NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced today that famed actor/comedian/writer/producer/director Rob Riggle will deliver the keynote address at the NATE UNITE 2021 Conference in Memphis, Tennessee. NATE UNITE 2021 will take place February 15-18, 2021 at the Memphis Renasant Convention Center. NATE UNITE is widely regarded as the premier and most comprehensive education event in the communications infrastructure industry. …
FCC’s launch of a $9 billion fund will benefit broadband poor rural areas and contractors
The FCC voted unanimously today to establish a fund for up to $9 billion in federal support for rural 5G buildouts and precision agriculture, but Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks each registered their concerns over progress on new wireless coverage maps. The Report and Order adopted sets up the 5G Fund for Rural America that includes up to $8 …
NATE’s record 185 STAR Initiative participants take advantage of following the gold standard for safety
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced the member companies, listed below, who have been formally approved to participate in the STAR Initiative program for the 2020-2021 year. NATE has proudly accepted 185 participating companies in this year’s STAR Initiative which represents a record number of companies since the inception of the program. The STAR Initiative will be entering its …
NATE says it is a big go for its February show in Memphis as WIA moves its event to August
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) announced this week that it is moving the dates for its Connect (X) 2021 show in Boston from May 25-28 to August 3-6 as a “precautionary measure” during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the NATE UNITE 2021 conference scheduled for February 15–18 in Memphis, Tennessee opened for registration today, the Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced this …
Make a difference while you shop — Support the Tower Family Foundation through AmazonSmile
Anytime you place an order on Amazon.com you have an opportunity to raise money for the Tower Family Foundation through the AmazonSmile program. AmazonSmile allows you to make a difference while you shop! A portion of any eligible purchases will go to your chosen charity each time you shop. This program is free to participate in and does not change …
NATE’s DoL training grant will assist in developing 5G small cell deployment training
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA to receive a $160,000 Susan Harwood Targeted Topic Training Grant for the 2020-2021 program year. The Susan Harwood Training Grant Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations on a competitive basis. Awards are issued annually based on Congressional appropriation. The …
NATE video highlights new wireless infrastructure technician program at Southeast Technical College
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today unveiled a video shining a spotlight on the new Wireless Infrastructure Technician Program at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The video’s release is timely as community college and technical institute students across the United States head back to school for the fall 2020 semester. The video features testimonial interviews with …
NATE welcomes Sara Goddard as marketing coordinator
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today announced the addition of Sara Goddard to the position of NATE Marketing Coordinator. Sara joins NATE with diverse skill sets that encompass years of experience in the non-profit and creative service arenas. Sara’s responsibilities with the Association will include oversight over social media, digital marketing and print media platforms; coordinating legislative and regulatory …
Coalition of industry organizations advocate for wireless workforce development
A diverse coalition of influential communications industry organizations, whose members depend on a properly trained and highly skilled workforce, sent a letter to key congressional leaders in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives requesting support for industry-specific workforce development programs through stand-alone legislation or as part of a larger telecom/broadband infrastructure package. The coalition sent the letter to …
NATE’s survey initiates conversations to fix troubling compliance company concerns
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today unveiled the results of the Association’s 3rd Party Compliance Company Experience Survey. NATE conducted the survey in May of 2020 in order to assist the Association in identifying many of the onboarding “pain points” and assess the impact these practices have on member contractor firms. Over the course of the month, 205 NATE …
Complī takes on industry giant Avetta to provide a risk management compliance alternative
World-wide vendor management leader Avetta which appears to have the oil and gas and other industries locked up now has a formidable competitor in wireless, Complī, a platform available from ABIS Solutions, a leading technology firm that has made inroads with NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association and the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA). Introducing the company’s qualification and compliance software …
Video challenges industry to look at suspension trauma response from a new perspective
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today released a video on the topic of suspension trauma. The video is the third to debut in Volume 5 of the Association’s popular #ClimberConnection series. The video includes important information that all tower technicians, trainers and first responder personnel need to know regarding how to respond effectively to a suspension trauma situation at …
NATE launches workforce sourcing Veteran Partnership Program
The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced today the official launch of the Military of NATE Workforce Sourcing Veteran Partnership Program. The program was created by the recently established Military of NATE Ad-Hoc Committee as a new benefit to the Association’s member companies and seeks to provide employment opportunities to veterans to continue to address the immediate and long-term hiring needs …
Free wireless rooftop deployment training course in Atlanta set for August 3
NATE is offering a free Wireless Rooftop Deployment Training Course on Monday, August 3, 2020 at the Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia to all industry professionals, announced NATE project coordinator Kimberly Elliott. The course is made possible due to a Susan Harwood Training Grant (SH-05134-SH9) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. Applicants do not have to be …
NATE unveils framework outlining workforce strategic plan initiative
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today unveiled a framework document outlining the key components of the organization’s workforce strategic plan initiative. The initiative is spearheaded by NATE’s workforce development consultant Gemma Frock, PhD. The Association’s workforce mission statement is to promote and expand telecommunications workforce development capabilities by facilitating collaborations and partnerships between NATE members, community agencies, and educational and …
NATE reaches a record high membership of 1,000 companies
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced today that it has established a new all-time record for member companies, reaching the 1,000 member mark for the first time in the organization’s 25-year history. Oddville Communications, Inc., a Cynthiana, Kentucky-based company, has the special distinction of becoming the 1,000th NATE member company. “Reaching the 1,000 member mark is incredibly gratifying and …
Wireless workers asked to be vigilant Saturday due to possible attacks against infrastructure
Some activist groups have declared Saturday, June 6, 2020 as Global 5G Protest Day, resulting in associations and carriers as well as contractors warning the industry to be extra vigilant to ensure worker safety and protect the nation’s infrastructure. One key contractor is warning the industry to not take the situation “lightly”. Ericsson, in an “abundance of caution” to ensure the …
FCC Commissioner Carr announces order to upgrade wireless infrastructure, reduce bottlenecks
Yesterday at the Wireless Infrastructure Association’s (WIA) free, virtual conference, Connect (X): All Access, Federal Communications Commissioner (FCC) Brendan Carr announced the FCC’s plans to clarify its rules to promote network upgrades on existing towers and other wireless sites. His comments are available here. The ruling will address state and local approval of wireless equipment modifications and clarify the definition of “substantial change”. …
NATE sets aside May 6 for the nation to appreciate and thank tower technicians
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association unveiled a commemoration declaring Wednesday, May 6, 2020 as Tower Technician Appreciation Day. For the fourth consecutive year, a day has been set aside by NATE in order to pay tribute to the important work that communications infrastructure technicians conduct on a daily basis to enable a mobile society. “NATE is excited to declare Wednesday, …
NATE releases wire rope safety climb document, announces Jeremy Buckles as SEMC’s Chairman
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today released the Safety Equipment Manufacturers Committee (SEMC) Guide for Wire Rope Safety Climbs on Antenna Supporting Structures – 2020 consensus document. This 15-page, manufacturer consensus document is intended to address use of a wire rope safety climb/system in the telecommunications industry. This resource is only intended to apply to structures that are …
