Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
Encyclopedia
CTIA – The Wireless Association is an industry trade group
that represents a wide variety of interests on behalf of the wireless
telecommunications industry in the United States. Its members include international cellular
, personal communication services and enhanced specialized mobile radio
providers and suppliers, and providers and manufacturers of wireless
data services and products.
The association advocates on behalf of the industry at all levels of government. It has been a vocal supporter to try to get more spectrum for the U.S. wireless industry as it sees a "looming spectrum crisis" on the horizon. It supports the Federal Communications Commission
's (FCC) National Broadband Plan, which calls for 500 MHz of spectrum to be made available for commercial wireless purposes in the next ten years. In addition, CTIA has played roles in repealing the Internal Revenue Service
listed property rule for mobile devices, and by participating in the development of model state legislation that would make manual texting while driving
illegal. It also supported the 2010 passage of the 21st Century Telecommunications Act, which ensured every American has access to wireless services. Regulatory activity that CTIA played a key part in involved the FCC's adoption of a "shot clock" ruling in November 2009 on tower sting applications, which helps to ensure that local zoning authorities respond to request in a timely manner. Other examples of CTIA advocacy efforts occurred when the association was instrumental in the passage of both the Electronic Communications Privacy Act
and the Telecommunications Disclosure & Dispute Resolution Act.
CTIA also supports industry initiatives such as Wireless AMBER Alerts; On the Road, Off the Phone, a teen-focused safe driving public service announcement campaign; text4baby, a free mobile educational service to promote the birth of healthy babies; and the "Be Smart. Be Fair. Be Safe: Responsible Wireless Use" program to help parents, educators, and policymakers teach kids about responsible mobile behavior, driving, and eco-friendly initiatives.
The survey tracks the growing trend toward consumers using more wireless data service, which includes statistics on wireless data revenues and wireless data traffic. The survey also develops information on the number of reported wireless subscriber units or "connections" for the responding systems, and an estimated total wireless connections figure for the United States taking into account non-responding systems, which is quite small, as CTIA receives responses from companies serving more than 95 percent of wireless subscriber connections.
The association also operates the industry's leading trade shows:
for commercial wireless use in order to meet the growing demand by consumers and businesses for mobile wireless broadband services.
Spectrum is the backbone of the wireless industry – without it, the applications, speed, devices and other innovations of the wireless ecosystem could be in jeopardy. Even though the U.S. wireless industry is the world's most efficient commercial spectrum user, the explosive consumer demand for wireless broadband will quickly outpace carriers' network capacity. Each year, wireless carriers are investing billions of dollars to meet the insatiable consumer demand. Industry watchers agree that lack of spectrum is an urgent need.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski
referred to spectrum as the "oxygen" needed to achieve universal broadband service, the key goal of the FCC National Broadband Plan (NBP), released in March 2010. That plan called for the allocation of 500 MHz of additional spectrum for the wireless industry. The NBP calls for 300 MHz of this spectrum to be made available within three years. In June 2010, President Barack Obama
issued a memorandum in support of the NBP's spectrum goals. CTIA supports these announcements, and also supports the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act (S. 649) and its companion bill (H.R. 3125), which would require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA) and the FCC. In April 2010, H.R. 3125 passed the House. Identifying where additional spectrum can be relocated for commercial wireless use is the first step in designating the valuable spectrum the wireless industry needs in order to continue to meet consumer's increasing demand. The evaluation process continues as part of the Obama administration's support for the National Broadband Plan.
In late 2009, the CTIA advocated to the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) for the destruction of over-the-air
terrestrial television
, which was just forced through a very expensive transition
, so that its members could takeover the UHF radio spectrum
for their own use. The National Association of Broadcasters
and MSTV
countered by noting that it is a waste of bandwidth to stream multiple copies of a TV show that could instead be watched on a mobile TV
broadcast. The new free-to-air
ATSC-M/H
mobile standard for TV stations is competition to its own members' pay TV
business model
(FLO TV and video on demand
).
