CCA Commends Congress for Spectrum Negotiations; Calls for Immediate Passage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                          Contact:Lucy Tutwiler

February 16, 2012                                                                                                                                               (202) 449-9866

CCA Commends Congress for Spectrum Negotiations; Calls for Immediate Passage

Washington, DC– Today, Senate and House of Representatives negotiators announced a deal on a conference package to extend the payroll tax deduction, among other provisions, including spectrum policy.  Language in the bill ensures the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) maintains existing authority regarding spectrum aggregation and promoting competition in rules for future spectrum auctions.

“I’m extremely pleased that Congress has acted on behalf of consumers everywhere by ensuring competitive carriers have the ability to participate in future auctions to gain access to spectrum,” said CCA president & CEO Steven K. Berry.  “Inclusion of this language is a huge win for the competitive marketplace, and it is clear Congress has recognized the important role of getting additional spectrum to the market through the FCC in ways that support competitive policies.”

Berry continued, “It is critical that smaller carriers have the ability to gain access to spectrum in markets throughout the U.S.  By ensuring the FCC has ample authority to design and implement successful auctions, Congress has benefited consumers and small businesses everywhere.  I applaud policymakers on their decision today and call on Congress for immediate passage of this bill.”

About CCA

CCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers serving rural and regional areas of the United States. The licensed service area of CCA’s more than 100 members covers 95 percent of the nation.