Connect-It Wireless welcomes in 2012
with a new facility and catalog
February 3, 2012 - Connect-It Wireless Inc.'s business plan since 2003 has been to offer mounting hardware built to uncompromising quality standards to satisfy a wide variety of wireless site installations.

The concept won out with carriers and contractors, and to meet their customers' increasing needs, the Jupiter, Fla. manufacturer and distributor recently moved into its new facilities with a greatly expanded warehouse, fabrication plant and outside storage facilities.

Connect-It also has a spacious will-call desk and inside sales facility featuring many of their new products.

"We're truly excited about our ability to continue to meet the ever-expanding components and product needs of our clients and provide them with hundreds of new offerings," said Alisa Rumore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

RFS and Andrew jumpers and connectors are just a few additions to their product line which are now in Connect-It's new catalog which is available by emailing Rumore.

The new catalog is also available for download on the company's web site.

During the past ten years, owners Jim and Faith Schultz have established an excellent reputation for providing quality products and reliable service.

"They understand the need to provide low cost, high quality products to the fast paced wireless industry and it's just one of a number of reasons we have become one of the leading suppliers of installation products, equipment and supplies," said Rumore.

Connect-It also offers custom fabrications. The new Jupiter, Fla. facility is located at 210 Commerce Way.
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FWT announces expansion into Ohio
January 27, 2012 - FWT LLC, one the leading manufacturers in the design and fabrication of custom steel structures for the utility and telecommunications industry, has announced its expansion into Ohio through the purchase of a plant in the Village of Hicksville last month.

The facility will allow FWT to be able to serve its existing and new customers in the new plant with over 320,000 square feet on approximately 94 acres.

It is expected that in excess of 200 jobs will be added to support this manufacturing and office facility.

The expansion supports FWT’s strategic initiatives to serve the growing demands and needs of our customers in the utility and telecommunications industries.

“This expansion marks a milestone in the company’s history and allows the Company to support our customers with an improved geographic presence with a full operational plant facility. We are committed to meeting our customer product needs,” said Fred Moore, CEO.

FWT expects to start production in the spring and is working with Ohio state and local governments to plan necessary staffing, training and skill set development.

"FWT not only has grown with our customers since the inception of our company but has laid a legacy that exceeds 50 years," Moore said.

The company’s core focus revolves around customer service, innovation, quality and a commitment to excellence. FWT has locations in Fort Worth, Tex. and Hicksville, Ohio.
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American Tower's $175 million deal will position the company as the largest Ugandan tower owner
December 8, 2011 - American Tower Corporation and MTN Group Limited today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to establish a new joint venture tower company in Uganda, which will acquire all of the existing tower sites from MTN Group’s operating subsidiary in Uganda, numbering approximately 1,000, for an agreed upon purchase price of up to approximately $175 million.

ATC Uganda will be managed by American Tower, and will be controlled by a holding company of which American Tower will hold a 51% stake and MTN Group will hold a 49% stake.

American Tower will pay approximately $89 million for its stake in the new holding company. MTN Uganda will be the anchor tenant, on commercial terms, on each of the towers being purchased. American Tower also expects that ATC Uganda will build approximately 280 tower sites for MTN Uganda over the next three years, as well as pursue opportunities to build tower sites for other wireless operators in Uganda.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon the close of the transaction, ATC Uganda will be the largest owner and operator of tower sites in Uganda.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of our operations in Uganda, again in partnership with MTN, Africa’s largest mobile operator,” said Jim Taiclet, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Tower.

“Our strategy is to invest in select African markets with strong wireless growth potential and a positive investment climate. Our investment in Uganda is further evidence of our execution of this strategy. In addition, we are building upon our successful partnership with MTN in Ghana where our tower expertise, operational excellence and a focus on delivering growth and value from the asset portfolio, are highly complemented by MTN’s regional operational experience.”

Group President and CEO of MTN Group, Sifiso Dabengwa, added: “Infrastructure sharing makes absolute sense for MTN and we expect it to play a significant role in reducing our long-term infrastructure costs. The Ugandan market has presented us with an opportunity to continue to build on our strong working relationship with the experienced team at American Tower”. MTN owns approximately 33,000 towers across its 22 operations in Africa and the Middle East.

