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November 19, 2021
Ohio Launches 3 Tower Technician Training Programs – Adopts NATE Curriculum
Ohio Lt. Governor John Husted and NATE announced the launch of three tower technician training (TTT) programs across the Buckeye State. In partnership with NATE and NATE members across Ohio, three schools will be adopting NATE’s industry-endorsed TTT program that will provide for safe and productive tower techs who meet the high standards of NATE member companies.
Thank you to NATE WIN Ohio Liaison Nicole Paulette for representing NATE members, and NATE Workforce Development Consultant Dr. Gemma Frock for speaking on behalf of NATE’s 1,000+ member companies.
You can view the video announcement on Lt. Governor Husted’s Facebook page.
Read NATE’s press release.
Infrastructure Bill Signed into Law - $65 Billion for Broadband Included
After months of negotiations in the House of Representatives, the House finally took action and passed this priority legislation that includes $65 billion for broadband - including $42 billion for broadband infrastructure. President Biden signed the bill into law on November 15.
NATE is pleased that several of NATE’s legislative priorities were included as amendments in this legislation. These initiatives will help provide for a skilled communications workforce and ensure transparency and accountability of federally funded broadband projects.
Senator Thune’s Telecommunications Skilled Workforce provision will help our industry meet the enormous demands for broadband and closing the digital divide resulting from this important legislation. And Senator Fischer’s amendment, which will require the FCC to provide maps of federally funded broadband projects, will ensure there is transparency and accountability as Congress appropriates billions in funding for broadband infrastructure.
Broadband Included in Infrastructure, What’s the Next Step?
While Congress appropriated $65 billion for broadband, the funding will ultimately be distributed by state governments. It will take several months before the broadband funding is distributed from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to state governments, and additional time for state governments to disperse the funding.
Even before the Senate passed the infrastructure bill in August, NATE was advocating for governors and state legislators to invest in critical tower technician training and education programs.
NATE has developed curriculum that can be implemented in technical institutes and community colleges, providing the opportunity to build high caliber training programs that graduate safe and productive technicians who meet the standards and expectations of telecommunications companies.
Read NATE’s letter to the National Governors Association and National Conference of State Legislatures.
NATE Board Members and Leaders Lobby Members of Congress
NATE hosted several Board Members and other industry leaders in Washington, D.C. to visit with their congressional offices. Attendees spoke to congressional offices about supply chain issues, workforce challenges, drone issues, and preparing for 6G networks.
You can read more about NATE’s lobby day in Inside Towers and Wireless Estimator.
Thank you to Jimmy Miller, MILLERCO, Gulfport, MS; Jessica and Dean Cobb, MDTS, Ortonville, MI; Jim Tracy, Legacy Telecommunications, LLC, Seattle, WA; and Jon Eastman and Mike Fowler, VIKOR, Sioux Falls, SD for your time, energy, and expertise in Washington, D.C.
Senate Holds Hearing on FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s Confirmation
On November 17, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel was serving as Acting Chairwoman but President Biden designated her as Chairwoman. However, she must be confirmed by the Senate for another term on the FCC to continue to serve, and NATE is supporting her confirmation.
Visit https://www.commerce.senate.gov/ to watch Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee. Read NATE’s statement on her nomination and letter of endorsement.
Vaccine Mandate Held Up in Court
More than two dozen lawsuits challenging President Biden’s workplace vaccine mandate were consolidated into one lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The vaccine mandate has been on hold due to actions in federal courts, with some federal judges raising serious constitutional concerns.
Read more about the legal challenges and the court process here.
NATE has raised concerns with the vaccine mandate and will continue to monitor the issue and advocate NATE members.
NATE UAS Committee Talks DIIG Act
The NATE UAS Committee hosted Logan de La Barre-Hays, Legislative Assistant, Office of Congressman Garret Graves, to talk about the DIIG Act. This legislation will provide grants for drone inspections of critical infrastructure and drone training programs.
NATE has endorsed the DIIG Act which was cosponsored by Congressman Garret Graves (R-LA) and Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ). You can read more about the DIIG Act in the previous Government Relations Update.
