CCA’s Berry: Research Dispels FCC Misperceptions About Rural Wireless

Despite extensive challenges that carriers have encountered building out LTE in rural areas, carriers should not lose heart, said Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) President and CEO Steven K. Berry. “For our guys, in rural America, there’s a reason for small carriers to build out LTE,” Berry said. “There is a reason to invest in advanced technologies because there is a market there.”

For evidence, he pointed to the results of a survey of rural wireless users conducted by Current Analysis for the CCA and released to CCA members. The study showed that 80% of rural subscribers who plan to purchase a wireless device within the next three months plan to purchase a smartphone and 10% plan to purchase a tablet. Only 9% plan to purchase a basic feature phone. “It doesn’t matter what the level of income of a household [is], there’s demand for smartphones,” said Berry. “Even the economically disadvantaged will buy the high-end phone.”