Author: National
Aerial Lineman: Masters and Guardians of Telecommunications and the Grid – Part I
When you first hear the term “aerial lineman,” it is easy to only think about those people who scale power poles and are dealing directly with electricity. However, it is important to point out that the telecommunications aerial lineman, plays a vital role in keeping the United States connected.
Both these types of lineman scale heights and defy gravity to install, repair and maintain overhead utilities. This blog will provide an in-depth exploration of the world of both of these types of aerial lineman, as we shed light on what they do, how they are trained, what challenges they face and why this profession holds immense value as a rewarding career path.
Evers, Baldwin announce $140 million in federal money to be used for expanding internet access
Gov. Tony Evers and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin announced the U.S. Department of Treasury approved the use of $140 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to increase internet access and affordability across the state.
The money, announced Thursday, will be used to fund two new grant programs. Expanding internet access has been a key initiative of Evers’ administration, with many rural parts of the state lacking access to high speed internet. Since 2019, state programs have brought or expanded internet to 395,000 homes and businesses.
Telecommunications Technician: Officially Recognized by Dept. of Labor
The Fiber Optic Association (FOA) announced that it received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to designate Telecommunications Technician as its own job category in the FOA’s July newsletter. This designation will take effect in early September.
Previously, communications workers – including National OnDemand fiber-optic installers and techs – have been grouped along with electrical line workers in BLS statistics.
Every state is about to dole out federal funding for broadband internet – not every state is ready for the task
When the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed in late 2021, it included US$42.5 billion for broadband internet access as part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The program aims to ensure that broadband access is available throughout the country. This effort differs from previous federal broadband programs because it promised to allocate the funding to individual states and allow them to figure out the best way to distribute it.
National OnDemand set to deliver free livestream of Burlington, N.C. Christmas Parade
BURLINGTON, N.C. – National OnDemand announced today that it plans to offer a free online stream of the annual Burlington, N.C. Christmas Parade. The stream will be available starting at 10 a.m. EDT, November 18, 2023, at https://live.nationalondemand.com.
Embracing Fall Weather: 18 Ways To Stay Safe While Working Outside
Autumn, with its vibrant foliage and crisp air, brings a refreshing change of scenery for outdoor workers. However, the shift in weather conditions necessitates a thoughtful approach to safety. There are numerous ways to ensure a secure working environment outdoors during the fall.
National OnDemand, Inc. and its managers track weather conditions closely and communicate with employees to help ensure that they are dressing properly and have the right tools and equipment to work outdoors when fall weather arrives.
8 details that the power of Broadband Internet Reduces Latency
Broadband Internet has revolutionized how we live, work, and play. With every passing year, users expect faster speeds and a smoother online experience.
However, while much attention has been given to improving download and upload speeds, there is another critical component to our online experiences that often gets overshadowed: latency.
September Photo of the Month
Congrats to Kraig Jarrell, who just won $50 for sending in this work photo from the dropbox link listed below. Next month, this could be you! What are we looking for? We need you to send in photos of your work: in the office, in the field, before & afters, pics of you and your… Continue reading September Photo of the Month
National OnDemand makes Triad Business Journal’s Fast 50 list
National OnDemand, Inc. has been recognized by the Triad Business Journal as one of the Triad’s 50 fastest growing companies. To be considered, companies must be for-profit with their U.S. headquarters based in the Triad. They must have completed three full fiscal years and had $2 million or more in revenue in 2014. The companies were ranked using a formula that considers both dollar and percentage growth.
National’s Dowell helps rescue 2-year-old child lost in Kentucky woods
SOMERSET, Ky. – National OnDemand’s Kyle Dowell was attending a Fourth of July celebration at the White Lily Fire Department where he is a volunteer, but the Saturday evening of July 1 soon turned into a search for a missing 2-year-old long before any fireworks lit up the night sky.
The call came around 9 p.m. that 2-year-old Beren Cook had been missing for about an hour, setting off a missing juvenile search that involved around 50 first responders from Pulaski County in a 9-acre area behind the boy’s home.
National OnDemand predicts growth with announcement of Federal BEAD program
BURLINGTON, N.C. – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced it has allocated funding for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories to deploy affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service to everyone in America. This “Internet for All” initiative is a key piece of the “Investing in America” agenda.
10 Summer Heat Safety Tips for Staying Cool and Safe in the United States
As the summer heat sets in, many workers across the United States, like those at National OnDemand, find themselves navigating scorching temperatures and potential health risks. Whether working outdoors or even in a hot indoor environment, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being using workplace heat precautions. We want to offer you some tips and suggestions to help you stay safe while also doing your job effectively. Our goal is to help you stay safe while working in hot weather using simple summer safety precautions. Practicing outdoor work safety is important
Cable Installation Technician Makes ‘Recession-proof’ list
The hottest jobs in 2022 saw double-digit increases in wages, with some topping 14-30 percent wage growth, according to research from Payscale.com. These findings led to Payscale labeling these jobs as “recession-proof” because employers are spending more resources and money to fill these roles due to a void and increased competition. Among that list is a cable installation technician.
Digital Divide: The Best Advice You Could Ever Get
It might be hard to believe it, but the United States has a problem throughout rural households and areas when it comes to high-speed internet connectivity and the digital divide.
