TIA has urged the FCC to prohibit Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) testing that involves the delivery of test messages to cell phone users. TIA made clear that such testing could unnecessarily strain cellular networks and alarm cell phone users.

TIA was an active member of the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee (CMSAAC), which delivered recommendations to the FCC on best practices for implementing the CMAS. TIA and CMSAAC consistently argued against CMAS testing involving cell phone users.  

At the time of the FCC’s April 9, 2008, CMAS Order, no federal entity had offered to serve as an Alert Aggregator/Gateway that would carry out CMAS testing. Accordingly, the FCC stated that establishing rules on CMAS testing was premature. On May 30, 2008, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced its willingness to serve as the federal Alert Aggregator/Gateway for the CMAS. TIA stated in its letter that the FCC should now mandate CMAS testing methods prohibiting delivery of test messages to cell phone users.

“With FEMA’s willingness to serve as the Alert Aggregator/Gateway, the time is right for the FCC to create CMAS testing rules prohibiting cell phone users from receiving test messages,” said TIA President Grant Seiffert. “Such testing could strain network resources and potentially alarm and confuse cell phone users. We look forward to working further with the FCC to develop effective CMAS testing methods that do not impose burdens upon cell phone users.”

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TIA urges the FCC to reauction D-Block spectrum quickly to facilitate an interoperable public safety network featuring broadband technologies and Land Mobile Radio Systems (LMRS).

“TIA has been a strong supporter of the Digital Television (DTV) Transition and the Congressional mandate to auction the resulting available spectrum,” said TIA President Grant Seiffert. “TIA applauds the FCC’s effort to ensure that an interoperable public safety network is built, which would serve the public interest in protecting all Americans in times of emergencies and national disasters..

Seiffert added that TIA members created the standards-based public radio safety communications forum for the adoption of the first standards-based public safety radio systems. Moreover, TIA is currently working to develop standards using both broadband and LMRS technologies for interoperable public safety systems. This dedication makes clear that broadband and LMRS technologies are both necessary elements of interoperable public safety systems.

For more information about TIA’s government affairs initiatives, please contact Danielle Coffey at dcoffey@tiaonline.org.

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Grant Seiffert, President of TIA, has joined the Connected Nation Board. Seiffert’s new role positions TIA alongside a powerful ally with similar policy objectives and a proven track record through state and local grassroots awareness/adoption campaigns. The Connected Nation Board includes U.S. technology leaders representing industry, labor, academia and government, planning for ways to partner to promote U.S. leadership in ensuring access to and use of broadband and related technology.

“I’m excited at the prospect of joining the Connected Nation board, which will mutually support TIA’s efforts in this area that we’ve been working on over the past decade,” said Seiffert. “The closeness with which their public service mission dovetails with TIA’s goals is particularly gratifying, especially in creating public-private partnerships to expand broadband access and improve quality of life for individuals and communities. Connected Nation’s results on the state level are extremely impressive, and with added resources and partnerships, we are confident that our joint efforts will reap benefits for consumers, government and industry as a whole.”

Connected Nation, the national non-profit widely recognized for its ability to dramatically impact broadband availability and technology literacy, recently assembled its expanding team of directors to accelerate the organization’s national impact. Connected Nation research has indicated that the U.S. economy stands to benefit by $134 billion annually by increasing use of broadband.

“Grant Seiffert is a technology leader in America and brings a wealth of experience to the Connected Nation Board of Directors,” said Brian Mefford, Chairman and CEO of Connected Nation. “We are bringing together a broad coalition that is capable of working together to generate meaningful results that yield more and better broadband for all parts of the country. Together, we are working to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to realize the promise of technology. The future of our country’s economic prowess and the extent of opportunities for our children depend on it.”

For more information about the Connected Nation Board of Directors, visit http://www.connectednation.org/our_team/board_of_directors.php.

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