February 23, 2009

Via Electronic Filing

Acting Chairman Michael Copps
Federal Communications Commission
445 Twelfth Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

Re: Ex Parte Communication, Revisions to Rules Authorizing the Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz Band, WT Docket No. 08-166; Public Interest Spectrum Coalition, Petition for Rulemaking Regarding Low Power Auxiliary Stations, Including Wireless Microphones, and the Digital Television Transition, WT Docket No. 08-167

Dear Acting Chairman Copps:

You have made it clear that you believe we can do no less than our best in ensuring that our public safety and first response communications systems are of the highest quality and reliability. CTIA - The Wireless Association®, the National Emergency Number Association ("NENA"), The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials - International ("APCO"), and the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council ("NPSTC") want to bring a growing public safety issue to your attention. Harmful interference from unauthorized low-power devices operating in the 700 MHz band threatens to prevent licensees from realizing the benefits to public safety that the 700 MHz band promises. We understand that there is an item currently before the Commission to address low-power devices in the 700 MHz band and urge you to take action to curb the harmful use of these low-power devices.

It is of critical importance that low-power auxiliary devices do not cause harmful interference to critical communications - and the commercial communications that enable ordinary Americans to reach public safety in their moments of need. As both public safety and commercial licensees begin to utilize spectrum from broadcasters who have completed their digital transition, we ask that the Commission take action to clear the 700 MHz band of unauthorized low-power auxiliary users. By clarifying in an Order that low-power auxiliary devices must not interfere with authorized public safety and commercial licensees, and that those devices must accept all interference from licensed users, the Commission sends a strong signal to all users of these devices that the public safety benefits of the 700 MHz spectrum outweigh any - licensed or unauthorized - use of the band.

In order to curb the potential for additional interfering systems, the Commission should take action to prevent the introduction of additional unauthorized devices by prohibiting the manufacture, import, shipment, domestic display, marketing, offer for sale, and sale of low-power auxiliary devices capable of operating in the 700 MHz band. Delay in action by the Commission only will make this situation worse. By acting now, the Commission can limit the scope of unauthorized users that must be relocated, and prevent unwitting consumers from purchasing products that ultimately will be unusable.
Swift Commission action in this area is critical, as delay or inaction will cause the interference concerns to become more acute as public safety and commercial users begin deploying systems in the 700 MHz band and must face additional unauthorized users.

Finally, we urge the Commission to require that operation of all low-power auxiliary devices in the 700 MHz band cease no later than one year from the adoption of an Order and issue a Consumer Advisory informing the public. Additionally, in order to speed the deployment of public safety and commercial systems in the 700 MHz band, the Commission should require low-power users to cease operation within 60 days of notice that a licensee intends to initiate or change its wireless operations such that the low-power devices will likely cause interference. These dates-certain, coupled with Commission notice to the public of the changes to their acceptable use of low-power devices, will provide public safety and commercial licensees the ability to plan deployment of new systems independent of the DTV Transition date and free from interference concerns to their critical communications.

Decisive Commission action to halt additional unauthorized users will ensure that critical public safety systems and the commercial systems that carry emergency calls are unhindered by interference. We urge the Commission to promptly adopt such an Order and issue a Consumer Advisory. Pursuant to Section 1.1206 of the Commission's rules, a copy of this letter is being filed via ECFS with the FCC Secretary's Office.

Sincerely,

/s/ Steve Largent
Steve Largent
President and CEO
CTIA - The Wireless Association®

/s/ Dr. Brian Fontes
Executive Director
National Emergency Number Association

/s/ Chris Fischer
President
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials - International

/s/ Ralph A. Haller
Chair
National Public Safety Telecommunications Council
cc: Commisioner Jonathan Adelstein
Commissioner Robert McDowell
2

International CTIA WIRELESS 2009^®, (www.ctiashow.com) the premier event representing the global wireless industry, today announced new additions to its keynote lineup that include executives from T-Mobile USA, Microsoft, Research In Motion and Clearwire.

