Mobile phones, computers, smart home accessories, and even social media apps are all types of technology that provide a convenient experience to its users. Despite this reliance on technology in the average U.S household, most domestic consumers do not understand how the inner workings behind this technology came about nor who makes the decisions on what advancements should get made. The wireless network needed to run most devices, or the interfaces accompanying mobile phones and tablets did not just appear. A consumer market that does not understand the technology it relies on can lead to misconceptions of that very technology. Luckily, several organizations work to ensure that both the telecommunications and wireless infrastructure industry can thrive and that consumers are protected. Two such organizations are the CTIA and the OMTP.
The CTIA
The CTIA or Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association represent companies that use some form of communication technology in their day-to-day business. Wireless carriers, mobile app developers, and internet communication equipment manufacturers all receive representation from the CTIA.
A Brief History Of the CTIA
In 1984, the first iteration of the CTIA was founded under the name of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association. In 2004, the organization merged with the Wireless Data Forum and became known as the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association. With the merger came a new logo and title “CTIA – The Wireless Association,” though, in 2015, this got dropped with the organization choosing to be represented by CTIA only. With changes to the organization, came changes to the leadership. Tom Wheeler served as the chief executive officer from 1992 until 2004. If you recognize that name, it is because President Obama selected Mr. Wheeler to head the FCC or Federal Communications Commission in 2013. Tom Wheeler was replaced by Steve Largent in 2003, who was subsequently replaced in 2014 by Meridith Atwell Baker, the current serving president and CEO.
What Does The CTIA Do?
As stated above, the CTIA represents companies that work in the telecommunications and internet industry. They are also the ones that set guidelines for those companies to follow to ensure their business practices are ethical, though still able to grow. One of the CTIA’s most significant contributions to helping businesses grow comes in the form of the short code system, which is what companies use to send SMS messages as part of their Bulk SMS marketing campaign. As the CTIA created this system, they also have the responsibility of auditing its use. If a company using their system is not operating to the CTIA’s rules, the CTIA can report them to the mobile operator that forwards the messages, which can then either suspend or shut down the offending company’s marketing campaign.
The Rules the CTIA Enforces
As the CTIA monitors and distributes short codes for companies to use, they are the ones, as outlined above, that set the rules companies must play by when using text messages to reach customers. These rules are not actual laws, so a company in breach of them will not face legal action. However, they can see their marketing campaign stopped, so it’s best to stay compliant with these best practice suggestions. The rules outline the following:
- What a marketing message sent via SMS can and cannot contain.
- What a company must include in the message they send. Some examples of the necessary information include data and text rates, a link to relevant terms and conditions, an option to opt-out of the marketing campaign, and contact details for the company performing the marketing.
- How frequently a company can perform text message marketing.
These are just some examples of what a company must do to remain compliant with the CTIA’s guidelines. However, as stated above, the CTIA is not just about making sure consumers receive fair treatment. They represent businesses as well.
What The CTIA Does For Businesses
Without the CTIA, the government could place restrictions on the wireless technology that they do not fully understand. The CTIA represents businesses at all levels of government to ensure the industry gets treated fairly. One such example is the CTIA’s work to remove regulatory barriers against wireless infrastructure, t hub for wireless networks. The CTIA also legally challenged the FCC’s ruling on net neutrality, which led to mobile broadband getting classed as Title II under the act. Title II classes an industry as a utility, meaning consumers will receive the same service, no matter how much they are paying. Though the CTIA feels open internet access is good, mobile broadband access is not the right way to approach such an idea.
The OMTP
The CTIA is a trade association that works on behalf of the wireless industry to ensure fair practice for both businesses and consumers, as detailed above. The OMTP served a similar purpose, though instead of being an association, it is an industry forum, and instead of working with wireless technology, they worked with mobile devices. The Open Mobile Terminal Platform got put together by several major companies in the mobile telecommunications industry, as a chance for those companies to come together and discuss the standards they should reach for, as the industry grows and develops. Some major companies that utilized the OMTP during its operating period include:
- Huawei
- LG
- Motorola
- Nokia
- Samsung
- Sony Ericsson
A Brief History Of The OMTP
Unfortunately, the OMTP in itself is history and has been since 2010. The idea of a forum got conceived in 2004. OMTP was then put together by some of the biggest mobile operators, including O2, Orange, T-Mobile, and Vodafone. From there, the member base grew to include other big names such as AT&T and KT. Come 2010, the members of the OMTP transitioned themselves into the newly established Wholesale Applications Community. Previous responsibilities of the OMTP also transitioned or were handed over to similar associations, such as CTIA. Unfortunately, the OMTP took another hit in 2012, as the WAC closed down. The standards set by OMTP got transferred to the GSMA or Global System for Mobile Communications.
What Did The OMTP Achieve?
One of the aims of the OMTP, was for the group to define a set of standardized requirements for mobile applications to ensure consumers receive a consistent experience using apps, no matter their mobile device. However, OMTP also strived to find a balance to ensure operators and manufacturers can offer unique experiences through their devices. The OMTP was also responsible for setting the requirements in support of advance sim cards, with the same document detailing those requirements also outlining profiles for contactless and mobile tv, both of which are two prominent technologies used today. The OMTP was also responsible for a lot of the requirements mobile manufacturers aim to follow. One such example that consumers notice most is the building of support to see micro-USB become the primary method for charging and data transfer on mobile devices.
Through the BONDI initiative in 2008, in the form of a mobile widget, OMTP took its mobile application standardization further by defining interfaces running on Javascript API and security framework that would set the standard that mobile devices use to access additional features while remaining secure.
The Legacy Of The OMTP
The OMTP was a neutral forum, and though there was a focus on mobile devices, all forms of technology suppliers were able to contribute to, support, and provide OMTP compliant products. This open forum led to innovations that molded the mobile market as we know it, and signs of their work can get seen to this day, often through the GSMA.
CTIA Vs. OMTP – Two Industries, One Purpose
Both the CTIA and OMTP work to set standards within their respective industries that both benefit consumers and businesses. The OMTP performed its work in the format of the forum, which gave a voice to leaders in the mobile telecommunications industry, allowing them to set standards that, to this day, ensure consumers, no matter their chosen device, receive a similar high-quality experience. The CTIA, though an organization, focuses on wireless technology, to ensure that businesses can continue to grow and innovate, without compromising on consumer care. This responsibility does often coincide with the goals of the OMTP, which leads to two organizations aiming to better the telecommunication industry as a whole.