David Bronston is the Special Counsel and Telecommunications Team Leader at Phillips Lytle, LLP. He has been serving on the NYSWA board of the directors for 10 out of the 11 years that he’s been a member of the organization.

This year, he’s looking forward to enhancing the connections he has with other board members and brainstorming ideas for our future. Get to know a little more about David as he shares some additional insights.

How did you get your start in wireless?

I started as a banking attorney doing loans for cable and broadcast companies and then representing cable and broadcast companies. From there, I became general counsel to New York City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT). Fiber and wireless infrastructure work (transactional, regulatory, operational) was a natural evolution for me, particularly after joining Phillips Lytle and Doug Dimitroff.

What do you see as the greatest opportunity for the wireless industry over the next few years?

5G and IoT

Smart phones are like an extension of everyone’s hand. When I’m on the subway platform it’s as if everyone is looking down at their phone (thanks mainly to Transit Wireless, a client)…and I’m sure the few who aren’t were probably thinking about it.

What do you feel is the most valuable benefit of belonging to NYSWA?

The industry contacts, the visibility, and the high profile of the organization are all key benefits. Our forums are extremely valuable, not just for education, also for the networking opportunities. While the SUNY Scholarship program that NYSWA sponsors is not a benefit to members per se, it’s something I’m very proud of and it will help create new talent for the industry.

As our industry looks to the next generation of leaders, what would you share with someone just starting their career in wireless?

Network. Network. Network. (no pun intended)

That, and stay curious.

What is your passion? What gets you out of bed every day?
Every day is different for me, and with that comes a new motivation depending on what I’m currently doing at work. It keeps things interesting and exciting. Maybe not as exciting as climbing a tower but I’m happy being earthbound!

What is something about you that most people are surprised to learn?

I’m an Adirondack 46er, meaning I’ve climbed all 46 mountains that are over 4000 feet in the Adirondack mountain range.

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

I’ve got two. First, find the right form to use for what you’re drafting! Second, learn from failure, it’s a great teacher. If you’re not failing at some point, then you’re not really in the arena.