Countering this view by the broadcast industry, in a December 2009 joint filing, CTIA and the Consumer Electronics Association
(CEA) proposed a common-sense approach to repurposing significant amounts of television broadcast spectrum that is particularly well-suited for mobile broadband. The reengineering approach outlined in the joint proposal would accomplish the following: enable broadcasters to move to more efficient network architecture; maintain free over-the-air television for consumers who choose that option; and free-up valuable spectrum for mobile broadband consumers.
CTIA's and CEA's position is that this transition would not cost broadcasters, nor would these upgrades impact consumers. While there are many challenges and complexities involved in this process, CTIA and CEA believe this proposal offers a feasible way to meet over-the-air television broadcasters' needs while recapturing significant amounts of spectrum for mobile broadband to enable next-generation wireless services.
(WHO), when it comes to the discussion about mobile devices and any possible link to health effects.
Scientists have been studying cell phone use and possible health effects for many years. Leading global health authorities, such as the WHO, the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reviewed this research or have conducted their own, and have found that the available scientific evidence does not show that the use of wireless phones is associated with any health problems, including cancer.
The FCC, which regulates the use of wireless phones, has adopted safety standards governing radiofrequency (RF) fields from wireless phones, and has determined that all cell phones sold in the United States must meet the FCC's RF exposure standard. In adopting the current RF safety standards, the FCC stated that its standards represent the "best scientific thought and are sufficient to protect the public health". The FCC's RF standards governing wireless phones incorporate a 50 fold safety standard.
The FDA, which also has regulatory power over wireless phones and helped to develop and approve the FCC standard, has similarly concluded that "the weight of scientific evidence has not linked cell phones with any health problems".
The FCC, FDA, and other government agencies work cooperatively to monitor the ongoing scientific research to determine if the safety standards need to be adjusted.
The Interphone project, coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer
, is the largest study of cell phone use and brain tumors ever undertaken and included substantial numbers of subjects using cell phones for 10 years or longer, found that "overall, no increase in risk...was observed with the use of mobile phones". Health and telecommunications agencies will continue to monitor ongoing research on the safety of cell phones. According to the FDA and WHO, among other organizations, the weight of scientific evidence has not effectively linked exposure to radio frequency energy from mobile devices with any known health problems.
Though some studies have concluded there is a link to an elevated risk, those studies have not been replicated and responsible expert authorities do not reach their conclusions based on the latest study. Instead, they base their conclusions on an evaluation of all of the relevant scientific research. Additional research can be used to fill gaps in the existing scientific work on this topic. For example, studies are being conducted on the effects of cell phone use by children and on even longer-term use. For more information about potential health effects of RF energy, see: the American Cancer Society
, Food and Drug Administration
, National Cancer Institute
, World Health Organization and Federal Communications Commission.
Despite the evidence from these well-respected and highly credible organizations, some critics such as the Environmental Working Group
(EWG) choose to ignore the decades of research. Instead, they state that "there is sufficient research that shows higher risk for brain and salivary gland tumors among heavy cell phone users. EWG encouraged consumers to look up their cell phone's radiation level, and to wear a headset when talking on the phone to limit their exposure".
The FCC says that "Even though no scientific evidence currently establishes a definite link between wireless device use and cancer or other illnesses, and even though all cell phones must meet established federal standards for exposure to RF energy, some consumers are skeptical of the science and/or the analysis that underlies the FCC's RF exposure guidelines. Accordingly, some parties recommend taking measures to further reduce exposure to RF energy. The FCC does not endorse the need for these practices, but provides information on some simple steps that you can take to reduce your exposure to RF energy from cell phones".
More information and links to other resources, including long-term health studies and RF exposure standards information, is available at a resource CTIA makes available to consumers.
Industry trade group
A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association or sector association, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry...
that represents a wide variety of interests on behalf of the wireless
Wireless
Wireless telecommunications is the transfer of information between two or more points that are not physically connected. Distances can be short, such as a few meters for television remote control, or as far as thousands or even millions of kilometers for deep-space radio communications...
telecommunications industry in the United States. Its members include international cellular
Cellular
Cellular may refer to:*Cellular automaton, a model in discrete mathematics*Cellular , a 2004 movie*Cellular frequencies, assigned to networks operating in cellular RF bands*Cellular manufacturing...
