NATE is circulating an open petition to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr at its convention this week. The association says the point is to address “systemic challenges facing communications infrastructure contractor and supplier sustainability.”
Contractors are the foundation of America’s wireless infrastructure, playing a crucial role in ensuring reliable connectivity and network expansion, states NATE in the petition. “However, the current pricing structures and other one-sided contractual mandates have created an unsustainable business climate, driving many contractors and skilled workforce out of the industry and jeopardizing the stability of the nation’s networks,” says the association.
The petition grew out of a letter penned by NATE President/CEO Todd Schlekeway titled, “An Open Letter to the Wireless Industry.” The letter outlined critical issues and urged stakeholders to work together to bring about “meaningful change.”
The letter, Inside Towers reported, covered “one-sided Master Service Agreements presented on a take it or leave it” basis, “unfair” compensation structures, and “unreasonable” payment terms. Also included were “unfair employment practices” and “uncompensated obligations.”
NATE says gathering signatures for the petition is the next step in the ongoing effort “to advocate for fair business practices and build a more sustainable future for the wireless industry.” It says the petition “is a demonstration of widespread industry support for addressing the critical challenges faced by wireless infrastructure contractors.”
“By considering contractor well-being in regulatory decisions, the FCC can play a pivotal role in fostering a healthier and more sustainable industry for all stakeholders,” says the association. It’s inviting wireless infrastructure contractors, suppliers and industry professionals to sign the petition here.
NATE says it respects and values the privacy of all petition participants. It states, “The required or optional information collected in this petition, including name, position, company and signature, will be securely stored and shared exclusively with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr for the purposes outlined in the document.” NATE says it will not disclose or distribute this information to any other parties.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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