December 30, 2021 | Brought to you by WIA | Preview in Browser About Resources Connect (X) As the year comes to a close, WIA would like to wish our members and fellow professionals in the wireless industry a safe and happy holiday season. Once again, our industry has persevered during the past 12 months and as we look forward with hope for the new year, we also reflect on the milestones and industry achievements of 2021. This week, we bring you part two of a look back at the top WIA content from the past year. Our regular publication will resume Thursday, Jan. 6. All the best to you from WIA! Smart Cities Caucus focuses on mobility, connectivity, sustainability and workforce The 117th Congressional Smart Cities Caucus is built on the four pillars of mobility, connectivity, sustainability and workforce. Each one of these pillars must be a central piece in the smart revolution as communities try to harness smart technology to improve life for their residents. Read More WIA legislative alert: Wireless included in bipartisan infrastructure bill After a successful lobbying effort, WIA is pleased to report that the Senate included wireless for funding eligibility in its landmark infrastructure bill. By a bipartisan vote of 69-30, the Senate-approved bill will provide $65 billion for broadband deployment and access. Read More Report finds differing levels of readiness among states for broadband grant funds In a new report commissioned by WIA, Tilson analyzes all U.S. state preparations to implement unprecedented broadband infrastructure funding, finding vastly differing levels of readiness and widely varying approaches. Read More WIA celebrates the innovations and inventors that drive the wireless industry The wireless industry, by its nature, is characterized by innovation and a spirit of outside-the-box thinking. The industry is full of examples of all kinds of people identifying a challenge and solving it with creativity, smarts and perseverance. Read More 2021: The wireless infrastructure industry looks ahead At the beginning of 2021, thought leaders from WIA and HetNet Forum members reflected on how the events of 2020 shaped the wireless industry and what they expected in the year to come. Read More Highlights from Connect (X) 2021 in Orlando WIA wrapped up its 2021 Connect (X) show in Orlando after three days packed with informative keynotes and sessions, exciting exhibits and plenty of opportunities for networking. Read More  WWLF’s Amanda Cahill looks forward to expanding mentorship and engagement Mentorships and engagement will be key focuses for the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) during the next two years under the direction of newly elected WWLF President Amanda Cahill. Read More WIA launches 5G readiness program for Ohio’s broadband workforce WIA joined Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted to announce its partnership with Youngstown State University and Ashland University to launch a groundbreaking telecom training program. Read More Sponsored Content Meet Scott Thompson: Battling for the wireless infrastructure industry Making a major career move in the middle of a global pandemic is not for the faint of heart. But that’s exactly what telecom attorney Scott Thompson decided to do last July. Read More Department of Labor approves small cell apprenticeship The Department of Labor approved the Small Cell Technician as a nationally recognized occupation through WIA’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP). Read More ICYMI • WIA congratulates Alan Davidson on the advancement of his nomination as head of NTIA • Report finds vastly different levels of readiness among states for federal broadband grant funds • WIA statement on new FAA 5G directives • Employers should lever registered apprenticeship to ensure underserved Americans benefit from 5G revolution Upcoming Events • Mobile World Congress, February 28-March 3, Barcelona • South Wireless Summit, March 28-30, Nashville • Wireless West, April 26-28, 2022, San Diego • Connect (X), May 23-26, 2022, Denver Training & Education Center • DAS & Small Cell Systems eLearning • Macro Site Fundamentals eLearning    This newsletter is brought to you by the Wireless Infrastructure Association. Click here to subscribe. For information or association membership, email membership@wia.org To advertise, email Ashley.Jackson@wia.org or Jan.Smith@wia.org. For information on Connect (X) email Hayley.Dodds@wia.org For information on Training and Education, email Emily.Swain@wia.org Click here to see past issues.