“Because market conditions in each of the markets are unique, we will continue to evaluate infrastructure sharing opportunities on a market by market basis going forward,” Dabengwa said.
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FiberTower falls apart at the seams
November 16, 2011 - What appears to be a perfect storm of distressing news has put FiberTower's stock into a tailspin today, plummeting  the backhaul provider's noontime trades to a 60% loss.

Whereas missed earnings can cause a considerable drop, FiberTower announced some serious problems in addition to a wholesale bailout of directors as well as its Chairman of the Board, John Kelly.

Kelly, the former President and CEO of Crown Castle International, joined Phil Kelley, Crown Castle's Senior Vice President and Randall Hack, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capstone Capital L.L.C. in announcing their resignation from FiberTower's board of directors earlier this week.

In a statement today, the mobile services backhaul provider said it has missed an interest payment on its convertible senior notes due 2012. The company has 30 days to find a way to restructure its debt before it's declared officially in default.

FiberTower, a component of Wireless Estimator's Sector Watch, also said it has missed a Nasdaq deadline to file its Q3 report as it is still working on finalizing the amount of impairment charges it needs to take. As a result of continued customer early service terminations experienced in the quarter, its decision to limit investment in its legacy network, and expected future cash flows lower than its network's carrying value.

The company said that it has reduced its workforce approximately 40%, and has halted all capital and project related spending in an effort to conserve existing liquidity.

FiberTower also said it plans to write down the value of its network equipment and construction in progress. The total charges are expected to be in the range of $150-$170 million for the third quarter.

It also plans to impair its FCC licenses by $158-$170 million, reducing their value to $87- $129 million.

Adding to FiberTower's problems, yesterday the company said that it received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market stating that it no longer complies with the rules required for continued listing on Nasdaq.

The company has 60 days during which to submit a plan to regain compliance.

Two months ago, FiberTower saw a 15 percent increase in one day after Ted Weschler, who has been newly appointed to oversee a piece of Berkshire Hathaway’s investment portfolio, said he has interests in the company.

The newest member of Warren Buffet's investment arm was previously acting as a managing partner at Peninsula Capital Advisors where he had accumulated 7 million shares of FiberTower.

Hack and John Kelly are advisory directors for Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm not affiliated with Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway.

Berkshire owns Tower Development Corporation, a group that pursues new tower builds and acquisitions in close partnership with Crown Castle.

Berkshire assisted Crown Castle in its transition to public ownership through its 1998 IPO and subsequent sales of equity securities.

An early investor in FiberTower, Crown Castle was stung by the company's poor performance and  reported that it had reduced the value of its FiberTower investment by taking a $75.6 million write-down during Q4 2007.

American Tower Corporation also invested in FibreTower, providing about 13% of the company's seed money.

Please see: Shining star tarnished 
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Colorado tech wins Anritsu's "tough site" Harley
November 9, 2011 - Anritsu Company has announced that Matthew Myers of Union Wireless is the winner of Anritsu's Toughest Site Competition, held to honor and acknowledge the challenges field engineers and technicians face as they deploy, install, and maintain wireless networks.

Myers, who maintains nearly 40 different cell sites in Colorado, must overcome significant weather and environmental obstacles on an almost daily basis, and has been awarded a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for having the "toughest site."

"The professionals who install and maintain wireless networks have extreme jobs. They must deal with intense technical issues, not to mention snakes, scorpions, bears, desert-like heat, and freezing cold to keep a network live for their customers. We created the Toughest Site Competition to see some of our customers' challenges, and thank them for their excellent work and dedication, even under the most difficult conditions," said Donn Mulder, Vice President and General Manager, Anritsu Company.

"Selecting Matthew was very difficult, as every submission showed us just how challenging it is to make sure wireless networks operate properly."

Myers uses the BTS Master™, and S331C and S820D Site Master™ analyzers when he is deploying, installing and maintaining the towers, which are located as high as 13,000 feet above sea level. Many of the sites can only be accessed using a snow cat from October to August and temperatures can be as low as -50°.