Robert Dotson, 2009 CTIA chairman, and president and CEO of T-Mobile USA; Robert Bach, president, entertainment & devices division, Microsoft Corporation; Mike Lazaridis, president & co-CEO, Research In Motion; and Benjamin Wolff, CEO and director, Clearwire will join former Vice President Al Gore in delivering keynote addresses during International CTIA WIRELESS 2009, April 1-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"The International CTIA WIRELESS show continues to be an important venue for thought leaders to present the global community with upcoming industry trends and technology developments," said Robert Mesirow, vice president and show director for CTIA. "We're assembling a dynamic group of keynote speakers who will address issues of importance to all segment of the wireless industry, including fixed mobile convergence, mobile software applications, smart energy solutions and next-generation devices that merge mobility and the Internet. We'll be announcing more keynoters early in the new year."

More information about keynote speakers can be found at this link: http://www.ctiawireless.com/events/event_details.cfm?calID=804

Press pre-registration is now open and can be found at this link: https://registration.itnintl.com/ctiawireless09/regOnline/press.aspx

About International CTIA WIRELESS 2009^®

As the largest wireless show in the world representing a $1 trillion global industry, International CTIA WIRELESS brings together all industries advanced by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit www.ctiashow.com.

CTIA -The Wireless Association^® is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. CTIA is also recognized as the producer of two annual technology events: International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 takes place in Las Vegas, April 1-3; International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 takes place in San Diego, October 7-9. For more association information, visit www.ctia.org.

WASHINGTON, Nov 11, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- CTIA-The Wireless Association(R) announced today the newly elected officers and Executive Committee members for the wireless industry trade group. Former Vice Chairman, Robert Dotson, T-Mobile USA President and CEO, has been elected as the new Chairman. Mr. Dotson succeeds Verizon Wireless CEO, Lowell McAdam, as CTIA Chairman and will assume the position in January 2009.

"I want to congratulate Robert Dotson on his well-deserved election to the Chairmanship," said Steve Largent, CTIA-The Wireless Association President and CEO. "Robert has distinguished himself as a leader in the highly competitive wireless industry, and will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to the Association and the industry as a whole in his new role as Chairman. I look forward to working with Robert in the coming year as we continue promoting public policies and initiatives that benefit all wireless consumers," said Largent.

Largent also commented on Dotson's predecessor, saying, "Lowell McAdam's leadership as the Association's Chairman and dedication to serving the wireless community have been exemplary. He has provided the Association with strong, clear and consistent leadership on the most critical policy issues facing the industry. Personally, I have a great deal of respect for him, and have thoroughly enjoyed working with him."

Other CTIA elected officers announced at today's Executive Committee meeting include: AT&T Mobility President and CEO Ralph de la Vega as Vice Chairman, Asurion CEO Bret Comolli as Treasurer, Centennial Communications CEO Michael Small as Secretary, and Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam as Chairman Emeritus.

CTIA also elected 36 returning board members for 2009, and the following new members to the Executive Committee: Clearwire Corporation CEO Ben Wolff, TracFone Wireless, Inc. President and CEO F.J. Pollack, and U.S. Cellular President and CEO Jack Rooney. "It is a great honor to welcome these industry leaders to the Board and to our Executive Committee. Both individually and collectively, they bring a tremendous understanding of the wireless landscape to the table. I look forward to working with each of them as CTIA continues to aggressively pursue policies that will enhance and expand the wireless experience for customers across the country," continued Largent. CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.

www.ctia.org

SOURCE: CTIA-The Wireless Association

CTIA--The Wireless Association 
Joe Farren, 202-736-3207

 

CTIA Show to Focus on Smart Energy and Globalization

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. November 6, 2008 - International CTIA WIRELESS 2009^®, (www.ctiashow.com) the premier event representing the global wireless industry, today announced that former Vice President and Noble Peace Prize Winner Al Gore will deliver a keynote address at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 3.  International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 takes place April 1-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

"Vice President Gore has a long history of demonstrating leadership in the advancement of environmental and technology initiatives, and we are delighted he's joining us to share his insights and perspectives regarding these important developments," said Steve Largent, CTIA president and CEO. "The wireless industry is uniquely positioned to help facilitate a greener and more productive world by allowing customers to make more environmentally conscious decisions and utilize high-speed telecommunications in their personal and professional lives. I know how important both of those areas are to Vice President Gore, and his address will mark another occasion in which the CTIA keynote stage will serve as a platform for global thought leaders to present their visions for the future." 

