WASHINGTON-The International Mobile Telecommunications Association has been formed to foster the development of specialized mobile radio service and related trade associations throughout the world.
IMTA is a sister organization of the American Mobile Telecommunications Association, which represents the SMR industry in this country and is led by Alan Shark. Shark will serve as chief executive of IMTA.
There are currently 2 million SMR units licensed in the United States and the industry grew nearly 20 percent last year. Both trade groups are based in Washington, D.C.
“We recognize the worldwide need for telecommunications and the existing pent-up demand,” said George Billings, vice chairman of RMD Americas and chairman of IMTA. He said the new association “will help fuel the move toward privatization, deregulation and open markets” abroad.
Brazil, Mexico, Panama and New Zealand have set up affiliated trade associations to date. In addition, dozens of country-wide organizations are in various stages of forming, IMTA said.
Half of the 20-member board of directors will be from other nations.
“IMTA will play a critical role in creating competitive markets sooner rather than later in countries outside of the United States,” said Scott Harris, chief the International Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission.
