CTIA - The Wireless Association® Blog - Steve Largent

CTIA Statement on the FCC's Approval of a "Shot Clock" for Tower Siting

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:52:00 -0500

Today, I issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve a "shot clock" for tower siting applications:

"On behalf of CTIA and the wireless industry, I would like to thank the Commission for moving ahead with this item. The Chairman's leadership and the efforts of the other Commissioners have given us a foundation for our continued deployment of wireless broadband.

"Tower siting is a vital piece of our industry. It enables mobile services, including voice and broadband, for consumers, public safety, and businesses. Both Congress and the Supreme Court recognized the importance of taking concrete steps to ensure that the zoning process does not become a barrier to the reasonable deployment of, and competition among, diverse wireless networks.

"In early October at our International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment Show, the Chairman declared his support for CTIA’s request for a tower siting 'shot clock' that would require state and local zoning authorities to act within a reasonable, fixed timeframe on wireless tower siting requests. Fast forward to today's meeting when the Commission provided much-needed certainty to the process by setting a reasonable review period and clarifying that a zoning authority may not deny an application filed by one provider based on the presence of another wireless provider in the area. We sincerely appreciate the Commission and the Chairman for quickly acting to fulfill this promise.

"CTIA and the wireless industry look forward to continuing to work with the Commission, state and local zoning authorities and others involved in tower siting to provide more Americans with the most advanced wireless services and technology on the planet."

CTIA Statement on Today's Universal Service Fund Hearing

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:11:00 -0500

Today, I issued the following statement after the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet's hearing on the "Universal Service Reform Act of 2009." The bill is sponsored by Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Representative Lee Terry (R-NE):

"CTIA welcomes the effort by Chairman Boucher and Congressman Terry to reform the way that universal service funds are collected and distributed. As this bill moves forward, we urge Congress to work toward competitively neutral reforms that target support to where it is truly needed."

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 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.”

CTIA Statement on the FCC's NPRM on Net Neutrality

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:03:00 -0500

I issued the following statement today in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on net neutrality:

“We are pleased that Chairman Genachowski and the Commission acknowledge that ‘wireless is different,’ and that as part of the NPRM, the Commission will investigate ‘how, when, and to what extent’ the rules should apply to the mobile wireless broadband platform.

“We agree wireless is different, and believe that whatever the case may be for applying rules to other platforms, applying these rules to mobile wireless broadband services during a period of dynamic innovation and change in the wireless ecosystem could have significant unintended consequences. Consumers benefit when innovation can occur BOTH at the edge and in the network. Rules that could impact the ecosystem from continuing to evolve, such as the ability of wireless carriers, device makers, and applications developers to optimize their devices, applications, and networks to work together will stifle innovation and harm consumers.

“Further, the imposition of net neutrality rules will degrade the value of unencumbered licenses purchased in the most recent auctions and threaten the integrity of the auction process. The FCC considered ‘openness’ requirements in the 700 MHz auction and chose to apply those requirements to a single block of spectrum. To extend that requirement, and more, now would raise serious legal issues and threaten the integrity of future auctions.

“We appreciate the extended comment period established by the Commission and its commitment to improving its understanding of the complex process of managing networks. Our member companies work every day to provide customers with a positive mobile broadband experience. We look forward to working with the Chairman and the Commission to ensure that Commission policies do not unintentionally harm the mobile wireless ecosystem and wireless consumers.”

CTIA Statement on Net Neutrality Paper from Free Press

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:03:00 -0500

This afternoon I issued the following statement in response to the net neutrality paper from Free Press:

"It is troubling that we are debating a filing on investment and job creation from an organization such as Free Press. The industry I represent directly or indirectly employs more than 2.4 million Americans and contributed over $140 billion in direct economic benefit to the U.S. economy over the last three years. An illustration of the gaps in the Free Press filing is that counter to their own conclusions, they based their ‘analysis’ on rhetoric and avoided specific factual evidence of what Net Neutrality would mean to wireless. In the 700 MHz auction, the larger, regulated ‘open access’ license sold for half the smaller non-regulated license. These, and many other shortcomings, are littered throughout the filing. I am confident that the FCC, through its fact-based analysis, will draw the same conclusion."

CTIA Response to Internet & Tech Companies CEOs & Founders on Net Neutrality

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:57:00 -0500

In response to a letter from 24 CEOs and founders from some of the leading Internet and technology companies to the FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, I issued the following statement:

"This morning, 24 CEOs and founders from some of the leading Internet and technology companies sent a letter to FCC Chairman Genachowski on net neutrality.

"In their letter, they said, 'Entrepreneurs, technologists, and venture capitalists have previously been able to develop new online products and services with the guarantee of neutral, nondiscriminatory access by users, which has fueled an unprecedented era of economic growth and creativity. Existing businesses have been able to leverage the power of the Internet to develop innovative product lines, reach new consumers, and create new ways of doing business.'

"I do not believe we could have said it any better than the way that they did when they closed their letter by saying, ’America’s leadership in the technology space has been due, in large part, to the open Internet.’

"The wireless industry could not agree more. The FCC should preserve the existing wireless Internet that has fostered tremendous innovations, provided broadband for more people, and enabled new businesses. We should all be mindful of the dangers of unintended consequences coming from new rules implemented for the wireless Internet. The fact is that wireless is different than wireline and there's no need to change what these CEOs acknowledged is working well."