 

In 2007, Vice President Gore and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change won the Nobel Peace Prize, and his documentary on global warming, "An Inconvenient Truth," won a highly-coveted Academy Award.

 

Gore is chairman of Current TV, a network for young people based on viewer-created content and citizen journalism, and he serves as chairman of Generation Investment Management, a firm focused on a new approach to sustainable investing. In addition, he is a visiting professor at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and he chairs the Alliance for Climate Protection, a non-profit organization dedicated to examining and developing solutions to the climate crisis.

 

Gore is also a member of the board of directors of Apple, Inc. and a senior advisor to Google-both member organizations of CTIA-The Wireless Association^®.

 

Gore served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1976 to 1982, representing Tennessee's Fourth District, and he served as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee from 1984 to 1993. He was inaugurated as the 45th vice president of the United States on January 20, 1993, and served eight years. During President Clinton's Administration, Gore was a central member of the president's economic advisory team. He held additional responsibilities as President of the Senate, and as a member of the president's Cabinet and National Security Council, and was the leader of a wide range of Administration initiatives.

 

About CTIA WIRELESS 2009^®

As the premier event representing the $500 billion global wireless industry and the largest wireless show in the world, International CTIA WIRELESS brings together all industries advanced by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit www.ctiashow.com.

 

CTIA -The Wireless Association^® is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. CTIA is also recognized as the producer of two annual technology events representing the complete range of wireless, mobile and Internet industries: International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 takes place in Las Vegas, April 1-3; International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 takes place in San Diego, October 7-9. For more association information, visit www.ctia.org.

 

###

 

Media Strategies for CTIA WIRELESS                

Cheryl Delgreco                                                       

cdelgreco@msipr.com                                            

617-723-4004                      

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CTIA -- The Wireless Association (R) (CSC Administrator) and NeuStar, Inc. (NYSE: NSR) (CSC Registry) celebrate the five-year anniversary of the U.S. Common Short Code (CSC) program today by presenting the third annual "CSC Pioneer" award to three innovative companies -- all of which have experienced exceptional growth in leased CSCs over the past year. Special recognition is given to repeat winner HipCricket, the leader in leased short codes with 358 active codes and annual growth of 126 percent through its work with broadcasters and brands.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080310/NEUSTARLOGO )

CSCs catalyzed the launch of the mobile marketing and advertising industry and are the primary mobile direct response method in use in the U.S. today. CSCs are short five and six-digit numbers that mobile phone users can use to send and receive text and multimedia messages using the messaging capabilities that come standard with virtually every handset made today. CSCs are accessible to more than 95 percent of mobile phone users, and provide marketers the greatest opportunity for reach when compared to other marketing mediums. This is because CSCs are "common" and work across mobile service providers -- meaning brands can reach mobile subscribers regardless of what mobile provider or what type of mobile device the subscriber has.

Winners of the 2008 Pioneer Awards are:

-- Applications provider: Repeat winner HipCricket Inc., a Kirkland, Washington, based marketer that drives new revenue and customer loyalty for broadcast stations and consumer brands through strategic and measurable mobile marketing interactivity. HipCricket has delivered successful campaigns for customers including Clear Channel Radio, Premiere Radio Networks, Sandusky Broadcasting, NBC, Coca Cola, Staples, Hershey's and Jameson.

