Why It Matters

CTIA is fighting to secure the legislative foundation for American wireless dominance amid escalating national security threats and intensifying regulatory pressure. The core challenge: Congress must simultaneously authorize new 5G spectrum, mandate tougher cybersecurity standards, streamline infrastructure deployment, and regulate children’s online safety—without imposing compliance burdens that slow innovation or weaken competitiveness against China.

An FBI-disclosed Chinese hacking campaign now penetrates at least 200 American organizations including telecommunications carriers, creating urgent momentum for network security legislation. Meanwhile, Congress has restored the FCC’s spectrum auction authority through 2034, but CTIA must ensure favorable auction mechanisms to prevent Chinese 6G dominance. Additionally, bipartisan children’s online safety bills are advancing rapidly, expanding into AI regulation.

By the Numbers

CTIA has filed 77 lobbying disclosures since 2003, spending over $212 million on in-house advocacy alone. For Q3 2025, CTIA spent $3.91 million on direct lobbying through its seven-person in-house team.

The organization maintains long-term partnerships with external firms including Mintz Levin (since 2003), Mayer Brown (since 2007), and Forbes Tate Partners (since 2010).

CTIA’s team reflects deep congressional connections. Kelly Angell Cole served as Counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Trevor Wilson Jones spent nearly seven years in the Senate, including in Sen. Ron Wyden’s (D-OR) office. Scott Stockwell brings 11 years of House experience with Democratic leadership.

The Agenda

CTIA lobbied on a broad range of issues in Q3 2025, spending $3.91 million on in-house advocacy efforts.

The organization’s primary focus centered on spectrum policy and 5G leadership, particularly the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 (H.R. 651). CTIA also prioritized cybersecurity legislation, including the Telecom Cybersecurity Transparency Act (S. 2480) and provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 2296).

On infrastructure deployment, CTIA advocated for the SPEED Act (H.R. 3838) and RAPID Act (H.R. 5318) to streamline wireless facility permitting.

The association engaged heavily on children’s online safety, lobbying on the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 836) and Kids Online Safety Act (S. 1748).

Between The Lines

Spectrum Victory: The FCC’s auction authority was restored through 2034, with Congress directing the FCC to auction at least 100 megahertz in the upper C-band by July 2027. This validates CTIA’s push for the Spectrum Pipeline Act.

Cybersecurity Urgency: The FBI warned that "Salt Typhoon" expanded to at least 200 American organizations, after previously breaching nine U.S. telecommunications companies. This intensifies momentum for CTIA’s cybersecurity legislative priorities.

Online Safety Expansion: The Senate reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act with bipartisan support. New proposals now require mobile app stores to verify ages and obtain parental consent for minors, creating a more complex regulatory environment than anticipated.

Broadband Uncertainty: The Trump administration froze a $42 billion rural broadband plan, pivoting toward satellite alternatives. Yet industry reports confirm permitting processes remain overly complex.

The Bottom Line

CTIA’s $3.91 million Q3 2025 lobbying investment reflects the wireless industry’s urgent need to shape legislation across spectrum, cybersecurity, and children’s safety. The association’s seven-person team of former Hill staffers is navigating active bipartisan momentum on key priorities while adapting to expanding regulatory demands and shifting Trump administration priorities toward satellite broadband alternatives.