, personal communication services and enhanced specialized mobile radio
Mobile Radio
This article is about professional equipment. For mobile radios used in amateur radio, see amateur radio mobile operation. Mobile radio or mobiles refer to wireless communications systems and devices which are based on radio frequencies, and where the path of communications is movable on either...
providers and suppliers, and providers and manufacturers of wireless
Wireless
Wireless telecommunications is the transfer of information between two or more points that are not physically connected. Distances can be short, such as a few meters for television remote control, or as far as thousands or even millions of kilometers for deep-space radio communications...
data services and products.
The association advocates on behalf of the industry at all levels of government. It has been a vocal supporter to try to get more spectrum for the U.S. wireless industry as it sees a "looming spectrum crisis" on the horizon. It supports the Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
's (FCC) National Broadband Plan, which calls for 500 MHz of spectrum to be made available for commercial wireless purposes in the next ten years. In addition, CTIA has played roles in repealing the Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service is the revenue service of the United States federal government. The agency is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, and is under the immediate direction of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue...
listed property rule for mobile devices, and by participating in the development of model state legislation that would make manual texting while driving
Texting while driving
Texting while driving is the act of composing, sending, reading text messages, email, or making other similar use of the web on a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. The practice has been viewed by many people and authorities as dangerous. It has also been ruled as the cause of some motor...
illegal. It also supported the 2010 passage of the 21st Century Telecommunications Act, which ensured every American has access to wireless services. Regulatory activity that CTIA played a key part in involved the FCC's adoption of a "shot clock" ruling in November 2009 on tower sting applications, which helps to ensure that local zoning authorities respond to request in a timely manner. Other examples of CTIA advocacy efforts occurred when the association was instrumental in the passage of both the Electronic Communications Privacy Act
Electronic Communications Privacy Act
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act is a United States law.- Overview :The “electronic communication” means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic or...
and the Telecommunications Disclosure & Dispute Resolution Act.
Major activities
CTIA's major services and functions on behalf of the wireless industry include:- External and State Affairs - Liaison with state legislatures, regulatory entities and advocacy organizations on wireless communications issues.
- Government Affairs - Advocates on behalf of the wireless industry on Capitol Hill and at various Executive branch departments and agencies.
- Regulatory Affairs - The Regulatory Affairs Department is the chief representative of the wireless industry before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other federal government organizations that seek to regulate the wireless industry.
- Operations and Standards Setting - Provides services to help the industry with the complex task of testing and evaluating wireless devices and establishing standards for manufacture and operation. This includes defining and publishing test plans, authorizing and managing test labs, and defining and implementing device certification programs. Programs include:
- CCF Certification Program for CDMA devices for the global market - Within that program, CTIA manages a CTIA Certification Program for CDMA devices for the North American market.
- PTCRB Certification Program for GSM and UMTS Devices - CTIA administers the PTCRB Certification Program.
- Battery Certification Program - CTIA manages a program to permit operators and their suppliers to validate a Lithium Ion battery's compliance with the IEEE Standard for Rechargeable Batteries for Cellular Telephones, IEEE Std 1725 - 2006.
- Bluetooth Compatibility Certification Program - CTIA manages a program to evaluate the implementation, integration and interaction between Bluetooth–enabled mobile phones and accessories.
- Wireless Internet Development - Focuses on wireless data segment of the industry, including support for the industry's Wireless Internet Caucus (WIC).
- Short Codes- Provides Common Short Code (CSC) administration services to wireless services. CSCs are the short numeric codes to which text messages can be addressed from a wireless device. These five-digit or six-digit numbers, compatible across participating carriers, are leased by anyone interested in interacting with almost 293 million wireless subscriber connections. Wireless subscribers send text messages to short codes to access a wide variety of mobile content for delivery to their wireless devices. Applications range from sweepstakes and mobile coupons to tele-voting campaigns and a wide range of additional interactive wireless services.
