Most US Handsets Can Use Latest Wireless Alerting Technology: CTIA

CTIA reported to the FCC that the number of handsets in use in the U.S. that can use the latest generation of wireless emergency alert technology (WEA 3.0) continues to grow. CTIA, citing IDC data, now estimates the WEA 3.0 penetration rate is about 60% of active smartphones, an increase from 34% last year, said a filing posted Friday in docket 15-91. “Given the reported handset lifetime of 35 months … we conclude that such handsets amount to a majority of active smartphones in use in 2022,” CTIA said: “CTIA and its member companies appreciate the Commission’s dedication to enhancing the WEA system and are very pleased with the progress that the wireless industry and FEMA have made on delivering new WEA features to consumers.”