The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, regarding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcement to vote on CTA’s petition to expand marketing opportunities for innovative 5G technologies.  

“We are thrilled the FCC is voting on CTA’s request to revise its rules to prioritize marketing and importing essential consumer technologies.  

“The old rules from the 1970s are putting Americans at a global disadvantage in how soon they can get the newest devices they want. The old rules that restrict importing and selling tech devices directly to consumers no longer make sense. The importance of and demand for 5G and other next-generation devices became even clearer during the pandemic as Americans shifted to working, learning and receiving medical care online.  

“CTA members are now racing to meet the consumer demand for connected devices. We will see more of these innovative technologies at CES 2022 in Las Vegas the first week in January. If the old rules are revised, companies can get these essential products into consumers hands faster and speed up 5G deployment.”  

View CTA’s petition to the FCC here.