- Voluntary Guidelines - Convenes and focuses wireless industry efforts to develop best operating practices and standards and to adopt voluntary guidelines in a number of areas of vital importance: a Consumer Code that is designed to help consumers make informed choices when selecting and managing their wireless service; Best Practices and Guidelines for Location Based Services that promote and protect user privacy; Wireless Content Guidelines to provide consumers with the information and tools they need to make informed choices when accessing content using a wireless handset; and Wireless Content Guidelines Classification Criteria that classifies mobile content based on existing criteria that's used to rate movies, television shows, music and games.
CTIA also supports industry initiatives such as Wireless AMBER Alerts; On the Road, Off the Phone, a teen-focused safe driving public service announcement campaign; text4baby, a free mobile educational service to promote the birth of healthy babies; and the "Be Smart. Be Fair. Be Safe: Responsible Wireless Use" program to help parents, educators, and policymakers teach kids about responsible mobile behavior, driving, and eco-friendly initiatives.
Industry metrics and trade shows
CTIA provides a semi-annual industry survey that tracks trends and use patterns in the high-velocity growth market for new devices, new services and consumer choices. Conducted since 1985, these surveys cover direct employment, number of cell sites, major categories of industry revenues, the average local monthly bill, the average length of call and other metrics. The average local monthly bill includes voice and data usage and is developed on a weighted basis, to avoid skewing the figures. It is not an average of averages. No adjustments are made to these figures.The survey tracks the growing trend toward consumers using more wireless data service, which includes statistics on wireless data revenues and wireless data traffic. The survey also develops information on the number of reported wireless subscriber units or "connections" for the responding systems, and an estimated total wireless connections figure for the United States taking into account non-responding systems, which is quite small, as CTIA receives responses from companies serving more than 95 percent of wireless subscriber connections.
The association also operates the industry's leading trade shows:
- CTIA Wireless
- CTIA Enterprise and Applications
Hardware certification
CTIA provides equipment testing and hardware certification programs for its nearly 300 members in the United States, and coordinates voluntary industry efforts to provide consumers with information regarding wireless products and services. This includes industry guidelines and wireless accessibility for individuals with disabilities.Board of Directors
CTIA is governed by a 35-member Board of Directors composed of six officers and 29 directors. These individuals are elected to serve for a one-year term, effective January 1-December 31.Officers
These are the 2011 Officers:- Dan Hesse, Chief Executive Officer, Sprint Nextel Corporation - Chairman
- Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets, AT&TAT&TAT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation headquartered in Whitacre Tower, Dallas, Texas, United States. It is the largest provider of mobile telephony and fixed telephony in the United States, and is also a provider of broadband and subscription television services...
- Chairman Emeritus - Patrick Riordan, President and Chief Executive Officer, CellcomCellcomCellcom may refer to:*Cellcom , a cellular service provider for Northeastern Wisconsin*Cellcom , a cellular service provider in Israel...
- Vice Chairman - Bret Comolli, Chairman, AsurionAsurionAsurion Corp. is the largest global provider of wireless handset insurance and wireless roadside assistance programs. Asurion also offers data-backup services through wireless carriers in North America. The International Headquarters is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and the North American...
- Treasurer - Mary Dillon, President and Chief Executive Officer, U. S. Cellular - Secretary
- Steve M Largent, President and Chief Executive Officer, CTIA
History
CTIA was founded in 1984 as the Cellular Telephone Industries Association. In 2000, CTIA merged with the Wireless Data Forum and became the Cellular Telecommunications Internet Association. In 2004, the name was changed to CTIA - The Wireless Association to reflect that the wireless industry now included data and other communications services in addition to telephone service.Policy issues
CTIA's positions include:- Accessibility & Disability: CTIA and the wireless industry are leaders in driving ever-growing choices and opportunities for all consumers, including persons with disabilities. Through AccessWireless.org, CTIA and its member companies collaborate with consumer organizations representing persons with disabilities and directly engage with consumers to assure continued progress in accessible wireless products and solutions.
- Broadband: Mobile providers do not just deliver mobile wireless broadband to the premises; they deliver broadband to the person. CTIA and the wireless industry recognize the value consumers place on their mobile broadband services and applications, and as a result, advocate that the regulatory and legislative framework for broadband remain flexible and thoughtfully focused on supporting the continued growth and innovation made possible by the wireless Internet to serve both the nation's and consumers' needs.
