Report Shows Substantial Growth in Wireless Broadband

November 1, 2007

Mobile Wireless High-Speed Lines Increased Nearly 100%
in the Second Half of 2006

WASHINGTON, DC – CTIA –The Wireless Association® President and CEO, Steve Largent, today hailed the latest statistics released yesterday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) showing significant growth in mobile wireless broadband. 

The FCC report indicates that from December 2005 to December 2006 mobile wireless high-speed subscribership grew nationwide by more than 600%, nearly doubling from 11 million to 21.9 million in the second half of 2006 alone. The report also shows that new wireless broadband subscribers made up 62% of the total growth in high-speed lines during the second half of 2006.

“Clearly the competitive wireless market is proving its value to consumers, and these astounding statistics are evidence that more and more Americans can use mobile wireless as their high-speed on-ramp to the internet,” said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association®. “Only wireless allows consumers to communicate and connect while on the move, and it is this ability to conduct your work and play from wherever you are that is so appealing to people of all walks of life.” 

Twice a year, all facilities-based broadband providers are required to report to the FCC basic information about their service offerings and types of customers pursuant to the FCC’s local telephone competition and broadband data gathering program. Statistics released in the latest report reflect data as of December 31, 2006. To view the complete report, please click on the following link: http://www.fcc.gov/103107.pdf. 

###

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry,
representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org