-- Aggregator: OpenMarket Inc., a Seattle-based provider of mobile messaging and financial payment processing systems for direct-to-consumer (D2C) mobile commerce; and

-- New Customer: Philadelphia-based M3 Mobile Marketing, a provider of mobile technology used to communicate with customers of large companies in order to raise brand awareness, drive revenue and stimulate greater return on advertising. M3 Mobile Marketing creates and integrates brand-specific mobile advertising campaigns and leverages its technology to execute and support them.

"These three companies have shown true innovation and leadership in taking the mobile marketing revolution to the next level," said Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA. "They are clearly expanding the market for CSCs by demonstrating to new clients the marketing power of CSCs to create new business opportunities." The Pioneer awards are being presented at 12:30PM PDT, Wednesday, September 10th immediately before the "Marketing - The Mobile Channel" session in Room 2008 at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2008.

The first CSC was leased in October 2003, and since then, the CSC business has continued to enjoy phenomenal growth. In its second quarter ending June 30, 2008, the CSCA (www.USShortCodes.com), saw the quantity of common short codes under management grow to more than 3,100, a 28% growth from the same quarter last year and a 10% increase from the first quarter ending in March.

"The jump in demand for CSCs is coming from a variety of sectors," said Diane Strahan, NeuStar vice president of Mobile Services, "including retail, entertainment, government, political campaigns and non profits. Advertisers are increasingly shifting their spending from conventional venues to capture the attention of the mobile customer."

About CTIA - The Wireless Association(R)

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. Visit CTIA online at www.ctia.org.

About NeuStar, Inc.

NeuStar is a provider of clearinghouse and directory services to the global communications and Internet industry. Visit NeuStar online at www.NeuStar.biz.

SOURCE NeuStar, Inc.

WASHINGTON, July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CTIA-The Wireless Association (R), is an international nonprofit membership organization founded in 1984, representing all sectors of wireless communications - cellular, personal communication services and enhanced specialized mobile radio, has retained The Madison Group LLC to represent them before Congress and Executive Agencies.

"We are please to represent the leading voice in telecommunications. CTIA is an important client whose issues affect every American," said Madison Partner Blair Watters.

About The Madison Group - The Madison Group is a bi-partisan, minority-owned lobbying and consulting firm that specializes in tax, tech, telecommunications, trade and transportation issues. The Madison Group focuses not just on successfully solving complex public policy issues for its clients, but also on finding creative ways to generate a significant ROI for those in need of government relations strategies. For more information visit The Madison Group website at www.madisongr.com.

SOURCE The Madison Group

CHELMSFORD, MA, March 26, 2008 —  Airvana, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRV), the company transforming the mobile experience, will showcase its comprehensive solutions for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) at CTIA Wireless 2008 (Booth 3321), taking place April 1-3, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. In live demonstrations, the company is highlighting the HubBub™ CDMA femtocell, the only femtocell to support both 1x RTT and EV-DO services; the Universal Access Gateway (UAG), a convergence gateway for innovative femtocell or Wi Fi-enabled FMC services; and the Femto Service Manager, which provides standards-based, highly scalable management and auto-configuration capabilities for femtocell deployments.

According to the CDMA Development Group (CDG), the number of CDMA subscribers exceeded 431 million globally at the close of 2007, a year-over-year increase of nearly 15 percent, and femtocells are expected to play a key role in CDMA network growth. Airvana offers the most comprehensive femtocell solution for CDMA networks, with in-home femtocells and a femto network gateway as well as the software to accelerate and scale deployments through automated configuration and remote management. In addition, Airvana’s HubBub femtocell supports up to six concurrent users, features powerful RF interference mitigation capabilities, has a software-defined feature set to enable remote provisioning of new services, and is the only CDMA femtocell that supports both 1x-RTT and EV-DO.  Based on these factors, Airvana’s HubBub CDMA femtocell has been named a CTIA Emerging Technology Award finalist.

Another key factor in successful femtocell deployments is multi-vendor interoperability and the ability to leverage existing network investments, so Airvana is working closely with leading CDMA equipment manufacturers to provide operators with femtocell and gateway technologies optimized to work with their existing core mobile network infrastructures. To that end, Airvana and Motorola recently announced that the two companies have entered into an OEM agreement for CDMA femtocells. 