A particular tower that poses one of his greatest challenges is on Baker Peak. Winds can reach 110 MPH and the 11,942-foot mountain peak is so steep the antenna pipe mounts have been driven directly into the rock.

"I can't afford to make mistakes. My team and I have to trust our vehicles, clothing, and each other," said Myers. "My test gear is no exception. The results have to be accurate. I trust the results of all my Anritsu test gear."

To learn more about the toughest site finalists along with their videos and photographs, click here.
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GTP goes green with its first solar system
October 21, 2011 - Global Tower Partners has announced that it has deployed its first solar system solution, in partnership with Design Energy Alliance, at one of its fully generator-powered cell tower sites located in Sleeping Beauty, Calif.

This solution provides an environmentally-sound energy alternative while reducing the operational expenses associated with continuous maintenance and operations of primary generators. It enables GTP to lower its generator use and fuel consumption by 45% on a site located at an environmentally-sensitive location protected by the Bureau of Land Management.

"GTP views alternative energy solutions as an opportunity to deploy eco-friendly power to its sites where traditional grid power is not available," stated Marc Ganzi, Global Tower Partners Chief Executive Officer.

"Sleeping Beauty is a pristine and scenic land area, and we are pleased with the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this picturesque part of the country," said Ganzi.

"We are excited about this accomplishment and will take the lessons learned from this project to provide similar efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions at our other locations that meet the needs and requirements of these types of energy solutions," added Bernard Borghei, Senior Vice President of Operations.
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Industry sees acquisitions, agreements
and one carrier name change
October 3, 2011 - A number of acquisitions and agreements have recently been announced by wireless infrastructure companies as well as a carrier name change.

Cellular South changes its name, but sues AT&T under its old one
The ninth-largest wireless carrier by customers, Cellular South, has changed its name to C Spire Wireless, but is letting its contractors and subscribers know that it's just a corporate makeover and will not affect any agreements in place.

They said it's all about offering a personalized customer experience in which customers will see "services that anticipate their needs, and rewards they'll get just for using their phone in new ways."

However, one thing they're not about to change is their adamancy about their belief that the AT&T / T-Mobile merger is not good for the nation.

Cellular South, in a recent complaint filed in federal court in Washington, said the merger “threatens to substantially lessen competition” and cause it significant losses and damages.

“The merger of AT&T and T-Mobile is anticompetitive, and will result in consumers facing higher prices, less innovation, fewer choices and reduced competition,” Cellular South said in its complaint.

AT&T has asked a judge to dismiss Cellular South's lawsuit as well as one from Sprint.

C Spire owns approximately 114 communications towers.

Tower engineering firm IETS acquired by NB&C
Network Building & Consulting LLC of Hanover, MD has acquired IETS Engineering Services of Charlotte, NC. The new entity will be named NB&C Engineering Services.

Founded in 1997, IETS has become known as an industry leader in tower engineering, structural analysis and tower modification design under the leadership of Bill Griswold.

"This acquisition will allow NB&C to broaden its service offerings to its diverse list of wireless service provider and communications infrastructure clients,” said Thomas Kane, NB&C’s President.

Founded in 1984, NB&C is one of the longest-standing site development firms in the United States, and serves some of the leaders in wireless communications and infrastructure including Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile, Sprint, Comcast, Crown Castle, and American Tower.

Wireless EDGE awarded statewide ODOT tower contract
The Ohio Department of Transportation has partnered with Wireless EDGE to offering wireless telecommunications siting opportunities throughout the state.

The program includes antenna site management of ODOT's 45 existing towers and development rights for new towers on ODOT properties and right-of-ways.

“This program will streamline and expand opportunities for commercial carriers to provide wireless telecommunications services along Ohio’s right-of-ways”, said John Arthur, Wireless EDGE’s President and CEO. “Our plan is to turn the perception upside-down that governmental properties are last resort for wireless carriers. Over the next couple of months, we will be working closely with ODOT to completely overhaul the process and introduce the new program to the wireless carriers in the market.”

Last year, Wireless EDGE entered into an agreement with Peppertree Capital Management, Inc. to provide an equity commitment for tower funding for the company's development of wireless tower facilities.

The New Rochelle, NY-based company specializes in site acquisition, program management, construction management and in the development and permitting of antenna facilities on landmark buildings and in historic districts.

