CTIA Pushes for Licensing Reform

Representatives of CTIA stressed the importance of the FCC wrapping up work on a rulemaking on converting site-based cellular coverage areas to geographic market areas based on each licensee’s currently authorized Cellular Geographic Service Area, in a meeting with Erin McGrath, aide to Commissioner Mike O’Rielly. “This proposal will immediately reduce the administrative burden on both licensees and Commission staff, without prejudicing any party or the public,” said a filing posted Monday in docket 12-40. The industry officials also “highlighted” the importance of cellular licensing being brought into more harmony with flexible licensing used in other bands. “The parties explained that carriers are beginning to deploy LTE network technologies in cellular spectrum, making prompt resolution of these issues particularly urgent,” said CTIA.