Live Well, Work Well: Nutrient & Health
Increasing Your Nutrient AbsorptionWith Food Pairings March is recognized as National Nutrition Month, making it a great time to evaluate the food and beverages you’re putting into your body. Did you know that some nutrients aren’t optimally absorbed if you eat them on their own? Instead, they need to be paired with other nutrients for… Continue reading Live Well, Work Well: Nutrient & Health
March Safety Message
March is a transitional time in many areas of the country. While some enjoy a warm-up, others are still dealing with wintery weather. Wherever you are, March has two safety messages that I want to share. Message Number One: March is Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month. That is why I want to take this opportunity… Continue reading March Safety Message
February Photo Contest
Congratulations to Michael Crabb for sharing the winning photo, and as a reward, he will receive a check for $50.00. Thank you to all those who submitted entries last month.
Culture Corner: The Stress of Communication
It’s a fact that good communication is key in any relationship – personal or professional, it’s also important to understand one outside factor that can have a major impact on the way we give and receive information – STRESS. That’s why it’s important to identify the issue, because if we don’t factor it in, it can ultimately lead to misunderstandings.
Culture Corner: Manifesting Your Future
What do you want to accomplish in 2023? Personal and professional development is an important part of our individual growth, but if we’re not intentional about making it happen, opportunities (big and small) might pass us by. It’s okay if you don’t have goals or a plan in place today, but take the action needed so you start building that plan for tomorrow.
January Photo Contest
Congratulations to Gerry for sharing the winning photo, and as a reward, he will receive a check for $50.00. Thank you to all those who submitted entries last month.
Separating Safety
Based on history, this dichotomous thinking about safety versus productivity is already prevalent and doesn’t require much effort to perpetuate it. For decades, workers in many industries were encouraged to get the job done at any cost. That mindset is still present in many older workers and labor-intensive industries. Promotions and raises were based on productivity, not safety. Safety only got consideration if it took the worker out of the workplace. Being excellent at safety might have had personal advantages, but the organization did not reward it. Workers were viewed as replicable cogs in the organizational gears and not as valuable assets.
December PHOTO CONTEST WINNER
Photo Contest Extended to 2023! Thanks to all of you who submitted photos for the 2022 photo contest. We awarded hundreds of dollars in prizes, and we will continue the contest into the year 2023, with one major change: Starting in January, all photos shared through Yammer are automatically entered into the monthly contest. The old dropbox… Continue reading December PHOTO CONTEST WINNER
LIVE WELL, WORK WELL: National Blood Donor Month & Starting a Realistic Exercise Routine
Don’t Forget; It’s National Blood Donor Month Winter is one of the most challenging times of the year to collect enough blood products and donations to meet patient needs. That’s why National Blood Donor Month is celebrated every January.This year’s national health observance comes as the nation’s blood supply has dropped to concerning levels and… Continue reading LIVE WELL, WORK WELL: National Blood Donor Month & Starting a Realistic Exercise Routine
Culture Corner: Adapting to Change
Change is Inevitable, Growth is OptionalHow do you react when there’s change? How do those around you react? One thing is certain, change affects everyone differently.Some find change difficult, it’s scary and can be paralyzing, others are uneasy about it but can work through it, while another group may see change as a challenge and… Continue reading Culture Corner: Adapting to Change
November Photo Contest Winner
After consistently uploading great pictures throughout our monthly photo contests, Sharon Fullerwinder won this month’s contest and $50 for her submission! Thank you to all those who submitted. Keep those entries for this month’s photo contest coming in for a chance to win the next $50 prize, the last of 2022!
Culture Corner: Deliver Results through Others
There’s a saying, “many hands make light work,” it’s a proverb that dates back to medieval times and the meaning still holds true today- working TOGETHER to reach a goal or compete a task, is easier than going it alone While we know this is true, too often we try to do it all ourselves… Continue reading Culture Corner: Deliver Results through Others
2022 Halloween Contest Winners
The annual National OnDemand Halloween costume contest was a spook-tacular success. We had some of the best costume submissions we’ve seen in this contest’s history! The race was so close, we left it up to you to judge. Samantha Scott and Amy Weems tied for first place! Samantha drew fear and cheers alike with her… Continue reading 2022 Halloween Contest Winners
National OnDemand to Host live stream of Burlington, North Carolina Christmas Parade
National OnDemand announced today that it plans to offer a free online stream of the annual Burlington, N.C. Christmas Parade. The stream will be available starting at 10:00 a.m. EDT, November 19, 2022 on National OnDemand’s YouTube channel.
Rapid Expansion in Chase City, VA for National OnDemand
National OnDemand announced today that it has opened an office in Mecklenburg County, V.A. The office space will be used as a central location for operations related to fiber construction for rural areas of southern Virginia.
Broadband Networks Accelerate Internet Speeds and Quality of Life
Various issues in rural communities are finally being addressed thanks to high speed internet. Telehealth services offer solutions to people unable to get to a doctor’s office to see a professional, as well as getting their prescription drugs delivered if they don’t have a pharmacy. Educational resources empower people to accelerate their careers or simply better understand ongoing issues such as upcoming elections.