Nearly 90 representatives from member companies of NATE, The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, gathered in Washington, D.C. this week for the association’s 2025 Congressional Fly-In, engaging directly with lawmakers to advocate for key policy priorities shaping the future of the communications infrastructure industry.
Held on Wednesday, May 7, the Fly-In featured approximately 125 one-on-one meetings between NATE members and Members of Congress or their policy staff. These discussions focused on a broad spectrum of legislative and regulatory priorities, including commercial spectrum access, the extension of the FCC’s auction authority, enhancements to the BEAD program, and the need to streamline permitting processes and agency delays to accelerate infrastructure deployment.
NATE members also had the opportunity to hear from prominent leaders including FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Rudy Yakym (R-IN) during a series of receptions and networking events.
Other pressing issues addressed included network security, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and the advancement of policies that support small business contractor firms operating within the wireless and broadcast infrastructure sectors.
Marking a significant milestone, the association also hosted the inaugural fundraising social for the newly launched NATE Tower Political Action Committee, further cementing its commitment to political engagement and industry advocacy.
“This Fly-In couldn’t have come at a more critical moment,” said Todd Schlekeway, NATE President and CEO. “Our members’ grassroots advocacy is essential to advancing the communications infrastructure agenda, and their efforts in Washington are helping shape policies that will drive innovation, investment, and sustainability for years to come. I’m deeply grateful to our members, coalition partners, and all the policymakers who made this event impactful.”
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