LiteWorks and LKC partnership will expand capabilities
Two industry companies, LKC Systems, Inc. of Gaithersburg, MD and LiteWorks, Inc. of Chincoteague Island, VA became aware of each other's capabilities while working on government projects and recently announced a partnership to offer numerous expanded and upgraded  services to their numerous clients.

LKC has an ISO 17025:2005 accredited calibration and testing laboratory on Wallops Island, VA.

In addition to supporting the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, LKC supports governmental and commercial customers nationwide from that location.

Complementing LKC's services, LiteWorks, has specifically supported clients at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Surface Combat System Center. 

Founded by Scott Edwards in 2003, LiteWorks, a service disabled veteran company, provides telecommunications services for installation, repair, and maintenance of fiber optic systems and communication towers.

George Barstis, a retired Army officer, is President of LKC, a firm that has been providing engineering, testing, repair and calibration services for electronic and electronic test equipment for over 35 years.

Atlantic Risk Management acquired by BB&T
Well-known telecom insurer Atlantic Risk Management Corporation of Columbia, Md. has been acquired by the nation's sixth largest insurance broker, BB&T Insurance Services.

The insurance unit of Branch Banking & Trust Company said the deal will provide an "attractive foothold" in the metropolitan Baltimore area, and broader reach in the Washington DC region.

Atlantic Risk will operate as BB&T-Atlantic Risk Management. Mary Ann Marbury, Atlantic Risk president, will continue to oversee the operation. BB&T Insurance Services operates an existing Maryland agency in Frederick, BB&T-Frederick Underwriters.

In 1995, Atlantic Risk Management Corporation established its Telecommunications Insurance Division, providing coverage for independent cellular tower owners, paging companies, and associated firms. This program, which is endorsed by PCIA, the Wireless Infrastructure Association, now provides coverage to numerous tower companies located throughout the U.S.

David J. Saul, a partner of Atlantic Risk Management, presently oversees the Telecommunications Insurance Department. 
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Comcast jumps into the tower business with former ATC VPs at the helm
September 28, 2011 - Comcast Ventures, the venture capital affiliate of Comcast Corporation, announced that it has formed a new portfolio company, CTI Towers, Inc., which will own, operate, and develop telecommunications towers throughout the United States.

CTI Towers is launching with a portfolio of almost 800 towers. Approximately 154 are owned by CTI and the remainder, owned by Comcast Cable subsidiaries, will be managed by CTI.

CTI-owned towers, primarily located in the Northeast, include: CT, 14; DE, 3; MA, 31; MD, 23; NH, 10; NJ, 31; PA, 29; and VT, 13.

Headquartered in Boston, CTI Towers will actively lease tower space to wireless operators and other tenants, creating additional tower capacity for rapidly evolving businesses and technologies across the U.S.

Comcast Ventures also announced it has named Anthony "Tony" Peduto CEO of CTI Towers.

Peduto previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of Optasite, a company that engaged in the acquisition and development of telecommunications tower sites. It was acquired by SBA Communications.

Prior to his employment at Optasite, he was Vice President of the West and Northeast regions of American Tower Corporation, a leading provider of wireless and broadcast towers worldwide.

"As a new entrant with an extensive portfolio of un-leased tower space, CTI Towers will offer a coherent solution for mobile operators that are looking for suppliers offering an extensive regional portfolio of sites to improve their coverage," said Peduto. "CTI Towers will expeditiously cater to customer requirements with an experienced team of dedicated tower professionals."

As Sr. Vice President of Sales, John "Sonny" Peterman will be responsible for all sales and leasing activity at CTI.

Peterman was formerly a Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing at iPCS Wireless, one of Sprint's largest network affiliate companies operating in 15 states.

Prior to his work with the wireless carrier, Peterman was Regional Vice President at American Tower for the Midwest and Central Regions from 1998 until 2003.

With 154 towers under ownership, CTI is currently the 28th largest tower company in the U.S.

