With more than 270 million wireless subscribers in America, it comes as no surprise that companies are increasingly using common short codes (CSC) in their marketing and branding strategies. CSCs allow anyone, including media, entertainment, consumer packaged goods, advertising or technology companies to connect mobile users with their goods and services using interactive applications never before available in the wireless industry.

In a press release issued last Monday, we announced the launch of a new media monitoring process to validate that the promotional materials used to market short code campaigns comply with the industry’s Consumer Best Practices. 

The addition of media monitoring has expanded the capabilities of the wireless industry's "CSC Auditing and Monitoring Initiative" to provide consumers with greater protection from entities that are non-compliant. This new process will capture the promotional campaign information that is offered in print, online, radio and television advertisements.

So, what does this mean for consumers? The new media monitoring process will enable consumers to engage more confidently in programs by knowing that there are standards in place and mechanisms designed to provide greater oversight and prevent unscrupulous behavior. 

For more information on common short codes and the new media monitoring process, click here.

To view the wireless industry’s Consumer Best Practices, click here. 

This afternoon, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights held a hearing on “Cell Phone Text Messaging Rate Increases and the State of Competition in the Wireless Market.” Here is the statement I issued in response to today’s hearing:

     "The U.S. wireless industry is the most competitive and innovative in the world. Third party   
      organizations and influentials -- from Consumer Reports Magazine to Former Vice
      President Al Gore -- have echoed this statement. 
 
     "In CTIA's 2008 year-end survey, we found that 270.3 million subscribers sent more than 1
     trillion text messages -- or about 3.5 billion per day. This is a significant increase to 2007
     when 255.4 million subscribers sent 363 billion text messages. 

     "These statistics prove that consumers are increasingly relying on texting as a form of
     communications. It is quick, easy and affordable. Carriers offer consumers a multitude of
     text messaging options and we encourage individuals to work with their provider to ensure
     they're on the best plan. 
 
     "Merrill Lynch recently released their study which found that the U.S. is the least
     concentrated and most competitive market out of the 26 Organization for Economic Co-
     Operation and Development (OECD) countries reviewed. In 23 of the 26 OECD countries,
     the top four carriers own 100% of the market. The U.S. is one of only three OECD countries
     with more than four carriers but the only one whose top four carriers represent 86% of the
     market.  
 
     "With wireless companies constantly entering new markets and competing for customers,
      it's clear that the U.S. consumer is the ultimate winner from this fiercely competitive
     industry."

To learn more on how the wireless industry is the most competitive and innovative in the world please take a look at "The Facts About the Wireless Industry: An Independent Review" 

The Boston Police Department explains how citizens there can text anonymous tips to the police to help solve crime. By texting to the BPD, citizens can report suspicious behavior and keep the city safer with quick response times  and critically important and specific information. To learn more watch this segment from our May installment of our Wonder of Wireless webcast, and take a few moments to see what else we have to offer in our May WOW.

This morning I had the privilege of participating in an Internet Safety Briefing at the National Press Club here in D.C.  Hosted by our friends at the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Crime Prevention Council, the purpose of this event was to talk about the new threat of cyberbullying that so many kids in America face today. 

Most of you parents out there can attest to the fact that cell phones are becoming a must-have accessory for children, tweens, and teens.  According to the Yankee Group, 72% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 have wireless devices.  While cell phones can be an incredible safety tool to help save lives and stop crime, unfortunately some people, such as cyberbullies, choose to use the technology in a negative way.  With Internet on-the-go and in the palm of their hand, cyberbullies are now using cell phones as another weapon to embarrass and unnerve other kids. 

As a father of four and grandfather of two, the issue of child safety hits very close to home.  I deeply understand the desire every parent has to protect their sons and daughters from threats like cyberbullying.  As more and more of America’s youth are using wireless devices, I’m pleased that the wireless industry has stepped up to the plate to provide parents with the tools they need to encourage responsible and safe use of cell phones. 

One of these tools is the “Get Wise About Wireless” program, which was created by The Wireless Foundation in partnership with ConnectSafely.org and the Weekly Reader Corporation to help educate and equip students and their families with informative tips and tools on how they can help their students stay safe and defeat digital bullies. 

Each year, “Get Wise About Wireless” program materials, including a student mini-magazine, teacher’s guide, and parent take-home pamphlet, are distributed to thousands of schools across the country as a free public service.  More information about this program and complimentary electronic copies of the curriculum are available on our website.  

I think as parents it's our responsibility to become educated on what reasonable steps we can take to keep our children safe. Wireless technology is a wonderful tool for all of us, and it can be even more useful and valuable for our young people as new opportunities become available. But, we have to make the environment as safe as possible, and I'm proud the industry is meeting that important obligation.

I don't think it's a stretch at all to say that cell phones are one of the greatest personal safety devices ever invented. Ever! About 290,000 wireless calls are made to 911 every day, and last night The Wireless Foundation's annual Achievement Awards Dinner held at Union Station here in Washington honored everyday citizens for the life-saving steps they took with their wireless devices, and two federal policymakers for the great work they do on behalf of 250-plus million wireless subscribers and the industry. 

Each year, this prestigious evening brings together wireless industry leaders, Members of Congress, FCC leadership and key Hill staff , and we all step back from our policy battles to recognize the technology for the great safety tool that it is. Nine people were recognized as VITA Wireless Samaritans, and U.S. Representatives Bart Gordon (D-TN,6) and John Shimkus (R-IL,19) were each honored with the Wireless Achievement Award for their continual contributions to the wireless industry. 

Check out video highlights and photos from the event, including the Wireless Achievement Award presentations and interviews with VITA awardees, Lauren Durnbaugh and Superintendent Bruce Holloway representing the Boston Police Department, as they share their incredible stories.