Wireless Consumer Complaints Fall Again

Largent Hails Competition, Wants Consumer Choice to Lead the Way

May 22, 2006 -- WASHINGTON, DC– CTIA – The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent today trumpeted the publication of yet another report showing wireless consumers to be increasingly satisfied with their innovative service.

On Friday afternoon, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released their 1st Quarter 2006 report on consumer inquiries and complaints. The report found wireless related complaints to have decreased 6.9% since the end of 4th Quarter 2005. In fact, wireless complaints have fallen an impressive 37% from the 1st Quarter 2005. The report also shows that for every one million subscribers, there are but 22 wireless complaints registered with the FCC.The publication of the FCC’s complaint data comes on the heels of two studies, one out of the University of Michigan and the other from J.D. Power and Associates, that found overall wireless customer satisfaction to have increased markedly.

“Wireless complaints continue to plummet as satisfaction scores are on the rise…the competitive model that set the wireless revolution in motion has without a doubt delivered for consumers,� said Largent. “Consumers are not only increasingly turning to wireless to meet their evolving communications needs, but they’re also registering their satisfaction with how these innovative products and services are delivered to them in the competitive marketplace.�

While Largent applauded the industry for its rising consumer satisfaction marks he also warned that wireless users could be significantly harmed if the national regulatory framework that helped produce these results is busted apart by a patchwork of inconsistent and costly state regulations.

“There’s an old story about a goose and a golden egg,� continued Largent. “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.�

Last week, Largent appeared before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee to urge its members to support a strong and consistent national regulatory framework for wireless service. Such a move, said Largent, would reaffirm an environment of regulatory restraint and pave the way for the next wireless communications revolution.

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CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. Web: http://www.ctia.org

Source: CTIA