Sprint, one of CTI's collocators, has been speaking to Comcast recently, according to published reports, to purchase Clearwire outright. Comcast has invested over $1 billion in Clearwire.
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Valmont Site Pro 1 expands;
Talley forms new products group
September 12, 2011 - Valmont Site Pro 1 has announced the opening of their newest fully stocked distribution center near Dallas. With six locations the company says it can now reach 96% of the USA with its products in 1-2 Days.

The Dallas warehouse is located at 2045 Westgate Dr., Suite 110, Carrollton, Texas. The distributor, which manufactures many of its cell tower components, has additional locations in New York, Georgia, California, Indiana and Oregon.

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Talley Inc. announced the formation of their Technical Products Group (TPG) which will be responsible for training, inventory and sales for what they refer to as active products.

The products included initially will be microwave radios and in-building repeaters.

“Talley understands our world is becoming more complex and the creation of this team will ease the transition from both the education and execution standpoint. Our goal is to provide the best in class products and the addition of the TPG will insure we will continue to deliver the best in class service as well.” said Hal Wooden, Vice President of Sales.

Rhys Fernandez has been promoted to Director and will take over full responsibility for the TPG. The team supporting Rhys will include Ernie Soto as Sales Manager and Talley’s Sales Engineering Group.
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Safety LMS offers new on-site and classroom training for workers at height
July 13, 2011 - Safety LMS founder and President Gordon Lyman has chosen John Paul "JP" Jones to lead the company’s new training division offering on-site/classroom and open enrollment courses for the telecommunications and wind energy industries.

Jones has over 34 years in the telecommunications tower construction industry and has been a senior fall protection and rescue instructor for over 15 years.

"JP brings a new dedication to the safety of the workers. He is truly committed to making the vertical world as safe as possible for all occupations that require climbers to be exposed to the ever present danger of a fall," Lyman said.

“The days of the old school ways of teaching and using outdated equipment and methods are over. You have  to constantly evolve to stay ahead of the curve in order to keep these folks safe and coming home to their loved one," said Jones.

Lyman and Jones are active members of the National Association of the Tower Erectors' OSHA relations committee and the ANSI10.48 telecommunications standard subcommittee. Lyman also holds active positions on the ANSI Z359 fall protection committee and the ANSI TIA/EIA 1019 gin pole standard for telecommunications structures.

The company is committed to being current and up to date on all of our course modules and will update its curriculum annually or sooner if a new standard dictates such, said Lyman.

All of the Safety LMS courses are designed around the ANSI 490.1 standard for the “Criteria for the Accepted Practices for Safety, Health and Environmental Training.”

"Safety LMS takes great pride in the fact that all of their instructors are seasoned tower builders and bring real world knowledge to the training arena," explained Jones.

Safety LMS can bring the training to your facility or you can enroll in a regularly scheduled class held in Austin, Texas.

The training company has the following courses available for on-line and/or on-site training: Authorized Climber, Competent Climber Refresher, Authorized Climber/ Rescuer, Competent Climber/ Rescuer, OSHA 10 hour for Towers, First Aid /CPR/ Blood Borne Pathogen, Base Mounted Hoists and Gin Poles, Capstan operations and Hoisting, Basic Rigging for Towers, Fundamentals of RF, and Crane Spotter & Signal Person.

For more information please visit their website at www.safetylms.com or check out the nation's only Training Resource Calendar provided by Wireless Estimator. 
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Industry marketer Lisa Ogden passes
June 17, 2011 - Well-known industry marketing manager Lisa E. Ogden, 48, of Harrisburg, Penn. passed away unexpectedly on Thursday.

The Business Development Manager for Nello Corporation had been active at State Wireless Association meetings and wireless trade conferences.

Previous to joining Nello in 2004, she was the national sales manager at Penn Summit Tubular, LLC.

Ogden was a consultant to various companies and marketed 112 towers as the owner of Ryan Consulting from 1998 through 2002.

Prior to that she was Traverse Bay Group's marketing director.

"Ms. Ogden was instrumental in helping establish Nello as a premier tower manufacturer in the communications industry. She was a valued teammate and she will be dearly missed. On behalf of everyone at Nello Corporation, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends," said Nello President Dan Ianello.

Ogden was a graduate of Ferris State University.

Born July 19, 1962, in Northport, Mich., she was the daughter of Bruce W. and Betsey (Seaman) Price.

