May 23, 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the inception of CTIA, originally incorporated under the name Cellular Communications Industry Association. Its founding purpose was to encourage public acceptance of cellular mobile communication, improve mobile service to the public, gather industry statistics, work with government agencies by providing non-proprietary information on the industry, keep its members informed on government legislation and developments in the industry, and participate in trade association activities as directed by its board.
Today, under the leadership of President & CEO Meredith Attwell Baker (who was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame in 2023), CTIA represents the entire ecosystem of the U.S. wireless communications industry. The association is active on a wide range of issues including spectrum policy, wireless infrastructure, and the Internet of Things, among others. From carriers and equipment manufacturers to mobile app developers and content creators, it brings together a dynamic group of companies that enable consumers to lead a 21st Century connected life. This includes advocating for legislative and regulatory policies at federal, state, and local levels that foster the continued innovation, investment and increasing economic impact of America’s wireless industry.
Starting out as a small trade association with only two employees, CTIA has now grown to nearly 100 full-time employees, with more than 250 association members including wireless carriers and their suppliers, manufacturers and providers of wireless data services and products. CTIA also leads dozens of member-driven working groups on a variety of business, policy and technical issues impacting the wireless industry, from spectrum and cybersecurity to smart cities, certification and device repair.
Happy birthday CTIA!