Cell Tower News: NATE update on training standard

by Jarad Matula January 23, 2015

written by Jarad Matula January 23, 2015

Progress report from NATE

The National Association of Tower Erectors issued an update on the national wireless skills-based training standard discussed last year to be put into place this year. The task force has completed development of a training standard that outlines the minimum competencies and skills required for five foundational categories of workers in the industry: 1) Helper/Ground Worker; 2) Ground Technician; 3) Telecommunications Tower Technician I; 4) Telecommunications Tower Technician II; 5) Lead/Foreman.

“This premier skills-based worker standard is being developed by NATE’s leading subject-matter experts and has been a byproduct of collaboration between the Association and the wireless carriers, tower owners, OEM’s and turnkey management firms who are represented on the Wireless Industry Safety Task Force,” Executive Director Todd Schlekeway stated.

Also announced was the development of three specialized foreman tracks in this skills-based training standard. The three categories of foreman include: antenna and line foreman, tower construction (stacking foreman); and structural modifications foreman. NATE has promised full details of the program.

Ntelos to sell towers

Regional carrier Ntelos is in the process of selling 103 of its towers to private-equity firm Grain Management for $41 million. Also included in the deal is a lease agreement for the carrier to continue to use the tower for its western markets. The logic behind this deal is for Ntelos to use the money from the sale to increase its bottom line.

“Today’s announcement of an agreement to sell these towers reflects an opportunistic sale of nonstrategic assets and is consistent with our previously stated strategic objectives,” said Michael Huber, chairman of the board of Ntelos Holdings, in a statement. “We expect the proceeds from the sale will enhance our financial flexibility to continue executing our strategic refocus on our western markets.”