- Consumer Protection Standards: As part of the industry's pro-consumer stance, every major U.S. wireless carrier and most regional and local wireless service providers have committed to the voluntary "Consumer Code for Wireless Service". Since it was developed in 2003, the Code has been nationally recognized as the standard to make certain consumers are informed about their wireless service options, fees and choices. It establishes a baseline set of uniform expectations and ensures consumers have access to information to make educated decisions about wireless products and services.
- Contraband Cell Phones in Prisons: CTIA and the wireless industry vehemently oppose prisoners having access to contraband phones. The wireless industry and corrections community share the same goal of stopping the use of contraband cell phones by prisoners. Wireless carriers support attacking the underlying supply of and demand for contraband cell phones in prisons through lawful and currently available solutions, such as cell detection and managed access technologies. These non-interfering technologies have been successfully demonstrated and deployed across the country. In addition, CTIA supported the Cell Phone Contraband ActActs of the 111th United States CongressThe acts of the 111th United States Congress include all laws enacted and treaties ratified by the 111th United States Congress, which lasted from January 3, 2009 to January 3, 2011. Such acts include public and private laws, which were enacted after being passed by Congress and signed by the...
, which became law in August 2010 and punishes inmates, and anyone who supplies them with a device, while in prison. - Emergency Preparedness/Business Continuity: Wireless companies are constantly evaluating, analyzing, and refining their response plans, and through natural disasters such as hurricanes, the wireless community has learned even more about emergency preparedness. The industry applies that knowledge in its efforts to retool and shape plans for future emergencies.
- Enhanced 911 (E-911): CTIA and its members are fully committed to ensuring access to E-911 services for customers on their wireless phones, and to improving E-911 services to all Americans regardless of the wireless technologies and services used. The wireless industry is investing substantially in the network capabilities needed to identify the location of wireless calls to 911, and to meet deadlines established by the FCC for deploying these enhanced technologies.
- Intercarrier Compensation (ICC): CTIA supports overhauling the current Intercarrier Compensation system because it is outdated, inefficient and does not reflect today's multi-dimensional telecom market. The ICC system dictates the financial and technical terms under which carriers exchange telecommunications traffic. CTIA advocates for a fair system called Mutually Efficient Traffic Exchange (METE), the optimal way to best serve consumers by allowing the market to work and, when limited regulation is necessary, eliminating distinctions between different types of technology platforms and encouraging efficiency.
- Kids & Wireless: Education is key to ensuring children and teens use cell phones in smart, safe, fair and responsible ways. CTIA and The Wireless Foundation developed the "Be Smart. Be Fair. Be Safe: Responsible Wireless Use" campaign in March 2010 to provide content for parents, educators and policymakers to help them teach kids about responsible mobile behavior, driving and eco-friendly initiatives.
- mHealth Solutions: Innovative wireless technology is reshaping the healthcare landscape in America and around the world. Whether it's through applications, developments or policies, wireless can provide consumers with even more value and better health. By reducing medical costs and errors, removing geographical and economic disparities and reinforcing consumer-focused and personalized healthcare, mHealth solutions are improving healthcare services for millions regardless of location, race, age, gender or disability.
- National Framework: CTIA believes policymakers should take a very cautious view toward regulating the vibrant mobile broadband ecosystem, including the wireless Internet, as numerous independent surveys and studies support the position that our industry leads the world in competition, innovation, value and overall customer satisfaction. Given the unique aspects of wireless broadband, from the technologies involved and complexities of network management to the pace of innovation and consumer demand for ever-increasing bandwidth and applications, policymakers need to recognize that this industry is delivering a level of service and value unimagined only a few years ago – and successfully doing so without government intervention. If additional legislative or regulatory support is needed to maintain this momentum, consumers will be best served if government action remains at the national level, and states are only allowed to take appropriate action relative to their laws of general applicability. Privacy: The wireless industry recognizes that safeguarding confidential information is one of the most important obligations providers have to their customers. CTIA and its members are leaders in developing guidance aimed at preserving the two pillars of customers' privacy rights – notice and consent.
