Inside The Beltway 09/10/12

The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the new incarnation of the Rural Cellular Association (RCA – The Competitive Carriers Association), continuing to represent rural carriers but also reflecting the evolution of the wireless industry. According to the group, “CCA will continue to advocate on issues of importance to carriers throughout North America, and will continue to operate as a ‘one carrier, one vote’ organization. The organization’s new brand will serve as a platform for launching advocacy campaigns that enhance the competitive wireless marketplace across North America. With more carrier and associate members, CCA will have a greater impact on policymakers, speaking on behalf of businesses nationwide – not just in rural areas.” Adds President/CEO Steven K. Berry, "Over the past several years, the wireless industry has seen increased consolidation and the emergence of a market duopoly. In light of the duopoly and the threat of further industry consolidation, our members – both large and small – all share a common goal. The organization will continue to be a home for competitive carriers through our advocacy efforts, trade shows, and industry ecosystem development programs." The group’s annual convention is set for Sept 23-26 in Las Vegas…On tap for a vote at the Sept. 28 open FCC meeting are a comprehensive review of licensing and operating rules for satellite services, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement an incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum and a NPRM that initiates a review of its policies governing mobile spectrum holdings. Notes FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, “To ensure ongoing innovation in mobile broadband, we must pursue several strategies vigorously: freeing up more spectrum for both licensed use and for unlicensed services like Wi-Fi; driving faster speeds, greater capacity, and ubiquitous mobile Internet coverage; and taking additional steps to ensure that our invisible infrastructure for mobile innovation can meet the needs of the 21st century. If adopted, the incentive auction proposal before the Commission will accelerate these strategies.  Incentive auctions will help create jobs and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in a world where, increasingly, mobile leadership is required for leadership in the global innovation economy.”