2025 Year In Review - Insights and Takeaways

Standards in the Age of AI: The TIA-942 Story

In this episode, we sit down with Tom McGarry, VP of Standards at the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), to explore the ANSI/TIA-942 standard—the Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers. Tom walks us through what the standard actually covers: the minimum requirements for data center design, construction, and operation across telecommunications, power, physical security, and mechanical infrastructure. He explains the four resilience ratings that classify data centers by their level of redundancy and fault tolerance, and why those ratings matter to the people relying on these facilities. A major focus of the conversation is TIA's certification program. Tom describes how independent verification bodies conduct certification, what motivates data center operators to pursue it, and how the process works in practice. We dig into the downstream effects too: how certification builds trust with end customers and gives regulators confidence in a facility's reliability and security. The discussion then turns to the future. With AI driving unprecedented demand and reshaping data center requirements, Tom shares how the standard has evolved—including the recent revision C, updated to address AI workloads—and what new considerations the standards body is exploring for upcoming versions. Finally, Tom makes a call to action: he outlines the support the ANSI/TIA-942 standards body needs to keep pace with rapid technological change, and how individuals can get involved and contribute to shaping the standards that underpin the world's data infrastructure. To learn more visit tifonline.org

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