Wireless Picture Getting a National Frame?

Last week, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) officially embraced a national framework for wireless.  There are some differences and undoubtedly some challenges still ahead, but we see this as a great start toward putting consumers in an even better position than they are today with the wireless services they love to use.

The NCSL 21st Century Communications Policy Statement calls for a national regulatory framework for wireless with enforcement done by the state Attorneys General. The NARUC Resolution Concerning the Communications Policy Statement supports a national framework for wireless carriers. However, some might interpret it as allowing states to go beyond an established framework. The NARUC Policy Statement also recommends a joint conference to develop a framework that the wireless industry and a consumer advocate, and for that framework to be adopted on the federal level. 

CTIA fully supports a national framework with effective state enforcement, and we think it's encouraging that both organizations recognize the need for regulatory consistency and uniformity. One set of rules, across the board that everyone has to 'play' by, makes sense and ultimately provides consumers with the best deal possible when it comes to wireless.

A national framework will be successful only if states don't use their authority to create additional rules or enforcement regimes that conflict or contradict nationally unified rules and practices. The multi-state approach to regulation that currently exists doesn't serve consumers', nor the industry's, best interests. 

I want to commend both NCSL and NARUC for their leadership and recognize that their support of a national framework brings consumers one step closer to consistent standards that keep the cost of wireless service low and innovation high.