Survivors include her son, Ryan, of Harrisburg, Penn.; her parents; brother, Rodney  Price of Hastings, Mich.; sister, Naomi Price of Lansing, Mich.; nieces, Katelyn and Adelyn Price; one uncle and several aunts and cousins. 

She is preceded in death by her brother Bruce Floyd Price and both sets of grandparents.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Friday, June 24, 2011 at 11:00 am with a luncheon immediately following the service at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 402 West Ninth Street, Traverse City, Mich. The Rev. Daniel Millward will be officiating.
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GTP picks up all of Cricket's towers
May 4, 2011 - Although Global Tower Partners announced today that it has purchased all of Cricket Communications, Inc.'s 130 towers, it neither detailed the price nor identified whether it would still employ a core group of goats.

Last year Cricket hired a herd of goats to dine upon troublesome growth at some of its Oregon cell sites to clear brambles covered with tiny black fruit that was blocking compound entrances.

Notwithstanding any mammal maintenance agreement, Marc C. Ganzi, CEO of GTP, said his company has had a long-standing partnership with Cricket that they were proud of, and the transaction represented another milestone in that relationship.

He said Cricket will remain a tenant on all of the towers.

"We are also very excited about the prospects of growth on this unique set of urban tower assets and the ability to supplement our presence in California, Arizona and Colorado, where many of these towers are located," Ganzi said.

"These locations will allow us to better serve our customers on the West Coast, especially in the urban core, as they continue to further build out their 4G networks. We are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Cricket," said Alex Gellman, GTP's President and COO.

GTP owns or master leases more than 13,000 sites, including 3,800 owned towers throughout the U.S. 
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Talley announces the opening of its eighth facility
April 25, 2011 - Talley Inc., one of the nation's leading distributors of wireless communications and mobile products, has announced the opening of a new facility in the Minneapolis area.

It will be Talley's eighth location and will be the second warehouse within a year to be opened. Talley opened in New York on July 6, 2010.

"Talley is excited about opening our eighth warehouse nationally in Minneapolis. We look forward to providing another level of service to this territory by having the inventory locally to support our customers' immediate needs," said Mark Talley, President of the Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based company.

Talley's newest facility is located at 1170 Eagan Industrial Rd., Suite # 5 in Egan, near the intersection of Egan Industrial Rd. and Service Rd. West.

For additional information, email sales@talleycom.com. 
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Anritsu to trade a Harley for the most challenging site
April 6, 2011 - Think you have the toughest job in the world?

Anritsu wants you to prove it by entering their Toughest Site Competition.

And for your troubles you could win something equally tough: a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Simply tell them how you and your Anritsu gear endured the toughest cell site project in America.

They want all of the gritty details: the blistering heat; the freezing cold; the vertical climbs and, of course, the technical challenges. Send them your pictures, video footage, or even a diagram of your site, to prove your point.

Twelve finalists will win a HD Flip Camera and each month they'll feature one of their stories on Facebook and YouTube.

Here's a case where the worst site will be appreciated and one grand prize winner will ride away with a Harley-Davidson XL 883L SuperLow motorcycle.
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Valmont Structures assists in
analyzing nation's wireless towers
March 16, 2011 - AT&T and Verizon are frequently at odds in their advertising as to who has the most cell sites and coverage throughout the nation. The dispute even required a decision by a federal judge.

However, it's quite clear that Valmont Structures can state that their communications towers throughout the country represent one of the largest portfolios of structures in America, servicing AT&T, Verizon and all other wireless providers trying to capture market share.

Valmont's impressive 25,000-plus structures are a result of Valmont purchasing PiRod in 2001 and consolidating the Plymouth, Ind. plant with Microflect in Salem, Ore., to complement Valmont's towers throughout the nation.

With 4G and other high-data-intensive wireless networks expanding, tower owners are investing in a tower analysis to determine if their existing structures can safely carry additional loads.

With the original engineering drawings in hand, Valmont has become the provider of choice for many companies needing an analysis to current TIA/EIA standards and applicable codes.

Although Valmont says that certified documentation can be provided in approximately five business days, they realize the urgency of some projects and now provide an expedited tower analysis service that can be delivered in 24 to 48 hours.

