CTIA-The Wireless Association statement after the FCC's April open meeting

WASHINGTON, USA: After the FCC's April Open Meeting, CTIA-The Wireless Association's President and CEO Steve Largent released the following statement on the Innovation in the Television Bands Report and Order:

"The adoption of the Innovation in the Television Bands Report and Order by the FCC marks another important step to freeing up valuable spectrum so the US wireless industry may meet Americans' demand for mobile broadband services. By allowing broadcasters to share channels, the FCC is making TV spectrum license holders more efficient users of this finite resource. In turn, consumers will benefit as wireless providers will have an opportunity to purchase the repacked spectrum for billions at auction."

In response to today's (last Friday) action by the FCC on Universal Service Fund, CTIA-The Wireless Association's assistant VP of Regulatory Affairs, Scott Bergmann, said: "Today, the FCC began the process of reforming the way it collects money for the Universal Service Fund. Program costs are projected to be approximately $9 billion this year alone, so it's important the burden of paying for it is distributed fairly. Right now, roughly 44 percent of the contribution burden falls on wireless providers and their customers. CTIA remains committed to working with the Commission to craft a revised USF contribution system that is fair, simple and efficient."

CTIA-The Wireless Association 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, D.C.