CTIA's 2009 Wireless Roadmap

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:59:00 -0500

International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009® has now invaded San Diego for our industry-leading tradeshow! We caught up with our President & CEO, Steve Largent to discuss where wireless is headed in 2009 from a policy perspective as well as his thoughts on the exciting week ahead at International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009®.

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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.

CTIA Statement on "The Health Effects of Cell Phone Use" Hearing

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:57:00 -0500

I issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Hearing on “The Health Effects of Cell Phone Use:”

“CTIA and the wireless industry are deeply committed to safety and to providing timely, accurate information to consumers about wireless phones. When it comes to the facts about cell phones and health-related effects, the industry relies on the conclusions of impartial groups such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Cancer Society, and the National Institute of Health, which have all concluded that the scientific evidence to date does not demonstrate any adverse health effects associated with the use of wireless phones.

“In July 2009, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) released a statement addressing the current scientific evidence concerning exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF), including frequencies used for modern wireless communications. It said the scientific literature ‘provided no evidence of any adverse effects below the basic restrictions and does not necessitate an immediate revision of its guidance on limiting exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields.’

“There has been significant research conducted on the issue of whether there is a link between wireless phone use and health effects. Much has been completed and more continues today. CTIA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently examined scientific questions about radiofrequency (RF) energy pursuant to a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). The FDA, not industry, was responsible for the research performed under the CRADA.

“All wireless devices must adhere to strict emissions guidelines in the United States, which have been developed under a thorough and rigorous review process. All wireless base station antennas and phones must meet the science-based, RF emission guidelines of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has established very conservative limits to ensure that the health of all citizens is protected. The FCC maintains a database that provides the SAR value for cellular phones sold in the United States.”

For more information on mobile phone health, please visit:

Sept 14-20th: National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:10:00 -0500

Today we issued a release commending National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for designating September 14-20th as "National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week."

These organizations, along with our members, are focused on increasing attention and participation in Lifeline and Linkup programs which provide low-income consumers with financial assistance for telecom services.

Funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF), the programs offer financial assistance for basic telephone service (Lifeline) and initial telephone installation (Link-Up). Lifeline assistance provides eligible customers with discounts up to $10 per month, depending on their state. Link-up pays half (up to a maximum $30) of the initial installation fee for traditional wireline service or the activation fee for a wireless telephone for a primary residence.

For more information about “National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week,” click here. To learn more about the Lifeline and Link-up programs, click here.

CTIA Statement on MD Test of Cell Detection & Managed Access Tech to End Illegal Prison Cellphones

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:25:00 -0500

I issued the following statement today in response to the State of Maryland’s demonstration of cell detection and managed access technology to end contraband cell phone use in prisons:

“CTIA thanks the State of Maryland for hosting yesterday's successful demonstration of both cell detection and managed access technologies that can put a stop to illicit cell phone use by inmates. The event provided an important opportunity for numerous states’ corrections officials to view the technology in the field. We were pleased that the vendors that tested their companies’ technologies successfully met Maryland's testing criteria. We look forward to continuing to work with corrections officials from Maryland and other states to put an end to the use of contraband phones in prisons while ensuring law-abiding citizens and the public safety community have access to reliable wireless service.”

To learn more about contraband cell phones in prisons, click here.

Insider Interview: CTIA President & CEO, Steve Largent

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:26:00 -0500

The FCC is interested in learning more about the wireless industry's competitiveness, innovation, and billing practices. CTIA President & CEO Steve Largent discusses the association's eagerness to share the great wireless story with the Commission, and emphasizes the need for additional spectrum to satisfy the growing consumer demand for wireless data services. To learn more watch this segment from our September installment of our Wonder of Wireless webcast, and take a few moments to see what else we have to offer in our September WOW.

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CTIA Files Comments to IRS on Listed Property

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:44:00 -0500

Today, I issued the following statement after CTIA filed comments at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on the listed property rule for employer-provided cell phones. When cell phones were added to the listed property rule in 1989, mobile phone use was uncommon and cell phones were considered luxury items. Despite the near ubiquity of mobile devices today, employees are still required to maintain logs detailing their business use on a mobile device. Specifically, individuals are expected to record: (1) the amount of such expense or other item, (2) the time and place of the use of the property, (3) the business purpose of the expense, and (4) the business relationship to the taxpayer of the persons using the property. Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and John Ensign (R-NV) and Representatives Sam Johnson (R-TX) and Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) have sponsored the MOBILE Act (S. 144/H.R. 690) to address this matter.

“We agree with Secretary Geithner’s and Commissioner Shulman’s June 16 statement that said it must be ‘clear that there will be no tax consequence to employers or employees for personal use of work-related devices such as cell phones provided by employers.’

“Unfortunately, the alternatives proposed by the IRS are either incomplete or inadequate solutions that would continue to subject employees and employers to onerous call log requirements.

“Instead, CTIA and the wireless industry support the MOBILE Act, which would remove mobile devices from the listed property rule and accomplish Secretary Geithner’s and Commissioner Shulman’s goal of repealing a burdensome and poorly understood tax rule. There is broad, bi-partisan support for this legislation and we urge the Congress to act on it this year.”

To see CTIA's filing to the IRS, please click here.