Wireless Infrastructure Association

"The next horizon of the 5G revolution is going to be inside the building." Recently, WIA President and CEO Patrick Halley had the opportunity to talk with Safer Buildings Coalition Managing Director John Foley about WIA's new In-Building Forum and the growing importance of in-building wireless networks. Thank you to John and the entire Safer Buildings Coalition team for hosting these insightful conversations.

We are still early in the lifecycle of private cellular networks, and interest is growing in two verticals: utilities and manufacturing. Read about this trend in our latest Innovation and Technology Council blog written by UScellular Senior Director of Service Engineering Dr. Lori Dawson.

🎙️ In this special episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles welcomes industry experts Cesar Ruiz, President & CEO of Learning Alliance Corporation; Deb Bennett, VP of Apprenticeship for the Wireless Infrastructure Association; and Deborah Kish, VP of Research & Workforce Development for the Fiber Broadband Association, to explore innovative strategies and initiatives for developing the broadband workforce. The conversation centers around key industry challenges and opportunities, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance training and certification standards for fiber optic technicians. As #FiberConnect2024 approaches (July 28-31 in Nashville, TN), get an exclusive sneak peek into Learning Alliance Corporation’s workshop “Pathways for Organizational Growth: Workforce Development, Retention, and Diversification.” In collaboration with FBA and WIA’s TIRAP, this interactive session will cover: strategies for retaining a motivated and loyal workforce; approaches to enhancing industry inclusivity and leveraging diverse talent; and insights into career opportunities through FBA OpTIC Path™. Discover how apprenticeships play a pivotal role in addressing the telecom industry’s skills gap and learn more about the exciting events at Fiber Connect 2024. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights for building up the fiber workforce. 💡 Listen to the full episode on RCR Wireless: https://lnkd.in/eSmyM-Bw #5GTalentTalk #5GTT #WorkforceDevelpment #Broadband #Fiber #LearningAlliance #WIA #FiberBroadbandAssociaction

In addition to all the fun I had showcasing how broadband gets built for Commissioner Anna Gomez, it was also my privilege to deliver remarks at RWA - The Rural Wireless Association Rural Wireless Infrastructure Summit on how smart policies can enable connectivity on the go, in the home and on the job. Thank you RWA for this opportunity to speak about the critical policy issues affecting our industry. 

WIA Goes West!   WIA President and CEO Patrick Halley joined Echo Broadband and Tarana Wireless, Inc. in Utah to showcase how wireless infrastructure is enabling connectivity everywhere, including powerful fixed wireless broadband, for FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and her Chief of Staff Deena Shetler. The trip also included a first-hand demonstration of the importance of broadband workforce development. Commissioner Gomez, Ms. Shetler and Patrick visited Sorensen Companies, LLC. a Congruex Company, where TIRAP: Powered by WIA registered apprentices are learning as they grow, deploying wireless and fiber broadband networks.

Today, WIA announced that its Board of Directors has appointed four new Board Members to the WIA Foundation, and Amy Jo Samuel, Vice President, Shared Services, US Tower Operations at American Tower, has been elected as the Foundation’s Chair.     The new Board Members joining Amy Jo Samuel and WIA President Patrick Halley are:   - Blair Crawford, Executive Vice President of Leasing and Marketing, Vertical Bridge - Lynne Hopkins, Senior Director, Brand & Communications, SBA Communications - Thomas Kane, CEO, Network Building + Consulting

"Youngstown State University is only one of two schools in Ohio to power this program. Through its partnership with WIA, the training provides courses about the wireless industry and 5G technology, governance and future applications. It is a beginner-level course for individuals seeking entry-level employment, specifically in telecommunications."

In-building wireless deployments are moving into the next tier of buildings, including enterprises, hospitals, hotels, warehouses and multifamily dwelling as tenants expect cellular connectivity wherever they are. How will innovations in software address cost and time-to-market for these deployments? WIA Innovation & Technology Council members Scott Lewis of Phoenix Tower International and Louis Jacob of iBwave Solutions Inc. explored this topic for WIA's blog. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/essEdJQq

Today, WIA President and CEO Patrick Halley joined other industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the growing in-building wireless sector at Safer Buildings Coalition's In-Building Wireless & Tech Policy Summit. Thank you to John Foley and the entire Safer Buildings Coalition team for hosting these important conversations.

"The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has found that 5G networks can facilitate electricity microgrids, improving operational efficiency, latency, and resilience against cyber threats."