Over the past few weeks, we took the time to sit down with the NYSWA board of directors to learn a little more about what drives them. We asked about their commitment to the industry, what they see as the biggest opportunity for the future, and what gets them out of bed each day.

It’s only fitting we start with the current NYSWA President, Paul Fettuccia. Take a moment to hear what Paul has to say about the strength of the industry and why he feels his involvement with NYSWA helped to advance his career.

How long have you been a member of NYSWA?

I have been a member almost since the organization’s inception in 2007 and have been serving on the board of directors for the past 15 years.

Why wireless? What brought you to the industry?

I have been a telecommunication industry professional for over 40 years. What brought me here? Technological innovation, the industry’s impact on society, career opportunities, and financial benefits.

You see, the wireless industry is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries of what is possible. Wireless technology has transformed the way people communicate, work, and live. For people like me who are passionate about tech and innovation, it’s an incredibly exciting and rewarding field. The career opportunities are endless, from engineering and design to sales and marketing…really any professional can find a home in telecom. And, with endless paths to explore, as well as competitive salaries and benefits, it’s easy to see why so many make a lifelong career in telecommunications.

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

There are several great opportunities for wireless over the next few years. As the technology evolves and user adoption increases, the industry will need to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve. These are just a few areas I see rising to the top.

· 5G – The rollout of 5G is already underway and the increased speed, capacity and reliability of these networks will enable a range of new applications and services, such as smart cities, connected vehicles, and virtual and augmented reality.

· IoT – The Internet of Things trend is really growing. And as more devices become connected, the demand for wireless connectivity will only increase. The outcome of that will see the wireless industry playing a key role in developing infrastructure and technologies to support this growth.

· Edge Computing – As more data is generated and processed at the edge of the network, there is need for faster and more efficient wireless connectivity, pushing our industry to play a key role in developing new technologies and standards for Edge Computing.

· Cyber – With the growing importance of wireless networks and the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, there is a need for more robust cybersecurity measures. The wireless industry stands to play a key role in developing and implementing these measures to protect users and data.

What are you most looking forward to contributing in your role as a NYSWA board member this year?

As the current president, I see myself driving the vision of the organization. This includes strategy as well. Personally, I am very interested in driving workforce development and ushering in the next generation of employees to the industry.

How has your involvement with NYSWA impacted your career? What would you share with others on how getting involved can affect their success?

Being involved with NYSWA has given me opportunities to meet and connect with other professionals in the field. It helped me establish credibility as I was growing in the industry and demonstrated my commitment to the profession. For people who are on the fence with joining, or are minimally active, I would stress how important participation is to building relationships and staying current on research, industry news, trends and development. Perhaps the most important takeaway is the value membership offers when it’s time to advance your career either within your company or as you seek new opportunities.

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

Never stop learning. Continuously educate yourself. It’s the most important piece of professional advice I’ve received in my career and something I share with everyone serious about taking the next step. That and never burn a bridge with anyone you work with or for.

What is your passion? What gets you out of bed every day?

I love solving problems, helping others, and meeting new people.

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

I had a much older brother who was unfortunately killed in Vietnam in 1968.