CTIA - The Wireless Association® Blog - Text Messaging

CTIA Statement on Testifying Before the FCC's Distracted Driving Staff Workshop

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:25:00 -0500

Today, I issued the following statement after appearing on a panel at the FCC's Distracted Driving Staff Workshop:

"We appreciated the opportunity to discuss this important issue at the FCC.

"Over the last few months, CTIA and our members have participated in several Congressional hearings, developed a teen-focused anti-texting and driving campaign, and spoken with numerous stakeholders to discuss ways our industry can help stop distracted driving.

“I want to reiterate our support of bans on manual texting and emailing while driving. We also believe in mobile device restrictions for teen and novice drivers so they can better focus on learning how to be better drivers.

"We support technological advancements, but caution that they cannot be based on inflexible mandates that could stifle innovation. They must also be affordable and consumer-friendly.

"Finally, we will continue our focus on educating drivers of all ages about safe driving and responsible wireless use. Most recently, CTIA partnered with the National Safety Council this year to release our teen-focused ‘On the Road, Off the Phone’ campaign with a TV public service announcement and Web site.

“CTIA and our members look forward to working with the FCC as well as other policymakers and stakeholders at all levels to address the dangers of distracted driving."

For more information about the CTIA and NSC "On the Road, Off the Phone" campaign, please visit: www.onroadoffphone.org.

Driving Safety

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:28:00 -0500

Texting and driving don't mix, and CTIA supports laws that make texting while driving illegal. Learn more about the industry's safe driving positions and watch our new public service announcement aimed at helping parents to tell their teens, when you're on the road, get off the phone. To learn more watch this segment from our November installment of our Wonder of Wireless webcast, and take a few moments to see what else we have to offer in this month's WOW.

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Testimony Highlights from House Energy & Commerce Joint Subcommittee Hearing on Distracted Driving

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:29:00 -0500

Today I testified before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittees on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection and on Communications, Technology and the Internet in a joint hearing called “Driven To Distraction: Technological Devices and Vehicle Safety.”

While you can read my testimony and the statement, here are some of the key points. We believe there are three components to making safer drivers and safer roads. They are:

Legislation: The wireless industry joins Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in supporting a state and local ban on manual texting and emailing while driving. In fact, we are working with the National Conference of State Legislatures, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and other state organizations to craft model legislation that could be adopted across the country that would prohibit this activity. In addition, the industry supports restrictions on provisional or novice drivers from using their wireless devices while driving.
Technology: We support technological advancements, but caution that they cannot be based on inflexible mandates that could stifle innovation. They must also be affordable and consumer-friendly.
Education: Last, but most importantly, CTIA and the wireless industry have a longstanding commitment and support to educating all drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. For almost 10 years, the association and many of our members have independently developed educational campaigns. We’ve launched several TV and radio public service announcement (PSA) campaign on safe driving. Most recently, CTIA and the National Safety Council launched our teen-focused “On the Road, Off the Phone” campaign.

Please tell everyone you know that no one should be texting and emailing while driving. It will lead to safer drivers and safer roads for all of us.

CTIA Statement on Testifying Before House Hearing On "Addressing the Problem of Distracted Driving"

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:09:00 -0500

Today, CTIA’s Executive Vice President Bobby Franklin issued the following statement after his testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit hearing on "Addressing the Problem of Distracted Driving":

"CTIA and the wireless industry appreciated the opportunity to participate at the House hearing on this very important issue. With so many Americans relying on mobile devices as a great safety tool, it's important to remind consumers that there is an appropriate time and inappropriate time to use them.

"Legislation, technology and education are three vital components that we believe are needed to develop safer drivers and safer roads. CTIA believes that manual texting and emailing while driving are incompatible with safe driving and join Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in supporting a state and local ban on this activity. In fact, we are working with the National Conference of State Legislatures, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and other state organizations to craft model legislation that could be adopted across the country that would prohibit manual texting and emailing while driving.

"We also support technological advancements, but caution that they cannot be based on inflexible mandates that could stifle innovation. They must also be affordable and consumer-friendly.

"Finally, we are proud of our long-standing educational activities, including our recent partnership with the National Safety Council to launch a teen-focused campaign, ‘On the Road, Off the Phone.' As part of the campaign, we developed a Web site and a television public service announcement which has been viewed thousands of times since we launched last month.

"CTIA and our members look forward to continuing to work with policymakers and stakeholders at all levels to combat distracted driving."

For more information about the CTIA and NSC "On the Road, Off the Phone" campaign, please visit: www.onroadoffphone.org.

CTIA Statement on Sen. Commerce Committee Chairman Rockefeller's "Distracted Driving Act of 2009"

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:52:00 -0500

Today, I issued the following statement in response to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller's (D-WV) introduction of “Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2009” (S. 1938):

"CTIA welcomes introduction of Chairman Rockefeller’s legislation, and we look forward to working with the Chairman and his colleagues to enact a solution to the problem of distracted driving.

“We are particularly pleased that the legislation includes a significant educational component since, as Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood has noted, legislative prohibitions alone are unlikely to solve this problem. We have partnered with the National Safety Council to co-brand a public service announcement (PSA) and Web site (onroadoffphone.org) focused on educating consumers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. Having the DOT echo this message can only help as we continue to seek to inform and educate the driving public.”

Distracted Driving Summary

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:29:00 -0500

There was a lot of attention in the media about distracted driving this week.