If the existing structure cannot handle the planned load, the Valmont team can analyze and recommend tower reinforcement options which may enable the project to proceed.

Tower owners can count on the feedback received from Valmont as a Professional Engineer certification is included with all tower analysis services.

For additional information about Valmont's engineering services, call 800-547-2151 or visit their web site at www.valmont-towers.com.
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MUTI opens technical services division
March 15, 2011 - Telecommunications general contractor Midwest Underground Technology, Inc. has announced the opening of its technical services division, Telecom Services Company, LLC.

The division will be lead by MUTI’s President/CEO Darrin Peters along with industry veterans Geoff Bennett and Scott Kisting, and further solidifies the company’s commitment to provide its clients with a complete portfolio of quality turnkey telecommunications services.

TSC will be based out of MUTI’s corporate headquarters in Champaign, Ill. and will provide a wide variety of new services including, full turnkey microwave installation and commissioning, cellular equipment upgrade/removal and testing, T1/T3 installation and testing, battery and power plant installation and testing as well as a number of other service disciplines.

Peters brings over 15 years of construction and telecommunications industry related experience to the division and will serve as the President and Chief Marketing Officer.

Kisting brings over 25 years experience in telecommunications and is a subject matter expert for the OSHA Training Institute. He has also consulted the FAA and FCC on various matters. Kisting has worked with the standards groups of several national carriers; he will serve as the Vice President of Consultation Services.

Bennett brings over 20 years experience in the telecommunications industry having worked in field operations as a lead tech and manager for a national cellular carrier for 14 of those years. Bennett has considerable experience in knowing what is required for network systems to provide the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

He will serve as the Vice President of Technical Services.

Founded in 2000, MUTI employs over 140 employees within four office locations in the Midwest, performing work on a national level for Fortune 500 companies across the nation.

For additional information, visit www.mutionline.com.
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Industry veteran earns Talley Inc. award
March 7, 2011 - Hal Wooden, Vice President of Sales at Talley Inc. and a wireless industry veteran of over 20 years, was given the 2010 President’s Circle Award.

Hal is one of only six people to have received this award.

Talley President Mark Talley, in commenting on the award noted, “Over the 10 years Hal has been part of our organization he has been an important part of developing and driving our sales organization. The Talley sales team is one of the most experienced and tenured in the industry: their focus on creating customer-centric solutions is the basis of our service model. Hal has built off of the strong industry service model of Talley and enhanced our reach into providing cost effective product solutions to our customers.”

The President's Circle Award was presented at the company’s sales meeting.

The citation reads: “In recognition of his exceptional performance, dedication, and contributions to the Talley team. For your time, dedication and willingness to achieve our corporate goals.”

The award recipient is selected by the company president.

Talley Inc., founded in 1983, is one of the nation’s leading distributors of wireless communications infrastructure and mobile products. Talley's corporate office is in Los Angeles, with stocking and processing facilities in Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Sacramento and Seattle. It is a privately held family owned company. For more information, visit: www.talleycom.com
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Sabre Industries' organizational change
promotes Peter Sandore to CEO
March 6, 2011- Sabre Industries, Inc. has announced that Peter J. Sandore, COO, will become the President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, while current President and CEO, James D. Mack, will become Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. 

Sabre Industries, Inc. designs and manufactures infrastructure products for the electric transmission and distribution and wireless communications industries. 

Mack’s leadership since 1992 has been instrumental in transforming Sabre from a family business into a market leader.

He will continue to play a key role in the future of Sabre Industries, Inc. by focusing on strategic direction and future growth of the company.

Sandore joined Sabre Industries in April of 2009 as an Advisor to the Board. He has over 30 years of experience in the wireless tower and components industry, including the position of President and CEO of American Tower Services.  

“Pete Sandore brings exceptional strength to our leadership team,” said Mack. “His extensive experience in the wireless communications industry, along with his ability to grow and expand a variety of businesses, provides Sabre with the focus and drive necessary to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Sandore will work in partnership with Mack and Jim Tholey, CFO of Sabre Industries, to provide the direction necessary to meet the company’s aggressive growth plans.  

