The Senate confirmed former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) as Labor Secretary on Monday in a 67-32 bipartisan vote. Seventeen Democrats joined most Republicans in support, while Senators. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) opposed the confirmation. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was absent. When Chavez-DeRemer was nominated in November, OSHA, overtime, and unions were key issues awaiting …
As contractors are forced to quit, FCC Chief Carr tackles tower climb to showcase telecom workforce’s true grit
With over 42 years of experience erecting and maintaining tall towers, Precision Communications lead foreman Mike Berry has tackled plenty of unique and challenging projects—some unforgettable, while others blur together, fading into the background like just another day on the job. A planned two-week lighting system upgrade on WKRG News 5’s 1,865-foot structure in Spanish Fort, AL, seemed destined to …
Safety and success advocates honored: NATE UNITE 2025 celebrates a dedicated dozen
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association on Wednesday honored a distinguished group of leaders for their contributions to the organization and industry. The following honorees were presented their awards at the NATE UNITE 2025 Awards recognition luncheon sponsored by Boost Mobile in Raleigh, North Carolina: Bill Carlson Lifetime Service Award John Paul (JP) Jones (Safety LMS) John Paul (JP) Jones …
Drouin is reseated as NATE’s Chairman along with Vice-Chairman Scott; Young is elected as Secretary/Treasurer
NATE announced that Board of Directors members Victor Drouin, Randy Scott, and Mike Young were selected by their peers to serve on the Association’s Executive Committee for the upcoming year. The Association made the announcement on the first day of the NATE UNITE 2025 Conference and Trade Show in Raleigh, North Carolina. Victor Drouin, President of Green Mountain Communications, Inc. …
Biggs’ push to eliminate OSHA: A risky move for worker safety, especially in fall protection
Editor’s Note: Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs’ bill to abolish OSHA is a masterclass in legislative minimalism—so brief it could fit on the side of a thimble. While unlikely to pass, it has ironically backfired by highlighting just how essential a federal OSHA is, sparking renewed discussions on the importance of workplace safety regulations. Republican Arizona Congressman Rep. Andy Biggs reintroduced …
Contracting industry will collapse without reform in carrier practices, warns NATE CEO Schlekeway
Today, NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association released an open letter addressing critical challenges facing the wireless contracting industry. As the association celebrates its 30th anniversary, it simultaneously confronts one of its most turbulent eras. While benefiting from the tireless efforts of contractors and small businesses to build and maintain the nation’s communications infrastructure, the wireless industry, primarily directed by …
Engineers to provide a unified front with the launch of a consortium to accelerate and optimize network deployments
Telecom structural engineering firms Colliers Engineering & Design, Congruex, Kimley-Horn, and Paul J. Ford & Company today announced the launch of the Mobile Infrastructure Engineering Consortium (MIEC). This groundbreaking consortium is dedicated to advancing global wireless engineering standards and best practices. It will empower mobile network operators, tower companies, and digital infrastructure stakeholders to accelerate deployments, achieve cost efficiencies, and uphold stringent safety and compliance standards. …
Tower technician setbacks serve as a cautionary tale for BEAD fiber training exceeding $350 million and climbing
As the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program begins construction in Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada in Q2, significant concerns about workforce development initiatives funded through BEAD grants are emerging. A striking percentage of the $42.5 billion BEAD program is earmarked for broadband workforce training, totaling nearly $350 million today. Yet, the funding heavily favors fiber-optic training, leaving other broadband …
Industry leaders applaud Olivia Trusty’s FCC nomination, citing extensive policy experience
Republican Senate aide Olivia Trusty has been appointed commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), securing a Republican majority within the agency. Trusty is a professional staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Before that, she was policy director for the Senate Commerce Committee, where “she has fought tirelessly to grow the Economy, empower Innovation, and reignite the American …
Opinion: The tower contracting industry is on life support — and carriers must act now
COMMENTARY – The wireless infrastructure industry is in a state of emergency. For decades, tower contractors have been the backbone of the wireless network, building, upgrading, and maintaining the towers that connect the nation. But today, that backbone is buckling under the weight of unsustainable pricing, increasing compliance costs, and exploitative practices. Large and small contractors are bleeding out, and …
OSHA finalizes rule on properly fitting PPE for construction workers, but its future is uncertain
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized a rule requiring construction employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) that “properly fits” their employees. The rule will take effect on January 13, 2025, addressing long-standing concerns about PPE fit, particularly for smaller workers and women. However, its implementation faces uncertainty amid political opposition and an upcoming change in federal leadership. …
NATE announces results of 2025 Board of Directors election
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today unveiled the official results of the 2025 Board of Directors election. The Association announces that Jessica Cobb, CEO of MDTS in Ortonville, Michigan, and Bryan Lee, President of Lee Antenna & Line Service, Inc. in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, were re-elected and will retain their respective seats on the NATE Board of Directors. NATE also …
Fraudulent training certifications: A persistent issue in telecom safety
Fraudulent training certifications have long been a concern for contractors, fall protection specialists, and infrastructure trainers in the telecommunications industry. With advanced printing technology and the occasional Photoshop-savvy tower technician, fake credentials have become a recurring issue. In at least two climber fatalities, investigations revealed that certification cards found in the deceased workers’ wallets were not recognized as legitimate by …
OSHA, overtime, and unions: The key issues awaiting Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pick for Labor Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday his plans to nominate Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to head the Labor Department, a post that requires Senate confirmation. “Lori’s strong support from both the Business and Labor communities will ensure that the Labor Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our Agenda for unprecedented National Success – Making America Richer, Wealthier, Stronger, and …
New FCC Chairman-elect Carr’s vision and Senator Thune’s legislative backing will support tower crews
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 …
Team USA’s “Miracle on Ice” hockey legend Mike Eruzione to deliver keynote Address at NATE UNITE 2025
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced today that Mike Eruzione will deliver the keynote address at the NATE UNITE 2025 Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. NATE UNITE 2025 will celebrate the Association’s 30th Anniversary and is scheduled to take place February 17-20, 2025, at the Raleigh Convention Center. NATE UNITE is widely regarded as the premier and most comprehensive …
New Valmont Site Pro 1 heavy duty ring mounts ensure antennas stay on the tower
By Sharpe Smith, Contributing Editor Recently, more attention has been paid to the interaction between antenna mounts and towers to avoid failures. To ensure that today’s larger, heavier antenna mounts and antennas remain secured to a monopole, Valmont Site Pro 1 has redesigned the connection between the mount and the tower, known as a ring mount. At the NATE Emerging …
Safety-first approach by NATE, FCC and OSHA program participants ensures quality and reliability for industry clients
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association has announced the member companies who have been formally approved to participate in the STAR Initiative program and the NATE-OSHA-FCC Partnership program for the 2024-2025 year. NATE has proudly accepted 171 participating companies in this year’s STAR Initiative program and 129 participating companies in this year’s NATE-OSHA-FCC Partnership. The STAR Initiative will enter its 15th program …
NATE advocates for industry-specific adjustments to OSHA’s heat safety proposal
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it will accept public comments through Dec. 30, 2024, on its proposed rule issuing a heat injury and illness prevention standard for outdoor and indoor workplaces. According to NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, the rule would require employers to develop a heat injury and illness prevention plan and provide water, rest breaks, …
Better data, better quality: How drones are revolutionizing UScellular’s tower maintenance
By J. Sharpe Smith, Contributing Editor According to a speaker at a recent NATE conference, data provided by drones is helping carriers increase their quality control, and tower maintenance companies are getting a report card judging their work on the tower. “I’m a data person. I like to measure things, and we’ve had an amazing experience with drones,” said Brandi …
