As Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr reflect on the highlights of 2025 in their lives and the telecommunications industry, they also share insights into what to anticipate in 2026 for both the industry and our podcast, Telecommunications Industry Therapy. Stay tuned for exciting developments ahead! To learn more visit tifonline.org

In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Pontes, Director of Operations & Safety Trainer at JHC Construction, to explore the critical role of structural steel in wireless infrastructure. Dylan shares insights on the technical challenges, safety demands, and craftsmanship behind building the backbone of connectivity — along with a look at what truly defines a tower technician’s work. To learn more visit tifonline.org

In this episode, Victoria Weidenthaler, President of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF), gives us an inside look at how the organization supports, uplifts, and advocates for women in telecommunications. From mentorship to leadership development, Victoria explains how WWLF is creating pathways for growth and driving positive change across the wireless industry. To learn more visit tifonline.org

In this episode of Telecommunications Industry Therapy, we’re joined by Iain Gillot, VP of Innovation & Technology at WIA, for a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of in-building wireless networks. Iain breaks down where these systems deliver the greatest value today, how demand is expected to surge over the next five years, and the ROI organizations can expect when investing in improved coverage and capacity. We also explore the growing role of automation—how it supports networ...

Mitch Bennett, Vice President of Operations at Ontivity's CMS Division shares a contractor’s perspective on the most challenging aspects tower crews face when encountering bird nests on towers. He offers practical recommendations for preparing crews for success and emphasizes key lessons learned while highlighting how TIF’s recently published white paper, Bird Nests on Towers: Reaching Coexistence” will give his crews additional useful information. To learn more visit tifonline.org

Jennifer Fritzche, Managing Director of Greenhill Mizuho Digital Infrastructure Practice, joins our podcast to provide an outlook on current carrier spending trends and how that may be impacted by the new administration. Jennifer also provides her predictions on how carriers may pivot to optimize their investment of 5G deployment. Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast does not constitute research or recommendation from any Mizuho entity to the listener. Neither Miz...

Iain Gillot, a Senior Technical & Research Advisor with WIA and author of the WIA White Paper, The Fixed Wireless Network Opportunity, joins our show to discuss Fixed Wireless Networks. In this episode Iain addresses what factors have contributed to the growth of the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market, key limitations and advantages of these networks, and potential untapped opportunities. To learn more visit tifonline.org

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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 cons...

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

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