by the nation’s tower technicians and infrastructure teams.
Participants gained insight into the essential services provided daily by vertical real estate companies, contractors, and wireless broadband technicians who build, maintain, and upgrade communication sites nationwide.
In addition to the immersive climbing experience, the event served as an important platform to spotlight the industry’s top legislative and regulatory priorities, including:
- Access to Future Spectrum Pipeline
- Streamlining Permitting Processes and Mitigating Agency Delays
- Resolving Pole Attachment Issues Affecting Broadband Deployment
- Effective Utilization of BEAD Program Funding
- Workforce Development, Including Tower Tech Curriculum and Apprenticeships
- Worker Safety and Training Standards
“NATE representatives are frequently asked what it’s like to climb a tower during our meetings in Washington, D.C., so it was great to make this experience a reality for telecom-focused Hill staffers and the government agency personnel we collaborate with,” said Todd Schlekeway, NATE President & CEO.
“Additionally, today’s event helped move the needle on legislative and regulatory priorities critical to our industry. NATE would like to thank SBA Communications and Banner Enterprise LLC for partnering with us to make this climbing experience both memorable and impactful.”
“At SBA Communications, we recognize that the work performed on towers every day is not only essential to keeping people connected, but also requires a high level of skill, safety, and dedication. Hosting this event alongside NATE allowed us to provide policymakers and stakeholders with a firsthand look at the complex and critical work our teams and partners do to support the nation’s wireless infrastructure — work that demands not only precision and care, but the consistent quality and reliability that define SBA’s standards,” said Joshua M. Koenig, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of SBA Communications.
“We are proud to advocate for policies that empower innovation, streamline deployment, and strengthen the workforce behind our connected future.”
