CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement on the Obama Administration's Support for 500 MHz of Spectrum for the Wireless Industry

WASHINGTON, June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- After Lawrence Summers, the White House Director of the National Economic Council, announced the Obama Administration's support to free up 500 MHz of spectrum, CTIA-The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent released the following statement:

"We thank the Administration for acknowledging the wireless industry's important role as an economic driver and for recognizing the potential that this spectrum holds for enhancing the lives of all Americans. The President's Memorandum and today's announcement are important steps in helping the U.S. wireless industry maintain our world leadership in mobile innovation. By committing to free up 500 MHz of spectrum, mobile broadband service will continue to provide consumers – including those who do not have access to high-speed wireline service – with the convenience of wireless Internet anytime, anywhere.

"By making spectrum available for auction, the Administration will enable the wireless industry to invest billions of dollars to purchase the licensed spectrum, and billions more to build and upgrade the networks that fuel our 'virtuous cycle' of innovation. This announcement is a win for all Americans as it will drive innovation, investment and job creation, while at the same time providing much needed revenue not only for the U.S. Treasury, but also for a nationwide interoperable Public Safety network.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration, FCC, NTIA, Congress and other interested parties to bring this spectrum to market and to continue to assist our nation in its economic recovery."

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