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 …
Is American Tower CEO Steven Vondran eyeing Ameren’s towers as its newly minted board member?
Steven O. Vondran, CEO of American Tower Corporation—one of the world’s largest owners of communications infrastructure—has accepted a director position on Ameren Corp’s board, effective January 1, 2025. While Ameren praised Vondran’s leadership and expertise in real estate, a closer look raises intriguing questions. Could Vondran’s interest in Ameren be tied to the company’s portfolio of communications towers—assets currently marketed …
The death of tower contracting from an insider: How industry practices are driving contractors to the brink
To the Editor: Is the industry of contractors who build towers and upgrade and maintain wireless networks dying? In the opinion of this contractor and others we have spoken with, the answer is yes, and unless something changes very shortly, the support infrastructure for all wireless carriers, tower owners, and smaller operators will not have the support it needs as …
Bye-bye, Beijing: Congress boots Huawei and ZTE with full rip and replace funding
The U.S. Senate passed the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today, including a crucial $3.08 billion funding provision to fully support the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rip and Replace program. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, marking a significant milestone in securing the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure from potential threats posed by Chinese equipment. The …
Key telecom figures Meredith Attwell Baker and Alan Davidson set to leave their posts in 2025
In a significant shakeup for U.S. telecommunications policy and advocacy, Meredith Attwell Baker, President and CEO of CTIA, and Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), have both announced their departures, effective 2025. The exit of these two prominent leaders marks a transformative moment for the industry as it faces …
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 …
The elephant in the FCC: Carr signals end of DEI era but is tactfully advised to recharter the CEDC
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Brendan Carr, the senior Republican commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to serve as the agency’s chairman in his forthcoming administration. Carr, who has been an FCC Commissioner since 2017, said the agency will end its promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) next year. Last month, he criticized the FCC’s budget for 2025, …
Engineering director dodges felony conviction in Wyoming Public Radio transmitter sabotages
Paul Montoya, former Laramie City Council candidate and longtime figure in Wyoming’s broadcasting industry, avoided a felony conviction after reaching a plea agreement involving alleged tampering with Wyoming Public Radio’s (WPR) transmitters. The case, which stemmed from incidents in late 2022, became a focal point of political and professional controversy during Montoya’s campaign for a Ward 1 City Council seat. …
SpaceX and T-Mobile get green light to launch direct-to-phone connectivity, but held back on power boost
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX to use its Starlink broadband satellites to provide direct-to-phone service for T-Mobile customers. This marks the first collaboration between a satellite operator and a wireless carrier to receive FCC approval for supplemental cell coverage from space. “The Commission recognized that satellite-to-device connectivity can support critical public interest benefits, including ubiquitous connectivity, access …
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 …
BEAD program: $250M in admin, a goose egg in construction—Senator Cruz wants answers after 1,107 days
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee and its incoming chairman, has issued a stern warning to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding what he deems “unlawful” activities in administering the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Cruz announced plans to review and potentially revamp the program when the GOP …
DOJ wants the FCC to hit the pause button on the T-Mobile’s UScellular acquisition
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested a pause on the proposed acquisition of UScellular by T-Mobile, pending a national security review. In a filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dated November 19, 2024, the DOJ expressed concerns over potential foreign participation risks associated with the transaction. T-Mobile, led by CEO Mike Sievert, announced its intention to acquire …
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announces her departure set for January 2025
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced today her intention to step down from the agency on January 20, 2025, following a transformative tenure that began in 2012. As the first woman to lead the FCC, Rosenworcel leaves a significant legacy, including initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access, safeguarding national security, and overseeing the burgeoning space communications sector. “Serving …
Criminal acts, critical damage: The high stakes of communications infrastructure sabotage
In an increasingly connected world, the U.S. communications infrastructure serves as the backbone of national security, economic stability, and daily life. Yet, this critical network faces escalating threats from theft and vandalism, jeopardizing essential services and public safety. To combat it, four industry associations have released a white paper entitled: Protecting the Nation’s Critical Communications Infrastructure from Theft & Vandalism. …
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 …
A life saved, bonds strengthened: Justin Jacobs’ quick roadside actions earn Sky High Heroes award
It’s not every day that the chance to save a life presents itself. But when it does, will you have the courage, knowledge, and commitment to act and make a difference? Justin Jacobs no longer wonders about that answer. On July 18, 2024, in Nashville, TN, he dramatically saved the life of a valued teammate and close friend employed by wireless …
Wireless Estimator unveils new Top 100 Tower Companies in the U.S. list with enhanced industry filters
To accurately count the top 100 U.S. companies owning ten or more towers, Wireless Estimator has adopted the 1980s Russian proverb popularized by President Ronald Reagan: “Trust, but verify.” Because the FCC’s database and subscription-based FCC programs don’t allow users to compile lists of companies with multiple tower sites, Wireless Estimator dedicates significant time each month to ensuring that its …
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 …
