Colin Andrews, Senior Director of Government Affairs at TIA, and Patrick Lozada, Director of Global Policy at TIA, join our show to discuss how policy changes under the new administration will impact the telecommunications industry. Patrick sheds light on implications of tariffs on the telecommunications industry, and Colin discusses upcoming changes to BEAD funding and security regulations surrounding wireless equipment in light of the Salt Typhoon breach. Please note that this podcast was reco...
Jun 30, 2025•16 min
Brian Bicknese, Director of Safety & Education at NATE, joins our show to talk about NATE’s Continuous Fall Protection campaign. We also discuss the history and evolution of tower climbing safety guidance, and Brian addresses some misconceptions about tower climbing safety. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Jun 20, 2025•12 min
Mike Watson, VP and Deputy General Counsel at Extenet, joins our show to discuss the history of wireless small cell infrastructure in the US, lessons he has learned over the years when it comes to having successful relationships between all of the stakeholders, current challenges and an outlook for the future. To learn more visit tifonline.org
May 21, 2025•23 min
Tim House, COO of WIA, joins us to talk specifically on WIA’s various initiatives surrounding workforce development including their involvement in the Broadband Sector Partnerships and how their experience as an industry intermediary in Ohio has shaped their path moving forward. To learn more visit tifonline.org
May 05, 2025•27 min
Sarah Channon, WIA’s Director of Meetings & Events, joins us to provide us an overview of the upcoming ConnectX show in Chicago and what attendees have to look forward to. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Apr 21, 2025•8 min
In this episode we hear directly from the Competitive Carrier Association’s President & CEO, Tim Donovan, on an overview of their organization, the unique role that they fill in our industry, and the important role they serve in our society. We also learn about the top 3 priorities of CCA as they head into their upcoming Mobile Carriers Show in Denver. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Mar 31, 2025•12 min
Authors of the TIF White Paper: “Bird Nests on Towers: Reaching Coexistence”, Scott Kisting of Congruex and Richard Hickey, Director of Regulatory Compliance at Vertical Bridge, join our podcast to talk about their unique experience that led to the creation of this white paper. They also provide several examples on how to practically apply the best practices discussed in the white paper and share the ultimate benefits to the field crews and tower owners if this guidance is followed. To learn mor...
Feb 26, 2025•23 min
Todd Schlekeway, President and CEO of NATE, joins us to discuss the organization’s major accomplishments in 2024 and what he takes the most pride in. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at NATE's structure and highlight some of the key individuals who contribute to its success. Additionally, Todd provides insights into what to expect in 2025, including the upcoming NATE Unite show in February To learn more visit tifonline.org
Feb 04, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 1
As Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr reflect on the highlights of 2024 in their lives and the telecommunications industry, they also share insights into what to anticipate in 2025 for both the industry and our podcast, Telecommunications Industry Therapy. Stay tuned for exciting developments ahead! To learn more visit tifonline.org
Dec 18, 2024•17 min
Sam McGuire, the CEO of Fieldsync joins our podcast to discuss the current state of drones in the telecommunications industry today. He also provides insight into the history of how drones have been used in this space, what has been learned, and current use cases. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Dec 04, 2024•14 min
In the revised version of ANSI/ASSP A10.48 that was released in 2023, one of the notable changes was the institution of construction plans replacing what was formerly referred to as “rigging plans”. What were the reasons behind this change, and how does a contractor navigate the various classes of construction plans and what is required? In this podcast, we are joined by Dale Shumaker and Brian Bicknese, to answer these questions and discuss common misconceptions they have seen regarding constru...
Nov 12, 2024•27 min
Marty Zimmerman, North America CTO for Outdoor Wireless Networks at Commscope, provides an overview of passive intermodulation and its impacts in the telecommunications wireless industry. During this session, Marty also describes current installation challenges and things that exacerbate PIM issues, while at the same time providing some valuable guidance on common solutions and best practices that can be used to mitigate PIM. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Nov 04, 2024•27 min
Hot topic buzzing through the telecommunication industry , Open Radio Access Network / Open RAN with Paul Challoner VP of Network Products at Ericsson. On the cusp of the wireless revolution, learn the driving benefits the industry can look forward to with Open RAN. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Oct 22, 2024•18 min
Chris Carpenter, Field Director for SPX Aids to Navigation joins us to discuss a TIF White Paper published earlier this year that he co- authored on US Regulatory Compliance and Air Navigation Safety which focuses on understanding and implementing the many rules and procedures concerning air navigation safety as it relates to Antenna Structures is a multifarious endeavor. https://tifonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/US-Regulatory-Compliance-and-Air-Navigation-Safety-Final-Draft-Ed.1.2-2023.0...
