AT&T Calls for Constructive, Fact-Based Dialog With FCC on New Government Push to Regulate Vibrant U.S. Wireless Industry
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In an address here at CTIA's semi-annual convention, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets President and CEO Ralph de la Vega called for a constructive, fact-based dialog with the FCC on the impact of new regulation on America's growing and world-leading wireless industry.
de la Vega, who is incoming chairman of the CTIA board, urged a cautious approach to any new government regulation of a vibrant industry that is "one of America's great success stories.
"Our industry is highly competitive, innovative and thriving. Because of significant private investment, made possible by limited regulation, U.S. wireless consumers enjoy the broadest array of innovative wireless services and devices, the highest usage levels, the lowest prices, and the most competitive choices of any wireless market in the world," de la Vega said.
"We are eager for the opportunity to have a constructive, fact-based dialog with FCC Chairman Genachowski and his colleagues," said de la Vega. "It is an honor to have him here at this critical time for our industry.
"Before we begin 'fixing' what isn't broken, we need to be thoughtful about the consequences. We believe the marketplace today is vibrant, and there is no need to burden the mobile Internet with onerous new regulations," said de la Vega. "Imposing new regulations on an intensely-competitive market that has been such a phenomenal success could have unforeseen consequences for jobs, investment, innovation, networks, and how the industry structures and prices services to customers."
The FCC is conducting inquiries into the wireless industry regarding competition and innovation. Additionally, the FCC has announced an upcoming rule making on net neutrality that would apply to wired and wireless networks.
"As part of our dialog with the FCC, we hope to present some important facts to show how -- and why -- less regulation is the best path to the future for America's wireless industry," said de la Vega.
According to de la Vega, the U.S. wireless industry:
"The facts are clear: the U.S. wireless industry's virtuous cycle of innovation and investment is working to deliver real value to American consumers," said de la Vega. "We want that to continue."
Further illustrating AT&T's commitment to push innovation to the next level, AT&T also launched www.att.com/innovations -- a site dedicated to the first completed decade of AT&T innovation in the 21st century. Supporting Mr. de la Vega's remarks at CTIA, the new site reflects on AT&T's effort to set a leader's pace in bringing more innovation and customer choice to areas such as devices, networks and application development.
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