“The customer desire to use their mobile phone as their primary communications device, coupled with the rise in 3G services, is the driving force behind FMC.  And to provide customers with the best FMC experience possible, you need to support both 1x-RTT and EV-DO services,” said Dave Nowicki, vice president, Marketing, Airvana.  “Our CDMA femtocells, which uniquely support both voice and mobile broadband services, and our advanced UAG technology, when paired with the core mobile network infrastructure of our partners, is a compelling solution for operators wishing to deliver FMC options that truly meet their subscribers’ requirements for features and performance.”

Airvana’s macro network EV-DO technology is currently deployed in more than 40,000 base stations in networks covering nearly half a billion subscribers worldwide.  The company has leveraged this extensive experience to deliver high performance femtocell solutions for CDMA networks, which include:

• HubBub CDMA femtocell – Airvana’s femtocell for CDMA networks supports both 1x-RTT and EV-DO services to deliver a consistent mobile experience that mirrors that of the macro network.  HubBub can support up to six concurrent users and features powerful RF interference mitigation capabilities to help ensure graceful coexistence with the macro network. HubBub’s software-defined feature set makes it efficient and cost-effective to add new services in response to customer demand.
• Femto Service Manager (FSM) – provides operators with a TR-069 standards-based, scalable management and auto-configuration platform for femtocell deployments.   Airvana’s FSM enables operators to manage femtocell deployments while leveraging their existing management infrastructure.  The Airvana FSM allows operators to fully automate device configuration, initiate and manage remote software upgrades, perform remote diagnostics using collected fault and performance data, and easily handle device authentication.  The FSM also incorporates an innovative Automated Network Planner (ANP) that generates a specific configuration per individual femtocell that maximizes RF performance. 
• Universal Access Gateway – a purpose-built convergence gateway designed to address the unique security, mobility and performance challenges that result from mobile operators using the Internet as an extension of the radio access network.  Airvana’s UAG can be used to support both femtocell and Wi-Fi generated traffic.  This traffic is sent over the Internet in a secure tunnel to the UAG, which authenticates and inspects the traffic before sending it to the mobile operator’s network. As subscribers move between their home or office and the macro cellular network, the UAG maintains seamless mobility over a secure, QoS-enabled, wire-speed connection.

Airvana’s CDMA femtocell solutions are currently in trials with mobile network operators and are expected to be commercially available in the second half of 2008.

About Airvana
Airvana specializes in helping operators transform the mobile experience for users worldwide. The company’s high-performance technology and products, from comprehensive femtocell solutions to core mobile network infrastructure, enable operators to deliver broadband services to mobile devices, independent of physical location. Airvana is headquartered in Chelmsford, Mass., USA, with additional offices in the United Kingdom, China, India, Japan and Korea.  For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at http://www.airvana.com/.

Skycore LLC, developers of
Cellyspace.com, has today launched an RSS to MMS publishing tool for
content providers to automatically convert and deliver syndicated RSS feeds
directly to mobile subscribers' messaging in-boxes using Cellyspace's MMS
(Multimedia Messaging Service) technology.
According to the company, auto-conversion of RSS content will make
mobile syndication easier and more readily available and by delivering
multimedia feeds rather than short, text-only feeds subscribers will be
more fully engaged in the content.
Also, with RSS to MMS technology, the feed can be viewed without a
subscriber first logging onto a mobile web site or launching a feed reader
application. Instead, subscribers are alerted on receipt of the feed and
can view it immediately or whenever most convenient since it's stored in
their messaging in-box.
Converted content is presented in a slideshow format including up to
eight (8) slides, each with an image, 300 characters of text and an
optional URL link for additional content, info or promotions. MMS Feeds can
be billed as premium to the end user, or alternatively, standard
(non-premium) rated feeds. In addition to content, providers can add
third-party advertising or promotions to their feed.
"Feeds with both images and text are generally more compelling than
those with text alone. Engaging subscribers improves subscription retention
and increases their response to any call to action in the feed," said Rich
Eicher, President of Skycore LLC.
Cellyspace publishing tools are also available for use by content
providers to simplify the subscription opt-in process, including an HTML
widget and link generator for the provider's web site; a custom keyword for
use in their print and broadcast promotions; and a WAP (mobile internet)
jump page generator for mobile advertising networks.
Please visit http://www.cellyspace.com for further information. Offsite
demonstrations of these tools are available during the 2008 CTIA Show in
Las Vegas (April 1-3) by emailing info@cellyspace.com.
Skycore, LLC: Skycore is a Boston firm focusing since 2003 on mobile
technology solutions for consumers and enterprises. Their core product,
Cellyspace, offers online tools facilitating user-generated and advertiser-
generated composition of MMS messaging, mobile content and ringtones.

