WIA Selected as Industry Intermediary for Ohio State University’s Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership with the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) today announced alongside Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted and representatives from the Ohio State University (Ohio State) that it has been selected to serve as the Industry Intermediary for Ohio’s Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership (Partnership). In this role, WIA will work in collaboration with Ohio State to lead the Partnership, which is funded by a grant awarded to the University by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

As the Industry Intermediary, WIA will work with Ohio State to create industry-focused curriculum on broadband and 5G technologies, consult with industry and serve as a liaison to provide insights on the skills gap for broadband, and assist with educational and workforce development programs from planning through execution phases.

“We are excited to take part in this cutting-edge partnership with Ohio State University to help strengthen Ohio’s broadband and 5G workforce,” said WIA EVP Tim House. “WIA’s Telecommunications Education Center is the premier program developing and delivering curriculum and training to prepare the workforce to meet the demand of 5G. I’d like to thank Ohio State University for the opportunity to support them with our expertise in this critical initiative. I’d also like to thank Lt. Governor Jon Husted for his leadership in building the workforce of the future in Ohio. The investments being made through his Office of Workforce Transformation to build a workforce capable of deploying broadband and next generation network technology is a model for the nation—and I look forward to seeing it replicated in other states.”

“The Sector Partnership is the first step in achieving the goals set by Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted in the Strengthening Ohio’s Broadband and 5G Workforce strategic plan,” said WIA CTO Dr. Rikin Thakker. “I would like to thank Ohio State University and Lt. Governor Husted for the opportunity to partner with them in this important endeavor. WIA is uniquely suited to provide the guidance and insights from an industry perspective to develop curriculum and deliver programs that will address workforce shortages and improve skills gaps in Ohio’s broadband workforce. Building a workforce capable of deploying broadband and 5G technology is crucial for Ohio’s economy, and this initiative will help do this by preparing Ohioans for good-paying jobs in telecommunications.”

“The Wireless Infrastructure Association has been a strong partner in our efforts to ensure Ohio has a skilled workforce for deploying critical telecommunications infrastructure,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Industry input is essential to the Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership as they work to prepare Ohioans for these in-demand jobs.”

“We look forward to partnering with WIA and developing a robust and inclusive Sector Partnership that advances Ohio’s workforce in this space both broadly and innovatively,” said Dr. Anish Arora, Chair and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Ohio State. “Our joint steps over the next couple of years will set the stage for sustained workforce development initiatives. These will range from implementing awareness programs to developing an immediately employable workforce as well as training the next generation of technical leaders and executives.”

About WIA: 

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) represents the businesses that build, develop, own, and operate the nation’s wireless infrastructure. WIA advocates for the widespread, responsible deployment of wireless infrastructure to enable mobile broadband for communities everywhere. 

Media Contact: Marshall Miller | 717-951-0795 | marshall.miller@wia.org