CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement In Response to the NTIA's Petition to the FCC on Unlocked Mobile Devices

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the NTIA's petition to the FCC on unlocked mobile devices, CTIA-The Wireless Association® Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Scott Bergmann said:

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"While we have not yet reviewed NTIA's petition on cellphone unlocking filed today, CTIA welcomes the opportunity to work with the Administration and the FCC to highlight the wealth of device options that exist for U.S. consumers today and carriers' transparent and competitive unlocking policies. Of paramount importance to this discussion is educating policymakers and consumers about the numerous unlocking policy options when considering wireless providers or service plans, as well as the technological realities that exist among different phones and different carriers. 

"When it comes to mobile devices, the facts make it clear that the U.S. wireless marketplace is delivering tremendous value to consumers, in the form of high-end and affordable devices, post- and pre-paid options, and with the world's most advanced devices being launched first in the United States. Indeed, given the plethora of choices in the marketplace – more than 240 unlocked devices are available for purchase from a wireless carrier, retail store or directly from the manufacturer – consumers continue to benefit from the competitive market for mobile services.

"Further, we trust that all parties interested in this issue will join CTIA in supporting the legislation being advanced by House Judiciary Chairman Goodlatte. The Goodlatte bill aims to alleviate consumer confusion or uncertainty from the 2012 decision of the Librarian of Congress and to prevent the bulk unlocking of handsets and arbitrage of the handset subsidy system, which can harm consumers and facilitate the sale of stolen smartphones."

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, DC.

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SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association