AT&T is expecting the
biggest turnout ever at events it is hosting for the third consecutive year
at the CTIA convention in Las Vegas, April 1 - 3. The three different
events -- the Enterprise Developers Summit, Fast Pitch and Open Call --
encourage the creation of innovative wireless applications and help quickly
get them into the hands of the company's more than 70 million wireless
customers.
In a related development, AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) announced today it has
unveiled a new Web site, http://www.att.com/choice, that helps wireless
customers learn about and experience many of the choices available to them,
including "bring your own device" options for consumers and businesses. The
site also provides tools that help developers create new mobile
applications and devices.
"The driving force of our business is our commitment to be open to
innovation and to offer our customers more choices than any other wireless
company," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T's wireless unit.
"That means choices in applications, choices in handsets, choices in
operating systems, choices in how to shop and pay for service, plus much
more. Today's announcements underscore that commitment. Maximum customer
choice is what real openness is all about."
The CTIA Triple Play
Enterprise Developers Summit: On March 31 in Las Vegas, AT&T will
conduct its annual summit for the corporate applications development
community. In this meeting, AT&T representatives will meet with business
customers, independent software and hardware vendors and others in the
corporate development community to explore wireless issues and trends.
These include, among others, strategies that corporate developers can use
to create and optimize applications for the AT&T network. As in previous
years, much time will be devoted to highly interactive sessions in which
developers and AT&T can continue their dialogue on the most effective ways
to work together.
Fast Pitch: AT&T has accepted more than 125 registrations -- a full
house -- for an event open to developers of consumer applications who
attend the CTIA convention. Attendees will discuss their ideas for new and
exciting wireless applications. Representatives from a leading industrial
design company, a venture capital firm, a major wireless handset
manufacturer and AT&T will participate in those discussions, which will
take place April 1 and 2. This is the third consecutive year for the Fast
Pitch program, which is like a high-tech version of "American Idol."
For the first time at Fast Pitch, AT&T will provide $70,000 in cash and
other prizes to the developers of the best applications. Winning
applications could be made available for download in the AT&T Media Mall,
placed on AT&T's MEdia(TM) Net Web portal, optimized for easy access and
searchable on the MEdiaNet index, or featured in key promotions to AT&T's
enterprise and small business channels. AT&T's customers have long enjoyed
the freedom to choose applications from AT&T or from the Web to make the
most of their wireless experience. Programs like Fast Pitch help ensure
that customers have the best applications at their fingertips.
Open Call: For the first time, developers who did not register for Fast
Pitch will have an opportunity to demonstrate their applications. On a
first-come, first-served basis, any developer can present his or her
application in Open Call sessions April 3 at CTIA.
The Fast Pitch program in particular has helped AT&T find unique and
innovative applications, including Ascendo Fitness
(http://www.ascendo-inc.com), My Local TV News Over Wireless
(http://www.newsoverwireless.com), and Mobile Comic Books by uclick
(http://www.uclick.com). These and many other applications can be found on
the AT&T MEdia Mall.
"Fast Pitch was a tremendous opportunity for us," said Mike Merrill,
CEO of Smartphones Technologies Inc., which was a participant in the
program in 2006 and now has a suite of services on AT&T consumer wireless
properties. "AT&T was great to work with and really helped us get great
visibility for our products."
In 2002, AT&T became the first major wireless carrier to create a
developer-relations program, which is called devCentral.
In a competitive analysis of the developer-relations programs of major
wireless carriers and device manufacturers published last year by Evans
Data Corp., AT&T ranked first among carriers in its ability to help
wireless developers successfully commercialize their applications from
concept to certification to generating revenue.
The study, which also ranked AT&T first among wireless carriers for the
quality of its developers program, said that "(AT&T's developer) partnering
options are amongst the most well-defined among the companies reviewed
here. Developers are given several options to market their applications,
through (AT&T's) own marketplace and through external resources like
Cellmania and Handango."
"AT&T is the developer-relations program leader among major wireless
carriers," said John Andrews, president and CEO of Evans Data. "The company
has one of the most robust developer-relations programs in the industry."
