CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement on Chairman Genachowski’s Wireless Broadband Announcements as Part of the National Broadband Plan

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, CTIA-The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent issued the following statement after FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s speech announcing several wireless initiatives as part of the National Broadband Plan:  

“CTIA and the wireless industry thank Chairman Genachowski, Blair Levin, and the Broadband team for working tirelessly on the National Broadband Plan that recognizes the important role of wireless broadband for our country and its economy.  They were given the difficult task of providing a road map to ensure all Americans – regardless of location, income, or education level – are able to access the Internet, and we were pleased to be able to assist with their efforts as it appears they are on target. 

“Today’s announcements on spectrum are essential to the wireless industry’s ability to continue to provide and expand Americans’ access to broadband anywhere and anytime.  By proposing to free up 500 MHz of new spectrum for mobile broadband use, Chairman Genachowski has taken a tremendous step toward maintaining our worldwide mobile ecosystem leadership.  His recognition of the importance of reducing red tape and barriers to investment is also critical for the continued success of the wireless industry.

“As we have said many times before, spectrum is our industry’s backbone that fuels the ‘virtuous cycle’ of innovation for consumers and other industries such as mHealth, smart grids, and mLearning.  With more than 276 million subscribers, wireless technology is truly the great Internet-enabled equalizer.  We are pleased that Chairman Genachowski has joined CTIA and the wireless industry in recognizing the looming spectrum crisis.  We remain committed to working with policy makers and other stake holders to identify additional spectrum – as soon as possible – for reallocation to meet the needs of the U.S. wireless ecosystem. 

"This announcement by the Chairman shows that he is committed to making sure the FCC is doing everything it can to help the American economy recover by creating jobs, spurring innovation, and stimulating economic growth and investment."

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CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry’s voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry’s leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, DC.