February 23, 2010
The Honorable John C. Rafferty, Jr.
Chairman, Senate Transportation Committee
Senate Box 203044
Harrisburg, PA 17120
VIA E-MAIL
Dear Chairman Rafferty:
PCIA—The Wireless Infrastructure Association and the Pennsylvania Wireless Association (“PWA”) jointly write in reference to HB 2070, a bill that would restrict the use of wireless devices while the user is also operating a motor vehicle. This bill was approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on January 26, 2010, and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on February 1, 2010. We urge you to consider the scope of devices that would become restricted under this bill and to revise the language to protect the commercial interests that rely on wireless communications beyond traditional “cell phone” service.
PCIA is the national trade association dedicated to the development of wireless infrastructure. PCIA also specializes in private radio frequency coordination for business and enterprise users. The PWA is a non-profit volunteer association comprised of professionals from all aspects of the wireless communications industry throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The bill, as written, has an overbroad definition of “Interactive Wireless Communications Device” that goes beyond traditional cell phone use to include two-way radios. Numerous businesses throughout Pennsylvania utilize two-way radios to maintain communications that are vital to commerce. These commercial users have generally sought and obtained exclusive frequency licenses from the Federal Communications Commission in order to ensure the reliability of their communication systems. For example, taxis are frequently dispatched via two-way radios and buses, security vehicles and florists all rely on this means of communication. These and many other businesses rely heavily on two-way radios in order to operate, yet this bill would place severe burdens on their ability to conduct business.
Accordingly, PCIA and PWA respectfully request that your committee amend the definition of “Interactive Wireless Communications Device” to exempt two-way radios. Doing so would ensure that commercial communications are not unnecessarily impeded, thus allowing businesses to operate successfully and profitably for the benefit of the Commonwealth.
Please contact us if you have any questions about the benefit of such an amendment.
Best regards,
Michael D. Saperstein, Jr., Esq.
Director of Government Affairs
PCIA—The Wireless Infrastructure Association
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