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!

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In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Pontes, Director of Operations & Safety Trainer at JHC Construction, to explore the critical role of structural steel in wireless infrastructure. Dylan shares insights on the technical challenges, safety demands, and craftsmanship behind building the backbone of connectivity — along with a look at what truly defines a tower technician’s work.

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In this episode, Victoria Weidenthaler, President of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF), gives us an inside look at how the organization supports, uplifts, and advocates for women in telecommunications. From mentorship to leadership development, Victoria explains how WWLF is creating pathways for growth and driving positive change across the wireless industry.

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In this episode of Telecommunications Industry Therapy, we’re joined by Iain Gillot, VP of Innovation & Technology at WIA, for a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of in-building wireless networks. Iain breaks down where these systems deliver the greatest value today, how demand is expected to surge over the next five years, and the ROI organizations can expect when investing in improved coverage and capacity. We also explore the growing role of automation—how it supports network optimization, enhances reliability, and drives smarter deployment strategies.

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Mitch Bennett, Vice President of Operations at Ontivity's CMS Division shares a contractor’s perspective on the most challenging aspects tower crews face when encountering bird nests on towers. He offers practical recommendations for preparing crews for success and emphasizes key lessons learned while highlighting how TIF’s recently published white paper, Bird Nests on Towers: Reaching Coexistence” will give his crews additional useful information.

See White Paper Here: https://tifonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TIF-Avian-WP_FINAL_12.19.2024.pdf

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Jennifer Fritzche, Managing Director of Greenhill Mizuho Digital Infrastructure Practice, joins our podcast to provide an outlook on current carrier spending trends and how that may be impacted by the new administration. Jennifer also provides her predictions on how carriers may pivot to optimize their investment of 5G deployment.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast does not constitute research or recommendation from any Mizuho entity to the listener. Neither Mizuho nor any of its affiliates make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or the completeness of the statements or any of the information contained in this podcast, and any liability therefor, including in respect of direct or indirect or consequential losses or damage, is expressly disclaimed.

The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Greenhill or Mizuho, and Mizuho and its affiliates are not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting, or tax advice, or recommendations in this podcast. In addition, the receipt of the podcast by any listener is not to be taken as the giving of investment advice by Mizuho and its affiliates, nor to constitute that person a client of any Mizuho entity.

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Iain Gillot, a Senior Technical & Research Advisor with WIA and author of the WIA White Paper, The Fixed Wireless Network Opportunity, joins our show to discuss Fixed Wireless Networks. In this episode Iain addresses what factors have contributed to the growth of the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market, key limitations and advantages of these networks, and potential untapped opportunities.

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Colin Andrews, Senior Director of Government Affairs at TIA, and Patrick Lozada, Director of Global Policy at TIA, join our show to discuss how policy changes under the new administration will impact the telecommunications industry. Patrick sheds light on implications of tariffs on the telecommunications industry, and Colin discusses upcoming changes to BEAD funding and security regulations surrounding wireless equipment in light of the Salt Typhoon breach.

Please note that this podcast was recorded prior to NTIA releasing a new policy notice restructuring the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program on June 6, 2025.

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