FCC Adopts Annual Broadband Report, Citing Faster Speeds and Falling Prices

The FCC voted Aug. 14 to adopt its annual Section 706 report, concluding that advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. The report credits intensifying competition, citing a 51% jump in wireless download speeds in 2025, fixed-wireless download and upload speeds up 25.1% and 36.9% since late 2024, and rural gains of roughly 29–40%, alongside falling prices. Chairman Carr said "speeds are up, prices are down, competition is stronger" and pledged policies to "further accelerate high-speed builds." The deployment pace behind those numbers runs on the towers, small cells and fixed-wireless sites member companies build and upgrade.

NATE STAR Initiative Enrollment Closes Aug. 31

Enrollment is open for the 2026–2027 NATE STAR (Safety, Training, Accountability and Reliability) Initiative, and every company—returning or first-time—must submit an application by Aug. 31 to earn or keep its recognition. The program is NATE's framework for documenting a company's commitment to safety, training and accountability across tower construction, service and maintenance. Renewing before the deadline keeps a company's STAR standing current through the back half of the construction season, when carriers and turf vendors weigh safety credentials most heavily. 

Women's Leadership Summit—Sept. 17, Indianapolis

NATE's 6th Annual Women's Leadership Summit runs Thursday, Sept. 17, with leadership, networking and career-development programming—a development touchpoint for member companies working to retain talent amid a widening workforce gap.

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