Media Contact: 
Ben Arden, (202) 418-0288
Benjamin.Arden@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

Carr Recognizes Veteran and Tower Climber Jessica Reich with ‘5G Ready’ Hard Hat Presentation

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2020—America’s tower techs do the tough work needed to build out 5G and other next-gen infrastructure in communities across the country.  They are the reason the U.S. continues to lead the world in wireless.  Right now, millions of Americans are relying more than ever before on the Internet infrastructure that our nation’s tower crews build and maintain because so many of us are working from home, helping our kids with distance learning, or accessing telehealth while we stay at home during this COVID-19 pandemic.

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has been recognizing the contributions of America’s hard-working tower techs through a series of 5G Ready Hard Hat presentations.  Carr’s first recognition, to Shama Ray, a tower climber and volunteer for a non-profit that expands opportunities for women in the wireless industry, is available here.  His second, to Brandon Foster and Ammon Snyder, which recognizes their professionalism and dedication to training the next generation of tower techs, is available here.

Today marks the annual Tower Technician Appreciation Day, so Commissioner Carr is releasing his next ‘5G Ready’ Hat Hard presentation to veteran and tower climber Jessica Reich.  Carr had the opportunity to climb with Ms. Reich in February when he attended a tower industry conference.  The presentation, filmed earlier this year, is available here.

“America’s tower climbers are the best of the best,” Commissioner Carr stated.  “And Jessica exemplifies everything about the skill, dedication, and professionalism that it takes to get the job done.  Many Americans might assume that their smartphones and connected devices run on magic or pixie dust, but it is the hard work of America’s tower crews and telecom techs that enable our world-leading connectivity,” Carr continued.

“Jessica stands out among the talented techs that work in America’s tower industry,” Carr added. “She is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Reserves, including a year in Afghanistan.  She’s a former professional violinist, firefighter, EMT, teacher, and small business owner.  She has climbed over 1,000 feet to work on communications towers.  And I had the chance to see first-hand the expertise she brings to the job on a climb earlier this year.  I am proud to recognize her achievements with this 5G Ready Hard Hat Presentation,” Carr stated.

###

Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr