NTIA Approves Another 18 BEAD Final Proposals as Funds Start Flowing

NTIA approved a fresh batch of 18 states' and territories' final BEAD proposals—among them Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas, Iowa, Connecticut, South Carolina, Virginia, Montana and Hawaii—pushing the program to 55 approved and 53 signed as of the Aug. 7 dashboard. Louisiana signed its award amendment and can now draw funds to begin construction. Each signed state moves BEAD from paperwork toward shovels, and with the 2025 restructuring leaving more room for fixed wireless alongside fiber, a meaningful share of that build runs through towers and backhaul—the leading edge of multi-year contractor demand.

FCC Advances Direct-to-Device Spectrum and USF Overhaul at August Meeting

At its Aug. 6 open meeting, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking exploring more than 200 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum for devices to communicate directly with satellites—dropping the 900 MHz band from the proposal—alongside a companion NPRM to modernize the nearly $9-billion-a-year Universal Service Fund with tighter oversight of USAC. Both proceedings shape the ground member companies build on: broader direct-to-device rules pull satellite and terrestrial networks closer together, while USF restructuring steers the federal dollars behind rural deployment. The comment windows are the next opening for industry input.

NATE STAR Initiative Enrollment Is Open—Deadline 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. 

NATE Encourages Members to Join OSHA Safe + Sound Week, Aug. 10–16

NATE is urging member companies to take part in OSHA's Safe + Sound Week, Aug. 10–16, a nationwide initiative recognizing employers with strong safety and health programs. A single activity counts—a stand-down, toolbox talk, rescue drill, heat-illness session or JHA workshop—whether crews are on towers, rooftops, fiber, small cells or in-building systems. Registering with OSHA earns official recognition and gives companies a visible way to reinforce safety culture with their carrier customers.

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