A coalition of 12 communications industry organizations, led by NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, is strongly urging the Senate Commerce Committee to advance the nomination of Danielle Thumann Severs to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
A Strong Push for a Key Role
The coalition, comprised of a dozen influential groups from across the communications, broadband, and public safety sectors, sent a letter on September 10, 2026, to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell. The letter advocates for the Committee to favorably report Thumann Severs' nomination, paving the way for a swift confirmation by the full Senate.
This unified front underscores the industry's belief in her qualifications. The coalition stated, "Few nominees bring both a command of the Commission’s institutional record and firsthand knowledge of what it takes to permit, build, and maintain a network." This emphasis on practical, on-the-ground experience highlights a desire for leadership that understands the operational realities faced by the workforce.
Experience from the Field to the Commission
Danielle Thumann Severs brings a unique blend of regulatory expertise and direct industry insight to her nomination. Her career includes two tours in the FCC Chairman's office, serving as a Legal Advisor starting in 2021 and currently as Senior Counsel. In these roles, her policy portfolio has spanned critical areas such as wireline competition, public safety, and consumer affairs.
Crucially for the telecom and construction sectors, Thumann Severs also spent time between her FCC tours leading state and local government relations for a nationwide communications infrastructure provider. This experience provided her with firsthand knowledge of the permitting, siting, and infrastructure policies that directly impact whether networks get built and maintained. The coalition's letter specifically noted her direct work with tower and fiber builders, many of which are small, family-owned firms.
Her record further highlights support for the Commission's efforts "to ensure that skilled, vetted, properly classified American crews build and maintain these networks, and that these workers are fairly compensated in line with the demands and hazards of the job." Earlier this year, NATE recognized her contributions by presenting her with the Association's 2026 Regulatory Champion of the Year Award.
Why This Matters for Telecom Workers
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Also read: FCC Rules Clarify RF Limits: Focus on Human Safety in Tower Siting · Detroit Cell Site Battle: Why Clear Easements Matter for Tower Crews
For tower climbers, crew leads, and safety managers, Thumann Severs' nomination and the industry's strong support carry significant implications. Her background suggests a deep understanding of the practical challenges and needs of the communications infrastructure workforce.
- Steady Work and Project Flow: Her experience with permitting and siting policies means a potential advocate for streamlining processes that can reduce bureaucratic hurdles. This could lead to more consistent project availability, offering more stable employment for crews and predictable workloads for contractors.
- Fair Compensation and Worker Classification: The coalition explicitly praised her support for ensuring workers are "fairly compensated in line with the demands and hazards of the job." This focus is critical for a workforce engaged in dangerous and physically demanding tasks. Policies that uphold proper worker classification and fair wages can help protect against exploitation, attract skilled talent, and improve overall morale in the field.
- Emphasis on Skilled and Vetted Crews: Her advocacy for "skilled, vetted" American crews aligns directly with the industry's need for highly competent and safety-conscious workers. For safety managers, this indicates a potential ally in promoting high standards for training and certification, ultimately contributing to safer work environments and reduced incidents. A Commissioner who understands the practical realities of permitting, building, and maintaining networks, and who champions fair compensation for skilled crews, directly impacts the daily lives and livelihoods of telecom workers.
A Commissioner who understands the practical realities of permitting, building, and maintaining networks, and who champions fair compensation for skilled crews, directly impacts the daily lives and livelihoods of telecom workers.
Building Consensus for Future Connectivity
Beyond her direct impact on the workforce, Thumann Severs is also noted for her ability to build consensus and craft "durable, bipartisan work that makes for smart and lasting communications policy." This focus on substance and results has earned her the trust of diverse groups, including civil society, consumer advocates, government officials, and companies across the communications landscape.
Her broader policy portfolio, including bridging the digital divide and expanding connectivity, means continued investment and growth in network infrastructure. These initiatives drive the demand for the skilled labor provided by tower and fiber crews, ensuring a robust pipeline of work for the foreseeable future. A stable and predictable regulatory environment, fostered by a consensus-builder, is beneficial for long-term planning and investment in the industry.
The Road Ahead
NATE President & CEO Todd Schlekeway emphasized the broad support for Thumann Severs, noting that the coalition includes groups that "do not agree on everything, but we agree on this." He stated, "The tower technicians, contractor firms, and broadband infrastructure workforce our member companies represent will benefit from having a Commissioner who understands what it takes to do this work in the field." The industry now awaits the Senate Commerce Committee's decision and the subsequent vote by the full Senate.
