'State' of the Times for Wireless

One of the wireless industry's top priorities is creating a national framework of wireless regulation, so that consumers everywhere are clear on what rights and protections they have, and service providers are equally certain on their legal obligations. It just makes sense that a set of uniform and consistent rules work best for everyone. While the 1993 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (you remember that, don't you?) established lines of jurisdictions between the federal and state governments regarding the wireless industry, those lines are becomingly increasingly blurred by various states' interpretations of the role they can legally play.

      There are legislative proposals on Capitol Hill attempting to address that, and while that constructive debate continues, we believe it's critically important to include all of the stakeholders in the discussion. That's why CTIA continues to reach out to organizations such as the National Association of Regulatory and Utility Commissioners (NARUC). While the relationship between private industry and the regulatory bodies overseeing it can be strained at times, we are encouraged that NARUC and CTIA have a productive and open line of communication. In that vein, CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent recently spoke at the NARUC winter meetings here in Washington, DC, and I invite you to watch excerpts of Steve's remarks.

 
       It wasn't like going into the lion's den, I admit... there are many within the NARUC ranks who also believe in the consumer benefits of a national framework, as well as those on the other side of the fence who respectfully disagree. At the same time, we think it's more important than ever to keep talking with each other, as that can only lead to better understanding and we hope, public policy that ultimately best serves consumers