- Safe Driving: CTIA believes that when it comes to using a wireless device behind the wheel, it's important to remember safety always comes first and should be every driver's top priority. That is why CTIA partnered with the National Safety CouncilNational Safety CouncilThe National Safety Council is a 501 nonprofit, nongovernmental public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health. Headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, NSC is a member organization, founded in 1913 and granted a congressional charter in 1953...
to develop the On the Road, Off the Phone campaign. While mobile devices are important safety tools, there's an appropriate time and an inappropriate time to use them. The wireless industry generally defers to consumers and the driving legislation they support – whether that's hands-free regulations or bans on talking on mobile devices while driving. At the same time, CTIA and the industry believes text-messaging while driving is incompatible with safe driving, and supports state and local statutes that ban this activity while driving. - Universal Service Fund: Everyone should pay their fair share of universal service, and the funds should be distributed in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner that recognizes consumer demand. At the same time, the Universal Service FundUniversal Service FundThe Universal Service Fund was created by the United States Federal Communications Commission in 1997 to meet Congressional universal service goals as mandated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996...
(USF) should be no bigger than necessary to achieve the goals outlined by Congress. Consumers receive the most benefit from a limited USF system that ensures competitors have equal access to support. - Wireless Industry Sustainability: The wireless industry's sustainability efforts include developing environmentally-friendly products and services, implementing energy-conscious measures in its network operations and business practices and educating consumers about cell phone recycling. Perhaps the single greatest contribution the wireless industry makes to being "green" is the efficiencies it offers for other companies so they can revolutionize their operations and reduce their environmental impact.
Keeping up with mobile broadband demand
No two issues are more central to supporting the rapid expansion in development of mobile broadband services and products than the need to make spectrum available for mobile broadband and to ensure that net neutrality is not applied to wireless because there are inherent differences between mobile broadband versus other broadband services.Spectrum
CTIA-The Wireless Association and the wireless industry believe that the U.S. must identify and allocate additional licensed spectrumSpectrum
A spectrum is a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary infinitely within a continuum. The word saw its first scientific use within the field of optics to describe the rainbow of colors in visible light when separated using a prism; it has since been applied by...
for commercial wireless use in order to meet the growing demand by consumers and businesses for mobile wireless broadband services.
Spectrum is the backbone of the wireless industry – without it, the applications, speed, devices and other innovations of the wireless ecosystem could be in jeopardy. Even though the U.S. wireless industry is the world's most efficient commercial spectrum user, the explosive consumer demand for wireless broadband will quickly outpace carriers' network capacity. Each year, wireless carriers are investing billions of dollars to meet the insatiable consumer demand. Industry watchers agree that lack of spectrum is an urgent need.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski
Julius Genachowski
Julius Genachowski is an American lawyer and businessman. He became Federal Communications Commission Chairman on June 29, 2009.-Education:Genachowski grew up in Great Neck, New York. He attended yeshiva and studied in Israel...
referred to spectrum as the "oxygen" needed to achieve universal broadband service, the key goal of the FCC National Broadband Plan (NBP), released in March 2010. That plan called for the allocation of 500 MHz of additional spectrum for the wireless industry. The NBP calls for 300 MHz of this spectrum to be made available within three years. In June 2010, President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
issued a memorandum in support of the NBP's spectrum goals. CTIA supports these announcements, and also supports the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act (S. 649) and its companion bill (H.R. 3125), which would require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Commerce that serves as the President's principal adviser on telecommunications policies pertaining to the United States' economic and technological advancement and to regulation of the...
(NTIA) and the FCC. In April 2010, H.R. 3125 passed the House. Identifying where additional spectrum can be relocated for commercial wireless use is the first step in designating the valuable spectrum the wireless industry needs in order to continue to meet consumer's increasing demand. The evaluation process continues as part of the Obama administration's support for the National Broadband Plan.
