Wireless advocate Steve Largent says it's all about spectrum

A Q&A with Steve Largent, head of CTIA, the wireless industry's lobbying organization.

The Great Recession has touched virtually every corner of the economy. But one sector that withstood the onslaught and posted solid growth is the wireless industry, thanks to healthy demand for ever more intelligent smartphones and, lately, tablet computers. Largent's job is to keep the good times rolling. But a looming shortage of spectrum -- the radio airwaves that deliver voice, video and Web pages to cell phones -- is sparking fears that wireless networks will eventually be overwhelmed by the proliferation of data-hungry devices. That would mean dropped calls, choppier YouTube videos and slower Web surfing on your smartphone, not to mention serious trouble for the companies Largent represents. A former Republican congressman and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver, Largent has a delicate balancing act. He's fighting government regulations opposed by wireless carriers while at the same time seeking regulators' help to free up precious spectrum controlled by government and TV broadcasters.