CTIA-The Wireless Association

Advancing US Wireless Excellence—The Case for Global Spectrum Harmonization

The role of spectrum has evolved with each wireless generation, and the growing demand for it is expected to continue in the coming years. Meeting this rising demand requires making a substantial amount of mid-band available in a way that balances various interests with broader economic and societal benefit. Spectrum harmonization is one such strategic approach, which involves aligning spectrum regulation and commercial allocations with other countries.

CBRS:An Unproven Spectrum Sharing Framework

In 2012 the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) was asked to write a report on how it envisioned the allocation of wireless spectrum in the future. Taking the position that clearing spectrum for unencumbered use was too difficult in some cases, the report called for sharing spectrum between incumbent federal, state and local users and commercial users. Licenses should be small, reused, and relicensed and would thereby increase the capacity by a factor of 1,000.

Spectrum Allocation in the United States

This study explores the current state of radio spectrum (spectrum) allocation in the US and how additional licensed spectrum will enable wireless providers to continue expanding 5G connectivity and unlock 5G-enabled innovation. 5G brings new promises of greater capacity, lower latency and faster speeds.

How universal service fund programs and the Emergency Broadband Benefit program can close the digital divide

Millions of low-income Americans supported by the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program have come to rely on mobile wireless services to meet their expanding education, health care and public safety needs.

Mobile Data Use Nearly Doubles, CTIA Annual Survey Shows

Americans used 82% more mobile data in 2018 than in 2017, as results of annual survey showed an increase in wireless across nearly every metric, reflecting unprecedented consumer demand. Key findings:

400 MHz of Mid-band Spectrum for 5G will add $274 Billion to America’s Economy, Create 1.3 Million Jobs

Making 400 MHz of mid-band spectrum available for commercial 5G networks will add $274 billion to the U.S. economy and create 1.3 million new jobs, according to new research from Analysis Group. Key findings include:

Who's most ready for 5G? China, not the US, leads all

In the race to get to 5G wireless technology in a real way, China is poised to lead the world.  That's according to a study conducted by Analysys Mason, which found that China had the best combination of wireless carriers committing to the technology, government backing for research, a clear rollout plan by 2020 and government commitment of spectrum, or the radio airwaves critical to deliver wireless service. After China, South Korea, then the US and Japan make up global leaders in 5G, according to the firm.

Key findings by Analysys Mason include:

CTIA Extends CEO Meredith Baker Contract

Meredith Attwell Baker, President and CEO of CTIA, has agreed to a five-year contract extension that will keep her as the head of the leading wireless industry group. Baker joined CTIA in 2014 and oversees the wireless industry’s political advocacy as well as key industry initiatives.  Under her leadership, CTIA has broadened its reach attracting new members to reflect the growing importance of mobile to the US economy.  CTIA has also invested in the technical and policy expertise needed for tomorrow’s challenges, launched a new annual convention, and developed key programs to help enable t

Annual Wireless Industry Survey

How much do you know about the wireless industry's tremendously important impact in our lives, whether it's through the economy, innovation, competition, environmental and other societal benefits?

We've assembled numerous facts from a variety of sources in our Resource Library, but here are some quick facts that provide an overview of the importance of the US wireless industry:

1. The economic impact of bringing 500 MHz of spectrum (per the FCC's National Broadband Plan) to market by 2020 is $87 billion increase in US GDP; at least 350,000 new US jobs; additional $23.4 billion in government revenues; and $13.1 billion increase in wireless applications and content sales.

  • US providers invested $94 per subscriber while the rest of the world spent $16.
  • For every $1 invested in wireless broadband, it will create an additional $7-10 for US GDP.
  • The US wireless industry is valued at $195.5 billion, which is larger than publishing, agriculture, hotels and lodging, air transportation, motion picture and recording and motor vehicle manufacturing industry segments. It rivals the computer system design service and oil and gas extraction industries.
  • The wireless industry directly/indirectly employs more than 3.8 million Americans, which accounts for 2.6% of all US employment. In addition, wireless employees are paid 65% higher than the national average for other workers.
  • The app economy employs 519,000 developers and related jobs and grew into a $10 billion industry.

2. Thanks to the US wireless companies constant innovation and competition to remain the world's mobile industry leader, America's users benefit.

  • While US consumers represent only 5 percent of the world’s wireless connections, we comprise 50 percent of the world’s 4G/LTE connections. This number is more than double the share of second ranking Japan and almost triple the share of third ranking South Korea.
  • More than 89 percent of US inhabitants have mobile broadband subscriptions compared to 62 percent in all OECD countries.
  • US wireless consumers use five times more voice and almost twice as much data with 75 percent faster data speeds than our counterparts in the EU.