Oct 14, 2024•21 min
Randy Removchik, Quality Assurance Engineer from Crown Castle discusses recent updates to the Grounding section of ANSI/TIA-222-I. Randy provides us with information regarding what tower grounding is and is not intended to accomplish on a tower site. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Sep 30, 2024•18 min
What is the Telecommunications Industry Association, TIA all about? Dave Stehlin, CEO of TIA, joins our show to talk about who TIA is as an organization and current initiatives they are focused on. He also discusses the upcoming Broadband Nation Expo in Washington, DC. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Sep 24, 2024•19 min
Justin Kline, Author of the TIF White Paper "Stability and Performance Criteria for Foundations", joins the show to talk about performance-based design, how it has historically been used and how it can be applied to telecommunication tower foundations in certain situations for the benefit of many stakeholders. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Aug 28, 2024•25 min
What does the term 'reliability' mean as it relates to Telecommunications infrastructure, how does the reliability of telecommunications structures differ from common building structures, and why is it important that the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) understand this? Chris Ply, Author of the TIF White Paper "Reliability of Telecommunications Structures", joins our show to talk about all of this and more! To learn more visit tifonline.org
Aug 12, 2024•30 min
Jim Hayes, President of The Fiber Optic Association joins to provide clarification on what fiber optic networks are, who builds them, and what the FOA is doing to help train and grow the workforce. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Jul 10, 2024•48 min
John Wahba, PhD gives insight into what fatigue is, the various types of fatigue that exist in different communications structures, and what impacts will come with ANSI/TIA-222-I. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Jul 01, 2024•22 min
Carl Macchietto, Vice President of Product and Management at Valmont Industries discusses the recent updates to TIA-222-I Fatigue and the considerations implemented when designing telecommunication structures for fatigue. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Jun 04, 2024•29 min
Bryan MacLaren and Gary Lucas, Co-Chairs of TR-14's Ad Hoc Group for Rooftop Mounts, discuss recent updates to the Standard, their own history with TR-14, and what led them to take on their roles. The duo provides a brief update on the White Paper, what they are currently working on, and how you can get involved. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Jun 03, 2024•23 min
Karmen Rajamani, Vice President of Government Affairs with WIA, joins our show to discuss hot topics that the WIA is currently focusing on and how WIA acts as a lobbyist to benefit our industry. She sheds light on common regulatory challenges we are still facing as an industry, and what we can all do to help ourselves. As one of the newest TIF Board Members, Karmen also discusses how this role will help uplift her work at WIA and how the two organizations will be working together. To learn more ...
May 09, 2024•27 min
Tim House, Executive Vice President and COO of WIA, joins our show to provide an overview of WIA as an organization and also provides insight into recent regulation efforts. He also provides his thoughts on the diversification of wireless infrastructure, how the workforce is adapting, and how WIA is supporting workforce development. Also, don't miss Tim's sneak peak of the ConnectX show! To learn more visit tifonline.org
May 08, 2024•39 min
James Ruedlinger, Chair of TIA’s Committee for ANSI/TIA-322 & ANSI/ASSP A 10.48, joins our show to provide us a history of these standards and how they evolved from TIA-1019. He also discusses the recent updates to these standards, why the changes were made, and how the standards ultimately work together and should be utilized by those practicing construction in the telecommunications industry. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Apr 15, 2024•14 min
James Ruedlinger, Chair of TIA’s Committee for ANSI/TIA-322 & ANSI/ASSP A 10.48, joins our show to provide us a history of these standards and how they evolved from TIA-1019. He also discusses the recent updates to these standards, why the changes were made, and how the standards ultimately work together and should be utilized by those practicing construction in the telecommunications industry. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Apr 12, 2024•25 min
As part of our series covering ANSI/TIA-222-I, we are joined by Esha Modi, Co-Chair of TR-14’s Ad Hoc Group for Existing Structures to discuss some of the more significant changes to Sections 15, Annex J, and Annex O of the standard. Listen to find out what prompted these changes, why they were made, and how they will impact our industry as it relates to the telecommunications infrastructure. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Mar 26, 2024•15 min
As part of our series covering ANSI/TIA-222-I, we are joined by Mike Oglesby and Mital Chavda, to discuss some of the more significant changes to Section 16 and Annex O, including an in-depth discussion of the added mount to tower interaction equations and installation inspection requirements. Listen to find out what prompted these changes, why they were made, and how they will impact our industry as it relates to the telecommunications infrastructure. To learn more visit tifonline.org...
Mar 19, 2024•25 min
As part of our series covering ANSI/TIA-222-I, we are joined by Aaron Poot, Co-Chair of TR-14’s Ad Hoc Group for Loads to discuss some of the more significant changes to the Loads section of the standard. Listen to find out more about the nuances of these changes, why they were made, and how they will impact our industry as it relates to the telecommunications infrastructure To learn more visit tifonline.org
Feb 27, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 3
This podcast is the first in a series we will be covering on ANSI/TIA-222-I. In this special episode, we are joined by the Chair of TR-14, Bryan Lanier, who takes us through a history of his involvement with TR-14, and gives us a behind the scenes look at the publishing of ANSI/TIA-222-I. He also provides valuable leadership tips based on lessons he has learned in this role over the years. To learn more visit tifonline.org
Feb 23, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 2