CTIA and the National Safety Council released our teen-focused TV PSA that simply tells them, "On the Road, Off the Phone." We also unveiled our joint Web site which provides parents with tips on how to talk to their teens about the dangers of distracted driving.

Steve Largent, our President and CEO, participated in the Department of Transportation's Distracted Driving Summit panel called “Technology and Distracted Driving” on September 30th.

Then yesterday, at the conclusion of the Distracted Driving Summit, the White House issued an Executive Order and Secretary LaHood made several announcements. We concurred with their conclusion that distracted driving legislation should be developed and enforced by state and local governments.

But throughout this week (and for many years), we've stressed that while state and local legislation is a part of the solution, education is key to trying to end distracted driving.

We also agree with Secretary LaHood that personal responsibility is important and every single person needs to be aware about the serious dangers and possible consequences of texting and driving.

So if you remember nothing else from this week, remember this: please don't text and drive. Tell your kids, your parents, your family, your friends -- anyone and everyone. It's a simple message and one we hope more people follow.

CTIA Statement on the Distracted Driving Summit Closing Remarks

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:58:00 -0500

Today, I issued the following statement in response to the closing remarks by the White House and Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on distracted driving:

"The wireless industry remains committed to educating all drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. We support state and local legislation that would ban texting for all drivers and place wireless use restrictions on teens and novice drivers. We agree with Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's recommendation that distracted driving legislation should be developed and enforced by state and local governments. While state and local legislation is a part of the solution, education is key to trying to end distracted driving. We also agree with Secretary LaHood that personal responsibility is important and every single person needs to be aware about the serious dangers and possible consequences of texting and driving.

"Since we unveiled our public service announcement (PSA) on Tuesday, September 29th with the National Safety Council, we have received several inquiries from TV stations that have requested to run our PSA and we hope to receive many more. Focused on teens, the PSA tells them to simply remember, ‘On the Road, Off the Phone.'

"We also strongly encourage parents to talk to their kids about these dangers and invite them to visit our Web site at onroadoffphone.org for more information.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the National Safety Council as well as other participants from the Summit to combat distracted driving."

CTIA Statement on Panel Participation at the Distracted Driving Summit

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:59:00 -0500

This morning I issued the following statement in advance of my afternoon panel discussion called “Technology and Distracted Driving” at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Distracted Driving Summit:

“On behalf of the wireless industry, I am pleased to be a part of this inaugural discussion with experts and leaders from various industries, academia, policymakers and other influentials who gathered to learn and discuss the dangers of distracted driving.

“I am confident that the one thing all of us agree on is that education is essential to trying to end distracted driving.

“That’s why we were proud to announce our partnership with the National Safety Council and our teen-focused campaign, ‘On the Road, Off the Phone’ on Tuesday, September 29th. We encourage parents and teens to visit our Web site for more information and to view our television public service announcement (PSA).

“CTIA and our members look forward to continued discussions based on the Summit. In addition, the industry remains committed to educating adults and novice drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.”

For more information on Safe Driving, click here.

National Safety Council & CTIA Announce Campaign to Educate Teens on Distracted Driving Dangers

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:47:00 -0500

Very early this morning, the National Safety Council (NSC) and CTIA revealed their "On the Road, Off the Phone" campaign that is targeting teens and novice drivers to educate them on the dangers of distracted driving.

As part of the campaign, we've developed a television public service announcement (PSA) and a website that provides parents and teens with information to learn more about distracted driving.

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Teens and novice drivers are the most inexperienced drivers, and statistics show that they are most likely to be involved in vehicle crashes caused by distracted driving. This is also a group that relies on their wireless devices to talk and text. We believe educating them on responsible driving will make them better drivers now – and as they continue into adulthood.

We are proud to continue our relationship with NSC on this very important issue and we hope you find it useful. Tell your teens – "On the Road, Off the Phone."

CTIA Statement on DOT Secretary Ray LaHood's Texting While Driving Summit

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:44:00 -0500

I issued the following statement today on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood’s Texting While Driving Summit:

“We appreciate Secretary LaHood's approach to having a thorough and thoughtful summit with experts on texting while driving next month.

“CTIA and the wireless industry believe that when it comes to using your wireless device behind the wheel, safety is always the number one priority. We believe that texting while driving is incompatible with safe driving and support state and local statutes that ban this activity while driving. We have been working and will continue to work with state legislatures on this issue.

“In Secretary LaHood's prepared remarks released by his office, he says he would ban texting while driving. However, he acknowledges that passing a law is not enough but that education and enforcement are key to making drivers more aware of their responsibilities behind-the-wheel.

“We concur with the Secretary that education and enforcement are vital to changing behavior and will continue our long-standing efforts to educate consumers about the potential risks of distracted driving.”

For more information on texting while driving, please click here.

CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement on Texting While Driving

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:24:00 -0500

I issued the following statement today on texting while driving:

“CTIA and our member companies continue to believe text messaging while driving is incompatible with safe driving.

“We support state legislative remedies to solve this issue. But simply passing a law will not change behavior. We also need to educate new and experienced drivers on the dangers of taking their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.

“CTIA and our members have been working to educate all drivers on the dangers of distracted driving for years now and we hope that people continue to learn more.”

For more information on texting while driving, please click here.

CTIA Launches Common Short Codes Media Monitoring Process

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:23:00 -0500

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.

Competition and Consumer Choice are Hallmarks of U.S. Wireless Industry

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:42:00 -0500

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"

Wireless Lifesaver - Texting Crime Tips in Boston

Fri, 08 May 2009 13:47:00 -0500

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.