The mainstream press is discovering 5G deployment means more tower workers are needed. CNBC focuses on Ericsson, which has erected some 350,000 towers across the U.S., and expects to grow that figure to one million in the next four years as it partners with major U.S. carriers to deploy 5G.
“Tower climbers are really the backbone behind the network. They climb infrastructures, whether its rooftops or major towers, and they actually assemble and construct the equipment on top of these cell towers that we all use every day,” said Kevin Zvokel, head of networks at Ericsson North America.
CNBC referenced the recent White House event held for 5G in which President Donald Trump was joined by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. The President said 5G deployment will mean the creation of about three million jobs.
Zvokel said his company is seeking tower workers and offering potential employee benefits like company 401k plans and tuition reimbursement. Entry-level climbers can make about $40,000 a year. Ericsson recruits from vocational schools and also seeks out veterans, which comprise about 30 percent of its workforce, according to CNBC.
“It’s a tough job, our climbers spend long days in remote areas building infrastructure,” Zvokel said. “So they need a passion to be in this environment, to work with technology, to work in unusual situations, we have towers that are 700 feet or more in the air. You have to have a little bit of passion … to go out and build these networks.”
“I help you have cell service in hard-to-reach places,” Jordan Robinson, a tower technician associate for Ericsson and Marine Corps veteran said. “Tower climbing is fun — you get to see miles and miles, just forest. Or you think you’re in the middle of nowhere and climb 200 feet in the air, and there’s a whole town not five minutes away. I like enjoying the views.”
May 7, 2019
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