2025 Year In Review - Insights and Takeaways

Why Mount to Tower Interaction Matters More Than Ever

In this episode, we sit down with Lemmy Recinos , Senior Structural Engineer at KPFF Consulting Engineers to discuss one of the industry’s most important evolving topics — Mount to Tower Interaction (MTI). As one of the primary authors of the PAN titled “The Last Piece of the Structural Analysis Puzzle – Mount to Tower Interactions,” Lenny shares insight into what MTI checks are, why they have become critical with the growth of LTE and 5G deployments, and how ANSI/TIA-222 addresses these requirements. The conversation also explores what is — and is not — included within the scope of MTI evaluations, along with the practical challenges engineers face implementing these analyses in the field. To learn more visit tifonline.org

Microwave Backhaul Site Selection: Expanding Rural Connectivity with Scott Vance & Lynn Burnett

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Vance, Founder of Vance Engineering, and Lynn Burnett,  Microwave Systems Engineer, to explore their recently co-authored Planning Advisory Notice (PAN): Microwave Backhaul Site Selection. https://tifonline.org/contentresources/microwave-backhaul-site-selection/ [https://tifonline.org/contentresources/microwave-backhaul-site-selection/] This discussion breaks down how microwave radio systems offer a practical, cost-effective solution for wireless backhaul—especially in rural and underserved regions. Scott and Lynn walk through the full picture, from technical design considerations to real-world deployment challenges. Key topics include:  • Strategic site selection and terrain analysis  • Frequency coordination and spectrum considerations  • Navigating regulatory requirements  • Overcoming natural and manmade obstructions  • Expanding connectivity across vast, hard-to-reach areas To learn more visit tifonline.org

Inside NATE: Collaboration, Safety, and What’s Next

In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Schlekeway , President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, to reflect on 2025, a  milestone year for the organization as it celebrated 30 years of advancing the telecommunications infrastructure industry. Todd shares highlights from NATE’s 2025 accomplishments, including strategic partnerships with OSHA and the FTC that align around shared goals for safety, compliance, and workforce protection. We also discuss NATE’s growing collaboration with the Telecommunications Industry Foundation (TIF)—including the launch of the “For the Good of the Industry” campaign, resource sharing initiatives, a new collar mount safety video, and the joint release of a white paper on Direct Buried Steel Corrosion & Guy Anchors. The conversation also looks ahead to NATE UNITE, taking place February 23 in Las Vegas, and the exciting expansion of hands-on tower activities, competitions, and new experiences at this year’s event. A must-listen conversation on collaboration, safety, and what’s next for the telecom infrastructure industry. To learn more visit tifonline.org

Working at Heights with James Ruedlinger

James Ruedlinger VP of Engineering at Fullwave Tower & Broadcast joins us for an in-depth conversation on the realities of working in wireless infrastructure and broadcast construction. James shares firsthand experience on the full scope of broadcast construction—from pre-site planning and safety preparation to managing known challenges on-site and handling critical construction information in real time. We also dive into the physical and mental demands of tower work, the biggest misconceptions about the industry, and what stakeholders can do to better support construction crews and tower technicians. To learn more visit tifonline.org

2025 Year In Review - Insights and Takeaways

As Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr reflect on the highlights of 2025 in their lives and the telecommunications industry, they also share insights into what to anticipate in 2026 for both the industry and our podcast, Telecommunications Industry Therapy. Stay tuned for exciting developments ahead! To learn more visit tifonline.org