A leading manufacturer in the infrastructure industry, Sabre Industries, Inc. designs and manufactures towers, poles, shelters, tower accessories and utility structures. 

Services include complete site construction and field maintenance.  For further information on Sabre Industries, Inc. and its various divisions, visit their web site at:  www.SabreIndustriesInc.com. 
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An innovative ComTrain emerges with new leadership, web site and corporate location
February 16, 2011 - Since 1996, ComTrain has been one of the nation’s leading sources for telecommunications tower climbing, fall protection and rescue training.  As the industry progresses in climber safety, things evolve and so has ComTrain.

ComTrain announced today that it is operating under new ownership and management.

Zane Windham has stepped in as the ComTrain’s new owner/president.

With the new ownership come some significant changes to the ComTrain program. One of which is the move of the ComTrain home office and training facility to Austin, Tex. from its original location in Monroe, Wis.

Over the next year or so ComTrain will be constructing a new high tech training facility with both indoor and outdoor training structures.

Another change is the introduction of the heightech-PMI TowerPackII as ComTrain’s primary descent and rescue device as well as the introduction of the ComTrain equipment store and launch of the new logo and website.

ComTrain is also adding several new courses such as an OSHA 10 hour course for tower workers, First Aid/CPR for tower workers and a new 40-hour Tower Construction and Technology  Course.

Comtrain’s courses still include, Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue, Advanced Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue, ComTrain In-House Instructor, Non-Climber Rescue assist and Course refresher/re-certification classes.

Courses under development are; Rigging for tower construction, Helicopter construction for telecom sites, OSHA 30 Hour for tower workers, Welding Safety for telecommunications sites and Wind Turbine Climbing Safety & Rescue.

Winton Wilcox, Comtrain’s founder still serves Comtrain in a consulting role and will continue to support the well-respected company throughout 2011.

"ComTrain is very fortunate to continue to have such a wonderfully diverse fleet of instructors with over 150 years worth of combined experience in the telecommunications, electronics, Fire/ EMS/ Rescue and general construction industries," said Windham.

He said that ComTrain is looking forward to better serving the telecommunications industry through growth, new ideas and innovative training techniques. For additional information, visit their website at www.comtrainusa.com for more information and class schedules. Their classes and schedules are also available on WirelessEstimator.com's training calendar.
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New American Tower DAS Vegas network highlights Verizon's LTE capabilities
February11, 2011 - American Tower Corporation announced that it has deployed and is now operating its first 700 MHz Long Term Evolution Multiple In Multiple Out In-Building Distributed Antenna System network at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nev. in coordination with the launch of Verizon's 4G LTE network.

This represents American Tower’s first in-building LTE MIMO network out of more than 200 DAS installations.

American Tower deployed the network to support Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg's keynote address highlighting the carrier's vision for LTE 4G wireless technology and the rollout of new 4G devices at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month.

Seidenberg took the opportunity to applaud the FCC's broadband plan to reclaim underutilized spectrum.

"Television broadcasters are unhappy, but they have borrowed spectrum from the government and have seen their public audience shrink from 100 percent of Americans to under ten percent. They are squatting on our broadband future. This spectrum needs to be repurposed and reused," Seidenberg said.

American Tower's project represents not only a milestone of new technology, but also of process and efficiency, as it required significant coordination and was completed in less than four weeks with minimal disruption to hotel operations.

This was achieved by implementing MobileAccessVE, a network solution which allowed American Tower to utilize existing cabling from the legacy DAS network.
“We were pleased to deliver this DAS network in time for an important industry event and 4G product debut,” said Gerard Ainsztein, American Tower's Senior Vice President of DAS Solutions. “This has been a very exciting project, and we are proud to have played a part in helping a major national customer share their advanced 4G wireless network with the consumer electronics industry.”
In addition to the 700 MHz LTE MIMO installation at the Hilton, American Tower recently completed another DAS installation in the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, MO in December of 2010.

These installations add to the company’s growing portfolio of over 200 in-building and outdoor DAS networks. For more information about American Tower LTE capabilities and DAS network solutions, please contact Harry Wolle, Director of Business Development, DAS, at harry.wolle@americantower.com.

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