NATE-The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, on behalf of its member contractor companies who employ tower technicians, reached an agreement with T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) for a new wireless contracting framework. The agreement document was filed in the FCC’s T-Mobile-UScellular (NYSE: USM) and Metronet transaction dockets.
“Over the last several months, NATE’s leadership has been engaged in active negotiations with T-Mobile executives focused on addressing a range of issues and reforms that, when implemented, will lead to a more sustainable and healthier environment for the Association’s member contractors and their tower technician workforce,” comments Todd Schlekeway, NATE President & CEO. “NATE is excited to announce that these collaborative meetings have led to an agreement that we believe will lead to positive, impactful reforms for our contractor member companies related to pricing, Master Service Agreements, current 3rd party vendors and mandates, potential changes to the ‘Super Contractor’ model, and workforce integrity requirements.”
“NATE extends our appreciation to T-Mobile for coming to the table to negotiate an agreement that will foster a stronger relationship and partnership between the Association’s contractor members and those who count T-Mobile as a customer,” Schlekeway added. “NATE is ready to roll up our sleeves on the implementation phase of the agreement, which includes establishing the official working group between our respective organizations.”
“Additionally, NATE would like to extend our gratitude to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and his staff for collaborating with both the Association and T-Mobile to help our respective organizations come to terms on this agreement. This framework agreement between NATE and T-Mobile will be a boost to help jumpstart Chairman Carr’s Build America Agenda.”
Mike Simpson, T-Mobile’s SVP and Chief Procurement Office, remarks, “This agreement with NATE underscores T-Mobile’s continued commitment to tower technicians and the important work they do to ensure we can offer our customers a world-leading 5G experience. We thank Chairman Carr for his leadership in support of the wireless industry through his Build America initiative.”
By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor
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