CTIA LOBBIES FCC OVER CALEA COST

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association submitted evidence to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the cost of implementing the FBI's wish list for wiretapping. CTIA claimed that the technology the FBI wants will increase the cost of each wireless switch by $1 million and that, with approximately 750 wireless switches operating in the United States, the technology would be too costly. The dispute centers on the interpretation of the 1994 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA). Because both the wireline and wireless industries were unable to reach agreement with the FBI on the scope of the changes required under the law, the matter is now before the FCC for resolution.