I just finished interviewing Ernie Carey, SVP Engineering & Construction, AT&T.  And while, I wish I could share the great things I learned with him in this issue, I have to wait until our team does its magic with the 2+ hours of tape that must be transcribed, edited, proofed, approved, etc. That means you won’t learn his insights about everything under the OSP sun until our September issue.

Still, I can let a bit of our conversation slip out now. The topic was one that’s near and dear to my heart. You guessed it: the constantly changing definition of the outside plant (OSP).

Wait -- don’t flip the page just yet. This topic may be important to me -- but it should be even MORE important to you. Why? Quite simply, that very definition can help you determine where your future career potential lies.

Let me explain further. During our several hours together, I asked Ernie whether he believes that wireless falls within the coverage area of OSP® magazine. I explained that some readers or observers argue that education about wireless networks is outside of OSP magazine’s scope and mission.  They may even argue that the professionals who work with the wired infrastructure are an entirely different group than those who work with the wireless network.

A grin came across Ernie’s face as he offered a clear rebuttal to this fallacy. 
“Let me tell you a dirty little secret that no one wants to admit.  Most things wireless are not really wireless. Without the wired network, there would be no wireless.”

Even better, he described how one of his greatest challenges is melding groups that were once very separate (wireless engineering & construction folks, and wired engineering & construction folks) into ONE highly functioning company:  ONE AT&T. (You can read more of his insights about this topic in the September issue of OSP magazine.)

I was so happy to hear his definitive take on this topic, I almost jumped out of my chair. “Yes! Yes!” I exclaimed. “So, why are there some out there who don’t yet believe that reality?”

I wanted him to say, “Because they are wrong.” He didn’t. Instead, he applied some of his managing expertise to our discussion by quickly placing the onus right back in me. He tipped his head and said, “Well, why don’t you write about that?”

“May I quote you?” I asked.

“Of course,” he replied.

There you have it. Straight from the executive’s mouth. The next time you think the OSP is just about the wired network, read Ernie’s take on the dirty little secret. From my vantage point, it’s something I’d love to shout from our building’s rooftop. Why? Because I want you to live and learn it so you can make your professional future a secure prospect instead of a hope for survival.

Secure your future by learning all about the wireless end of the OSP. Here. In your HOW-TO make-it-work place.

What’s your take on this subject? Leave a comment and get the conversation going.

Listen to more of Ernie Carey’s thoughts at OSP EXPO® 2010.

Ernie Carey (Senior Vice President – Construction & Engineering, AT&T) will be the keynote presenter on October 13, 2010.

Register for Free online at www.ospmag.com/expo.
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