May 6, 2022

NATE Participates in Small Business Administration Advocacy Roundtable with U.S. Department of Labor

NATE Board Member and Wireless Industry Network Delaware Liaison Kevin Dougherty represented the Association’s members at a recent Small Business Administration advocacy meeting with the U.S. Department of Labor. During the virtual roundtable meeting, Kevin highlighted the challenges contractors will face if DOL moves forward with new Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rules. 

NATE is encouraging our member companies to provide feedback on the impact of DOL’s Proposed Rule on the Davis Bacon Act by a deadline of May 17, 2022. To provide public comments to DOL, visit the following link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/18/2022-05346/updating-the-davis-bacon-and-related-acts-regulations. 

Sen. Lujan, Sen. Thune and Reps. Doyle and Latta Introduce Bicameral, Bi-Partisan Spectrum Innovation Act

Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and John Thune (R-SD) and U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Bob Latta (R-OH) recently introduced the bi-partisan Spectrum Innovation Act. The legislation would ensure mid-band spectrum is made available for wireless broadband use for the public, which means faster speeds and more responsive networks for consumers. In addition to allowing up to 200 megahertz of spectrum to be auctioned for mobile broadband, this bill would help usher in new, innovative, and flexible spectrum uses.

“Access to additional commercial spectrum equates to more deployment opportunities for NATE member contractor firms and technicians who serve the vital purpose of transforming these valuable airwaves into connectivity,” said President & CEO Todd Schlekeway. “NATE endorses the Spectrum Innovation Act and encourages the U.S. Senate and U.S House to pass the legislation to continue to position the United States as a global leader in 5G”.

To read the Spectrum Innovation Act, visit HERE.

U.S. Senate HELP Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety Hosts Hearing

On Tuesday, May 3, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety hosted a “Connecting Workers and Communities: Preparing and Supporting the Broadband Workforce” Hearing.

The hearing covered several workforce development and safety topics of importance to NATE member companies. To view a replay of the hearing, visit the following website link: https://www.help.senate.gov/hearings/connecting-workers-and-communities-preparing-and-supporting-the-broadband-workforce. 

NATE Participates in OSHA Virtual Public Stakeholder Meeting on Protecting Workers from Heat-Related Hazards

Ken Hill, Sr Manager of Safety for Crown Castle USA, represented NATE this week at the May 3 OHSA Virtual Public Stakeholder meeting on Protecting Workers from Heat-Related Hazards.

During his remarks, Hill articulated the industry’s concern with OSHA’s proposed “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings” rule. To read the full transcript of Ken Hill’s remarks, visit HERE.

To ensure OSHA hears from companies in the communications infrastructure industry, NATE members are encouraged to submit public comments on the proposed rule. Comments can be sent to www.regulations.gov (search Docket number OSHA-2022-0006).

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for May Open Meeting

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced the items tentatively on the agenda for the May Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 19, 2022. For more information on the FCC May Open Meeting agenda items, visit HERE.

ICYMI – FirstNet Authority Announces Departure of CEO Ed Parkinson

FirstNet CEO Ed Parkinson, a good friend to NATE, recently left the organization to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. NATE wishes Mr. Parkinson well in his new role and thanks him for his service to FirstNet.

To read the official FirstNet press release, visit the following link: https://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/press-releases/firstnet-authority-announces-departure-ceo-parkinson.