Cellular Group Calls For Less Regulation As Complaints Drop

The cellular industry's trade organization Monday renewed its call for fewer regulations following release of government report showing a significant drop in complaints against wireless operators.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a report late last week saying that complaints lodged with the agency about cellular operators decreased 6.9 percent in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the previous quarter. The FCC said that complaints decreased 37 percent compared to the first quarter of 2005.

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) said Monday that the reduction in complaints shows that competition, not regulation, is providing a high level of service. The group recently launched a campaign for a single, national regulatory framework for cellular service instead of the current combination of FCC and state oversight of the industry.

"The competitive model that set the wireless revolution in motion has without a doubt delivered for consumers," Steve Largent, the CTIA's CEO, said in a statement. "We're nearing the point where wireless regulations are being introduced and offered simply because they can be, and I'm very concerned that these measures will wash away the incredibly valuable benefits that all wireless consumers in America have enjoyed."

Largent testified last week in favor of a national regulatory framework, saying it would lead to a new "wireless Renaissance."