Telecommunications Industry Therapy

In this episode, we sit down with Lemmy Recinos , Senior Structural Engineer at KPFF Consulting Engineers to discuss one of the industry’s most important evolving topics — Mount to Tower Interaction (MTI). As one of the primary authors of the PAN titled “The Last Piece of the Structural Analysis Puzzle – Mount to Tower Interactions,” Lenny shares insight into what MTI checks are, why they have become critical with the growth of LTE and 5G deployments, and how ANSI/TIA-222 addresses these requirements. The conversation also explores what is — and is not — included within the scope of MTI evaluations, along with the practical challenges engineers face implementing these analyses in the field.To learn more visit tifonline.org 

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Vance, Founder of Vance Engineering, and Lynn Burnett,  Microwave Systems Engineer, to explore their recently co-authored Planning Advisory Notice (PAN): Microwave Backhaul Site Selection. https://tifonline.org/contentresources/microwave-backhaul-site-selection/This discussion breaks down how microwave radio systems offer a practical, cost-effective solution for wireless backhaul—especially in rural and underserved regions. Scott and Lynn walk through the full picture, from technical design considerations to real-world deployment challenges.Key topics include: • Strategic site selection and terrain analysis • Frequency coordination and spectrum considerations • Navigating regulatory requirements • Overcoming natural and manmade obstructions • Expanding connectivity across vast, hard-to-reach areasTo learn more visit tifonline.org 

In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Schlekeway , President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, to reflect on 2025, a  milestone year for the organization as it celebrated 30 years of advancing the telecommunications infrastructure industry.Todd shares highlights from NATE’s 2025 accomplishments, including strategic partnerships with OSHA and the FTC that align around shared goals for safety, compliance, and workforce protection. We also discuss NATE’s growing collaboration with the Telecommunications Industry Foundation (TIF)—including the launch of the “For the Good of the Industry” campaign, resource sharing initiatives, a new collar mount safety video, and the joint release of a white paper on Direct Buried Steel Corrosion & Guy Anchors.The conversation also looks ahead to NATE UNITE, taking place February 23 in Las Vegas, and the exciting expansion of hands-on tower activities, competitions, and new experiences at this year’s event.A must-listen conversation on collaboration, safety, and what’s next for the telecom infrastructure industry.To learn more visit tifonline.org 

James Ruedlinger VP of Engineering at Fullwave Tower & Broadcast joins us for an in-depth conversation on the realities of working in wireless infrastructure and broadcast construction.James shares firsthand experience on the full scope of broadcast construction—from pre-site planning and safety preparation to managing known challenges on-site and handling critical construction information in real time. We also dive into the physical and mental demands of tower work, the biggest misconceptions about the industry, and what stakeholders can do to better support construction crews and tower technicians.To learn more visit tifonline.org 

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 network optimization, enhances reliability, and drives smarter deployment strategies. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

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. See White Paper Here: https://tifonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TIF-Avian-WP_FINAL_12.19.2024.pdfTo 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 Mizuho nor any of its affiliates make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or the completeness of the statements or any of the information contained in this podcast, and any liability therefor, including in respect of direct or indirect or consequential losses or damage, is expressly disclaimed.The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Greenhill or Mizuho, and Mizuho and its affiliates are not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting, or tax advice, or recommendations in this podcast. In addition, the receipt of the podcast by any listener is not to be taken as the giving of investment advice by Mizuho and its affiliates, nor to constitute that person a client of any Mizuho entity.To learn more visit tifonline.org 

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 was recorded prior to NTIA releasing a new policy notice restructuring the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program on June 6, 2025.To learn more visit tifonline.org 

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 learn more visit tifonline.org 

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 FebruaryTo 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 construction plans. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

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 

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.1.2-2023.06.30.pdfTo learn more visit tifonline.org 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

 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 

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 

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 

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 visit tifonline.org 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

Todd Schlekeway, President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, provides us an overview of the organization, the key pillars that guide them, and how NATE’s recent rebranding has enabled them to achieve their mission. Todd also provides insight into the key challenges contractors are currently facing and what NATE is doing to help those individuals and their companies. Lastly, Todd gives us a sneak peak at what we can expect at the upcoming NATE Unite show in Memphis. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

Join Michelle Kang, PE and Scott Stekr, P.E. as they recap the TIF highlights from 2023. From collaborative webinars to educational white papers and videos; TIF has and will continue to focus on providing timely support and education to the public, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders through the promotion of quality, safety, efficiency, and workforce development. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

Mitch Bennett, VP of Operations at CMS Wireless, joins us in this episode to discuss several lessons he and his crews have gained in completing a large number of Post-Modification and Post-Installation Inspections on Mounts and how it has ultimately allowed them to adjust their approach holistically to support a successful installation. Mitch talks about installation issues that have occurred traditionally without a PMI program in place, and how having the End Users require PMIs and supporting a direct communication path to the EOR has allowed for a symbiotic relationship to ensure a successful install the first time and result in a reduction of return trips to the site. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

In the final installment of our series on TIA-5053-A, Chris Jeffrey, a Project Manager with Enertech Resources joins the show to discuss how TIA-5053-A has made his life easier as a contractor, Both from the higher level of documentation that they receive from the manufacturer to the more defined roles and responsibilities which uplifts a path for communication. He also discusses how the standard improves their ability to prevent overloading mounts and making sure they are installed correctly to maintain the rating and how ultimately they can utilize the standard for a successful installation. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

Continuing our series on TIA-5053-A, we are joined by Dominic Newnham from PerfectVision to explain how things have changed for the manufacturer since the implementation of TIA-5053 and how they have benefited from this universal language of mount design. He also provides an overview of the mount design process in accordance with TIA-5053-A, and discusses the difference between ANSI/TIA-222 and TIA-5053-A,   what customer requests & questions he generally gets now, and how an engineer or procurer can optimize the use of TIA-5053-A. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

Lemmy Recinos, PE joins our show to talk about how he applies the TIA-5053-A standard as a Structural Engineer. He discusses various use applications of the standard, when it can be used, how to most efficiently use it, as well as how to optimize communication with the Manufacturer and End User. He also answers the question of, why does this standard benefit the End User. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

Melissa Newman, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) joins us to discuss the timeline of the “Rip & Replace” initiative and how challenges with appropriate funding could potentially impact operators and users of the equipment To learn more visit tifonline.org 

In the continuation of the discussion with Jerry Bowman and David Cuthbertson, we learn about their plans for upcoming standards released through TR-60 as well as who will implement these standards and how various organizations will benefit from them. To learn more visit tifonline.org 

In this session, we are joined by Jerry Bowman and David Cuthbertson to talk about their visionary ideas for ICT Lifecycle Management that started TIA’s TR-60 Committee. Listen as they provide insight into how to design systems and process with Day 2 on in mind and provide solutions to problems you didn’t even know you had!To learn more visit tifonline.org