Wireless Contributes to Economy, Jobs, and Capital, Says CTIA

Yesterday, CTIA-The Wireless Association filed an ex parte with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to show the significant contributions the wireless industry is making to aid the revitalization of United States short and long-term economic health.

Some believe that the filing is to protect the major carriers who are facing antitrust and unfair competition allegations, stemming from customers of carriers other than AT&T who want to be able to buy iPhones.

A CTIA news release states that the filing highlights the wireless industry's contribution to:

General economy - nearly $100 billion in "value added" contribution to U.S. Gross Domestic Product in 2007 Job creation - more than 268,000 direct employees and more than 2.4 million American jobs that are either directly or indirectly dependent Jobb compensation - is more than 50% higher than the national average of other production workers Capital investment - invests $22.8 billion per year on average to upgrade networks

Steve Largent, CTIA President and CEO, offered the following comments in response to the filing:

"With the urgent focus from President Obama and Congress on stimulating the economy and creating jobs, CTIA has submitted a filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that demonstrates the substantial investment and contributions the wireless industry is making to achieve the nation's economic and infrastructure goals. In this filing, CTIA shows the leading role that wireless services, and particularly mobile broadband, can play in revitalizing the economy.

"CTIA and our member companies are looking forward to continuing to work with the Obama Administration, Congress and FCC to ensure that wireless services continue to lead the way to economic recovery and prosperity."