In late 2009, the CTIA advocated to the Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
(FCC) for the destruction of over-the-air
Over-the-air
Over-the-air has several meanings, depending on context. *Generally, over-the-air is synonymous for wireless.*Specifically, over-the-air can have the following meanings or is used in the following contexts:...
terrestrial television
Terrestrial television
Terrestrial television is a mode of television broadcasting which does not involve satellite transmission or cables — typically using radio waves through transmitting and receiving antennas or television antenna aerials...
, which was just forced through a very expensive transition
Digital television in the United States
In the United States, digital television broadcasts, or DTV, can be received via cable, via internet, via satellite, or via free over-the-air digital terrestrial television - much like analog television broadcasts have been. Full-power analog television broadcasts, however, were required by U.S....
, so that its members could takeover the UHF radio spectrum
Radio spectrum
Radio spectrum refers to the part of the electromagnetic spectrum corresponding to radio frequencies – that is, frequencies lower than around 300 GHz ....
for their own use. The National Association of Broadcasters
National Association of Broadcasters
The National Association of Broadcasters is a trade association, workers union, and lobby group representing the interests of for-profit, over-the-air radio and television broadcasters in the United States...
and MSTV
Microsoft TV
Microsoft TV is a division within Microsoft Corporation that develops Smart TV software platforms for use in set top boxes to access programming over a Cable TV network. It provides integrated audio, video and data services over a single network.-UltimateTV:...
countered by noting that it is a waste of bandwidth to stream multiple copies of a TV show that could instead be watched on a mobile TV
Mobile TV
Mobile television usually means television watched on a small handheld device. It may be a pay TV service broadcast on mobile phone networks or received free-to-air via terrestrial television stations from either regular broadcast or a special mobile TV transmission format...
broadcast. The new free-to-air
Free-to-air
Free-to-air describes television and radio services broadcast in clear form, allowing any person with the appropriate receiving equipment to receive the signal and view or listen to the content without requiring a subscription or one-off fee...
ATSC-M/H
ATSC-M/H
ATSC-M/H is a standard in the USA for mobile digital TV, that allows TV broadcasts to be received by mobile devices.....
mobile standard for TV stations is competition to its own members' pay TV
Pay TV
Pay television, premium television, or premium channels refers to subscription-based television services, usually provided by both analog and digital cable and satellite, but also increasingly via digital terrestrial and internet television...
business model
Business model
A business model describes the rationale of how an organization creates, delivers, and captures value...
(FLO TV and video on demand
Video on demand
Video on Demand or Audio and Video On Demand are systems which allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content on demand...
).
Countering this view by the broadcast industry, in a December 2009 joint filing, CTIA and the Consumer Electronics Association
Consumer Electronics Association
The Consumer Electronics Association is a standards and trade organization for the consumer electronics industry in the United States. The Consumer Electronics Association is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $173 billion U.S...
(CEA) proposed a common-sense approach to repurposing significant amounts of television broadcast spectrum that is particularly well-suited for mobile broadband. The reengineering approach outlined in the joint proposal would accomplish the following: enable broadcasters to move to more efficient network architecture; maintain free over-the-air television for consumers who choose that option; and free-up valuable spectrum for mobile broadband consumers.
CTIA's and CEA's position is that this transition would not cost broadcasters, nor would these upgrades impact consumers. While there are many challenges and complexities involved in this process, CTIA and CEA believe this proposal offers a feasible way to meet over-the-air television broadcasters' needs while recapturing significant amounts of spectrum for mobile broadband to enable next-generation wireless services.
Health effects
CTIA is not a scientific or research organization, and defers to leading public health agencies, such as the World Health OrganizationWorld Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health...
(WHO), when it comes to the discussion about mobile devices and any possible link to health effects.
Scientists have been studying cell phone use and possible health effects for many years. Leading global health authorities, such as the WHO, the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reviewed this research or have conducted their own, and have found that the available scientific evidence does not show that the use of wireless phones is associated with any health problems, including cancer.
The FCC, which regulates the use of wireless phones, has adopted safety standards governing radiofrequency (RF) fields from wireless phones, and has determined that all cell phones sold in the United States must meet the FCC's RF exposure standard. In adopting the current RF safety standards, the FCC stated that its standards represent the "best scientific thought and are sufficient to protect the public health". The FCC's RF standards governing wireless phones incorporate a 50 fold safety standard.
