CTIA-The Wireless Association® Response to NAB's Study

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After NAB released their study, CTIA-The Wireless Association® Vice President Chris Guttman-McCabe said: 

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"Contrary to the scare tactics that NAB is presenting to consumers and policymakers, reallocating underutilized spectrum will not remove free over-the-air broadcast television. We also want to remind broadcasters of two key points in all of the incentive auction discussions, as well as in each of the legislative discussion drafts. First, participation in the auction is voluntary. Second, repacking costs will be reimbursed. NAB's study confirms that even under their analysis, spectrum can be moved voluntarily to its highest and best use, billions can be raised for the United States Treasury and free over-the-air broadcast services continue.

"Even though we are the most efficient users of spectrum, driving high-speed mobile broadband to 300 million Americans, the U.S. wireless industry needs the ability to purchase more spectrum in order to continue to provide their customers with the best products and services in the world. Since spectrum is a finite resource, it is vital that the U.S. government ensures the highest and best of use. Economists estimate that for every dollar invested in mobile Internet, it will create an additional $7-10 for the GDP. This is in addition to the tens of billions of dollars that will be raised at auction. Our members want to help boost our country's economy, but they must have access to more spectrum. This can, and should, be a win-win-win."

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, DC.

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association