CCA Supports FCC’s Proposal to Revise the Cellular Licensing Scheme

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      Contact: Lucy Tutwiler
May 15, 2012                                                                                                             (202) 449-9866

 CCA Supports FCC’s Proposal to Revise the Cellular Licensing Scheme

Washington, DC – Today, in filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission), CCA – The Competitive Carriers Association supported the FCC’s proposal to revise the current Cellular licensing model from site-based to geographic-based.  The FCC’s proposal will promote greater flexibility and consistency while removing certain administrative burdens on Cellular licensees.  CCA also supports the FCC’s proposed competitive bidding procedures that may foster new and increased competition.

In a statement, CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “Many CCA members, especially in rural and regional areas, have benefitted from competitive policies adopted for Cellular services; they have been allowed to build out their Cellular spectrum and deploy wireless services to unserved and underserved parts of the country.  By adopting the analog compatibility standard, the FCC also ensured access to interoperable devices and roaming capabilities.  Through this, the FCC laid the groundwork for a competitive wireless industry, later bolstered by spectrum auctions.”

“Additionally,” Berry continued, “CCA supports the FCC’s proposal with competitive bidding consistent with previous auction procedures.  Since the FCC began utilizing auction bidding credits, competitive carriers have participated in more auctions, which means more competition and increased revenues.  With a spectrum auction on the horizon in early fall, the FCC’s proposed competitive bidding procedures build on good precedent providing smaller and rural carriers competitive bidding credits, as they would benefit consumers and the economy.”

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.