It's All Here: New Web Site for Customers and Developers
The new Web site AT&T unveiled today, http://www.att.com/choice, brings
together -- for the first time -- detailed, easy-to-navigate information on
the extensive choices that AT&T offers to consumers and businesses in
handsets, applications and much more. It also features innovative,
industry-leading resources for developers of wireless applications.
Residential and Business Customers
The site http://www.att.com/choice gives wireless customers information
and resources so that they can learn about and experience all the choices
available to them:
1 An Inventory of Applications -- The site highlights the most popular
applications and third-party content sites offered on AT&T's properties,
including the company's mobile portal, content store and online catalog.
AT&T's wireless customers can choose from hundreds of thousands of
applications and other digital content.
2 A Catalog of Devices -- Customers also have access to a wide array of
devices, and http://www.att.com/choice lets them easily look for and buy
the right handset for their needs.
3 "Bring Your Own Device" Options for Consumers and Businesses -- The new
Web site tells consumers about the option of using their own compatible
GSM wireless device on the AT&T network, including the need to purchase
a SIM (subscriber identity module, which is the small electronic strip
that is slipped into the phone, usually near the battery). Customers are
not required to enter into a term agreement for this option, nor does
the device require AT&T certification. For important applications needed
by business customers, AT&T offers the largest and most comprehensive
selection of special-purpose devices in the industry; 285 different
devices are certified today, with more in the queue. These devices
include rugged hand-held devices and laptops, automatic
vehicle- location devices and point-of-sale solutions. Like consumers,
business customers are not required to use devices that have been
certified by AT&T. However, the company encourages customers to take
advantage of its network-ready device certification program, which has
been offered since 2003. Certification of business customers' devices
helps to ensure a better wireless experience and better technical
support.
Developers
To broaden awareness among mobile applications developers -- small,
large and in between -- http://www.att.com/choice highlights improved and
expanded technical and marketing information. This information can be found
within the new Web site at developer.att.com.
A key resource on the new Web site is the 2008 version of the Wireless
Reference Architecture guide, one of the most comprehensive resources in
the industry to help developers create wireless applications for
businesses. The guide, which can be found at developer.att.com/wra,
includes a wealth of information on all aspects of wireless technology,
from operating systems to application life-cycle management. Among the
guide's resources is a chapter on the technical specs of the wireless
devices that AT&T offers.
"AT&T's 2008 version of the Wireless Reference Architecture guide
clearly provides a road map for any business using wireless solutions,"
said Rick May, managing director of Rapid ID. "Our business, solely
dependent on wireless communications, is projected to increase in 2008 with
the assistance of devCentral -- which has been instrumental in my company's
success -- and continue to grow in 2009 as AT&T further develops its
solution."
In addition to the Wireless Reference Architecture guide,
http://www.att.com/choice also includes a variety of other resources to
help any interested developer, including ways to market applications for
maximum visibility. Thousands of software developers have already created
applications for the AT&T wireless network.
To encourage the development of innovative new devices, AT&T recently
made its Universal Design specifications available for the first time. The
guidelines help third parties design products and applications that are
usable by the largest number of consumers possible, especially seniors or
those who have disabilities.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its
subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of
AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their
offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications
services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and
voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory
publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and
YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators
in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen
integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services
provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at
http://www.att.com.
(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the
AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T
Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of
an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review
this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

