CTIA Pres. Tom Wheeler suggested in letter to Senate Commerce Chm...

of America, it does not have to create new subsidies,” letter dated Oct. 9 said: “Simply by repatriating the tens of billions of dollars the government kept for itself instead of allowing it to be used for expanding networks and services, the government could stimulate a ‘lightning round’ of wireless expansion.” Letter focuses on Oct. 1 Senate Commerce committee hearing on broadband development (CD Oct 2 p6). Wireless industry, which letter said was most competitive sector of telecom, is being “penalized” by being “saddled with government mandates designed for monopoly carriers.” CTIA spokeswoman said “unfunded mandate” of which Wheeler wrote refers primarily to FCC requirements that wireless carriers provide number portability. Letter also said Commerce Committee shouldn’t allow use of unlicensed spectrum for services that would compete with wireless carriers that paid billions for spectrum. CTIA spokeswoman said CTIA is primarily concerned by use of Wi-Fi, wireless broadband technology that is transmitted over unlicensed spectrum. “The wireless industry has paid billions of dollars to the government to acquire spectrum to offer our innovative services,” letter said: “We were perplexed and concerned at the suggestion that additional unlicensed spectrum should be given away for free to other commercial entities so that they may offer the same or similar commercial services.” Govt. is unable to apply policies such as CALEA-like wiretap, E-911 or universal service support to users of unlicensed spectrum, letter said. Letter was also sent to: House Commerce Committee Chmn. Tauzin (R-La.) and Ranking Democrat Dingell (Mich.); FCC Chmn. Powell and Comrs. Abernathy, Copps and Martin; NTIA dir. Nancy Victory.