Largent: CTIA sees no workable compromise to wireless exemption

On a joint net-neutrality proposal from Google and Verizon:

CTIA is “very curious” about how the agreement will affect public opinion around net neutrality. Largent is wondering if there will be “opposition generated by this story that would not have been there otherwise.”

On CTIA’s role in the debate: 

“Our job is to say ‘nothing is necessary,’ ” in reference to the push by some for a net-neutrality framework that applies a non-discrimination rule to wireless traffic. CTIA does not see a compromise short of a wireless exemption to a non-discrimination rule that would be acceptable, he said.

On FCC-led net-neutrality talks:

Largent said he does not think wireless carriers in FCC-led talks (Verizon, AT&T) are prepared to swallow tougher rules than those in the Verizon-Google proposal. He said if there are reports to the contrary, he thinks they are wrong. He said he understands that the concessions these companies may offer surround their wireline businesses. 

On liberal groups lashing out against the Google-Verizon proposal:

“You can’t make public policy to appease agitation,” said Dane Snowden, vice president for external and state affairs.

On the outlook for a wireless exemption to net-neutrality rules: 

There is a “growing recognition wireless is different,” said Chris Guttman-McCabe, vice president for regulatory affairs.

This policy argument is not necessarily flattering for the wireless industry: “You don’t want to tell everyone how small your highway is,” Largent said.

On the FCC under Chairman Julius Genachowski: 

“Active.” CTIA is encouraged by the agency’s stated commitment to relying on facts. 

On increased attempts to regulate the wireless industry: 

That’s “only because it’s successful.”

On regulatory creep by the FCC: 

There’s a “fine line between using the bully pulpit for innovation and using it” in a harmful way, Snowden said. 

“Yes, we are concerned,” Guttman-McCabe said.

On the conflicting public safety network proposals of House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Senate Commerce Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.): 

The two Democrats are not in different places on funding the network via spectrum auctions, Largent noted. 

On efforts to enact strong regulations around cell phone radiation concerns: 

Unnecessary. Basis: Science. 

The team offered reporter-friendly illustrations of competition in the wireless industry: 

-The number of commercials you see for wireless companies. 

-The number of people you see on their cell phones when you’re at the airport.