Attendees at Las Vegas Event to Enjoy Opportunities to Protect the Environment, Reduce Carbon Footprint Washington, D.C. (February 20, 2008) – CTIA WIRELESS, the premier global event representing the $500 billion global wireless industry, is doing its part to reduce waste and promote green business practices with its new eco-friendly initiatives. As part of CTIA’s overall commitment to the environment, this Spring’s tradeshow, to be held in Las Vegas April 1 – 3, will include a number of opportunities for attendees to do their part. Programs will include: * Ways to Recycle Your Retired Phones— Attendees can bring their retired cell phones and accessories to CTIA WIRELESS 2008 for recycling, and support the CALL TO PROTECT® program. Wireless phones donated to the program are refurbished and sold to raise funds for domestic violence organizations. Phone recycling stations will be located throughout the convention center. Attendees will also be able to take a postage-paid envelope home to send retired phones for recycling, at no cost. * Recycling Bins for Badges—CTIA reduced its three-part badge (paper badge, plastic e-Business card and badge holder) to a single recyclable badge. At the end of their visit, attendees will be able to recycle their badges in specially marked bins located throughout the convention center. * Paper, Plastic and Glass Recycling—CTIA is working with the Las Vegas Convention Center to ensure that paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, wood and aluminum products as well as carpet padding are being sorted and recycled. “The fast pace of innovation in the wireless industry delivers new devices and applications at lightning speed,” said Robert Mesirow, vice president and show director of CTIA WIRELESS. “At CTIA, the wireless industry is demonstrating that same spirit of innovation to reduce the environmental impact of our business. CTIA is proud to partner with the industry to make recycling and reduced waste a way of life at our shows and all year round.” CTIA has adapted some of its practices to further reduce the show’s carbon footprint. In addition to utilizing electronic brochures, rather than paper, whenever possible, reusing show signage and materials, and working with host facilities to utilize biodegradable materials for concessions, CTIA is also introducing new initiatives in Las Vegas this April that further eliminate waste and encourage green business practices. Cutting Down On Paper /> Over the years, CTIA has worked with exhibitors, attendees and partners to reduce the amount of paper used at the show. While CTIA strives to use virtual brochures and materials whenever possible, paper materials that must be produced are printed on recycled and FSC-certified paper when available. CTIA has also partnered with Virtual Press Office to make it easier for exhibitors to distribute electronic press kits. And CTIA itself shares information with the press via electronic communications. In addition, show management distributes almost all materials and information to exhibitors electronically. Eco-Friendly Exhibit Materials CTIA WIRELESS is working with Freeman, the official show contractor, to provide exhibitors with environmentally-friendly options—including cardboard wastebaskets, banner materials with water-based components that do not contain carcinogenic or allergenic compounds, and exhibit packages that contain environmentally-friendly materials. These additions will allow exhibitors to maximize their tradeshow investment while maintaining a “green” approach. About CTIA WIRELESS 2008® As the premier global event representing the $500 billion global wireless industry and the largest wireless show in the world, CTIA WIRELESS 2008 brings together all industries affected by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit www.ctia.org/ctiawireless. CTIA -The Wireless Association is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. CTIA is also recognized as the premiere producer of two annual technology events representing the complete wireless, mobile and Internet industries: CTIA WIRELESS 2008 takes place in Las Vegas April 1-3; CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2008 takes place in San Francisco September 10-12. Visit www.ctia.org. Note to journalists: Press and analyst registration for CTIA WIRELESS 2008 is open at: https://registration.itnintl.com/ctiawireless08/reg/regPress.aspx Media Contacts: Media Strategies for CTIA WIRELESS Cheryl Delgreco cdelgreco@msipr.com 617-723-4004 Liora Bram lbram@msipr.com 617-864-3931 ###