The FDA, which also has regulatory power over wireless phones and helped to develop and approve the FCC standard, has similarly concluded that "the weight of scientific evidence has not linked cell phones with any health problems".
The FCC, FDA, and other government agencies work cooperatively to monitor the ongoing scientific research to determine if the safety standards need to be adjusted.
The Interphone project, coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer
International Agency for Research on Cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer is an intergovernmental agency forming part of the World Health Organisation of the United Nations....
, is the largest study of cell phone use and brain tumors ever undertaken and included substantial numbers of subjects using cell phones for 10 years or longer, found that "overall, no increase in risk...was observed with the use of mobile phones". Health and telecommunications agencies will continue to monitor ongoing research on the safety of cell phones. According to the FDA and WHO, among other organizations, the weight of scientific evidence has not effectively linked exposure to radio frequency energy from mobile devices with any known health problems.
Though some studies have concluded there is a link to an elevated risk, those studies have not been replicated and responsible expert authorities do not reach their conclusions based on the latest study. Instead, they base their conclusions on an evaluation of all of the relevant scientific research. Additional research can be used to fill gaps in the existing scientific work on this topic. For example, studies are being conducted on the effects of cell phone use by children and on even longer-term use. For more information about potential health effects of RF energy, see: the American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the "nationwide community-based voluntary health organization" dedicated, in their own words, "to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and...
, Food and Drug Administration
Food and Drug Administration
The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments...
, National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health , which is one of 11 agencies that are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NCI coordinates the U.S...
, World Health Organization and Federal Communications Commission.
Despite the evidence from these well-respected and highly credible organizations, some critics such as the Environmental Working Group
Environmental Working Group
The Environmental Working Group is an American environmental organization that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of toxic chemicals, agricultural subsidies, public lands, and corporate accountability...
(EWG) choose to ignore the decades of research. Instead, they state that "there is sufficient research that shows higher risk for brain and salivary gland tumors among heavy cell phone users. EWG encouraged consumers to look up their cell phone's radiation level, and to wear a headset when talking on the phone to limit their exposure".
The FCC says that "Even though no scientific evidence currently establishes a definite link between wireless device use and cancer or other illnesses, and even though all cell phones must meet established federal standards for exposure to RF energy, some consumers are skeptical of the science and/or the analysis that underlies the FCC's RF exposure guidelines. Accordingly, some parties recommend taking measures to further reduce exposure to RF energy. The FCC does not endorse the need for these practices, but provides information on some simple steps that you can take to reduce your exposure to RF energy from cell phones".
More information and links to other resources, including long-term health studies and RF exposure standards information, is available at a resource CTIA makes available to consumers.
Affiliate organizations
- The Wireless Foundation isa 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on public interest and philanthropic programs and awards. This includes the joint effort with the National Center for Missing & Exploited ChildrenNational Center for Missing & Exploited ChildrenThe National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is a private, non-profit organization established in 1984 by the United States Congress.-Establishment and overview:...
and the U.S. Department of Justice to deliver AMBER AlertAMBER AlertAn AMBER Alert or a Child Abduction Emergency is a child abduction alert bulletin in several countries throughout the world, issued upon the suspected abduction of a child, since 1996...
s to wireless phones. Every year, the Foundation presents the VITA (Latin for "life") Wireless Samaritan Awards to honor people across the United States who have used their wireless technology to save lives, stop crime and help in other emergencies. - MyWireless.org is a nonpartisan non-profit advocacy organization, made up of wireless consumers, businesses and community leaders from around the country, supporting reasonable pro-consumer wireless policies. MyWireless.org has now empowered more than 1.4 million consumer activists around the nation to help defeat unfair and excessive wireless taxes and regulations throughout the country. In 2009, MyWireless.org will continue to educate consumers about harmful wireless taxes, fees and regulations in their cities, states and in Washington, D.C., and provide the online education and outreach tools to make a difference in protecting their wireless freedom.