CTIA Announces Voluntary Principles on Unlocking Wireless Devices
I issued the following statement after submitting a letter to the FCC on the voluntary set of six principles for unlocking of consumers’ mobile phones and tablets
:
“We are pleased to announce AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless agreed to adopt a voluntary set of six principles for unlocking of consumers’ mobile phones and tablets
“We believe this agreement will continue to foster the world-leading range of devices and offerings that Americans enjoy today. The robust and differentiated technological ecosystem has brought unparalleled and world-leading benefits to American wireless users, in the form of high-end and affordable devices, post- and pre-paid options, and with the world’s most advanced devices being launched first in the United States.
“It is important that consumers know that unlocking devices may not necessarily mean full interoperability since devices that work on one provider’s network may not be technologically compatible with another wireless provider’s network. Additionally, unlocking a device may enable some functionality of the device but not all (e.g., an unlocked device may support voice services but not data services when activated on a different network).
“We look forward to working with the FCC and the participating wireless providers to educate consumers on the technical aspects of unlocking.”
CTIA Statement on the FCC NPRM on In-Flight Wireless
I released the following statement in response to the FCC NPRM on In-Flight Wireless:
“While we recognize that there will be passionate discussion and debate by people about whether, when and how to use wireless devices on airplanes, the Commission correctly determined the first necessary step is to investigate whether or not it is technically feasible to operate devices without causing harmful interference to avionics or to wireless networks on the ground. CTIA looks forward to participating in that technological discussion in a robust way in order to help inform the Commission’s decision, including weighing in on the proper way to manage potential interference into wireless carrier networks. CTIA also will carefully evaluate the FCC’s proposals for spectrum licensing and for safeguarding the rights of existing licensees. We believe the Commission’s decision to initiate a proceeding on the technical aspects will create a great opportunity for all sides to carefully consider these issues.”
CTIA Statement on the House Energy & Commerce Committee Approval of the Federal Spectrum Incentive Act and the FCC Process Reform Act
Following the House Energy & Commerce Committee approval of the Federal Spectrum Incentive Act and the FCC Process Reform Act, I said:
“The wireless industry thanks Congressman Guthrie and Congresswoman Matsui for their leadership in winning bipartisan support for the Federal Spectrum Incentive Act. Their bill provides a creative way to repurpose federal spectrum that isn’t being utilized or used efficiently and in doing so will help the commercial mobile industry gain access to spectrum it needs to maintain America’s place as the world’s leader in wireless broadband service. This is an innovative bill and it deserves the support of the full House.”
“CTIA also congratulates Chairman Walden on passage of the FCC Process Reform Act. We share his view that a streamlined, more predictable regulatory process will enhance regulatory certainty and promote economic growth, innovation and job creation. With this in mind, we are appreciative that Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Eshoo were able to reach agreement on the bill and hope it will be approved by the full House at the earliest possible date.”
Wireless Industry Unites to Call for Action on Key Consumer Tax Issues
Today, CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent and the CEOs of seven of America’s largest wireless companies joined to write House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte to urge prompt action to extend the Internet Tax Freedom Act’s moratorium on state and local taxation of Internet access
Isis: Making the Mobile Wallet Simple
Isis CEO Michael Abbot talks about the biggest obstacle to taking on plastic cards and his biggest focus at the mobile commerce company: making the mobile wallet simple to use.
CTIA Statement on the Incentive Auction Timeline
Following FCC Chariman Tom Wheeler's annoucement on the FCC's Broadcast Incentive Auction, I said:
“CTIA welcomes FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s announcement of the FCC’s Broadcast Television Spectrum Incentive Auction timeline. As CTIA has previously stressed, the incentive auction is essential to unleashing necessary additional spectrum for mobile broadband. I commend Chairman Wheeler ...
Ericsson: The Networked Society: December WOW Wireless Lifechanger
Ericsson’s vision of the Networked Society centers around bridge-building, new social and business opportunities, and enormous gains in interpersonal connectivity, all thanks to wireless. Ericsson’s North American Head Angel Ruiz talks about the company’s commitment to this world of fascinating possibilities.
American Express: Mobile Payment Security: December WOW Insider Interview
American Express Group President of Enterprise Growth Dan Schulman explains the security concerns of mobile banking and payment technology and cyberthieves’ appetite for this information.
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