A transformative moment for communications infrastructure contractors and tower technicians

In a significant breakthrough for the telecommunications infrastructure industry, NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association has announced a landmark agreement with Verizon. This agreement, reached as part of the official FCC filing in connection with the Verizon/Frontier merger, reflects months of constructive negotiations and represents a major win for contractor member companies and their field technicians.

A Partnership Built on Respect and Reform

NATE President & CEO Todd Schlekeway shared that the Association’s leadership had been in active talks with Verizon executives, working collaboratively to address pressing concerns affecting contractor sustainability and workforce well-being. The outcome: a multifaceted agreement that touches on several key operational areas, including:

• Fairer pricing models
• Improvements to Master Service Agreements (MSAs)
• Oversight of third-party vendor mandates
• Reforms to financial audit practices
• Clarified workforce expectations

While not every item on NATE’s agenda made it through, Schlekeway emphasized the balanced nature of the negotiation process, stating, “That is how negotiations go.” The tone of mutual respect and commitment to progress set a solid foundation for the agreement’s success.

FCC Leadership Plays a Key Role

NATE extended special appreciation to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, whose field engagement with tower crews and contractors brought a firsthand understanding of the industry’s challenges. His advocacy and facilitation during this negotiation period were instrumental. As Schlekeway highlighted, Chairman Carr’s site visits and tower climbs gave him “a deep understanding of the prominent role that NATE members play daily conducting the tough, gritty work on the frontlines to enable connectivity.”

Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Future

Verizon’s willingness to come to the table and engage in meaningful dialogue is a testament to the growing recognition of the essential role that contractors and tower technicians play in America’s communications ecosystem. As part of the next steps, NATE and Verizon plan to establish a formal working group to continue the collaborative momentum.

This agreement is not just a contract—it’s a signal of progress and partnership between the companies that build our nation’s wireless infrastructure and the carriers that rely on them.

For more information:

• Official NATE Website
• Verizon FCC Filing – View Document
• FCC Announcement – Read Release
• Chairman Carr’s Social Media Post

Stay tuned as NATE continues to lead the charge for safer, fairer, and more sustainable working conditions across the communications infrastructure sector.