Industry Associations

The Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) objective is to establish a forum through which Caribbean Telecommunication Organizations may exchange information and expertise pertaining to the telecommunications field, generate inputs for orderly growth of the sectors, formulate policy and consider matters of mutual interest to its members. CANTO is recognized as a major trade association in the telecommunication sector, not only in the region but also internationally.

The CDMA Development Group (CDG), founded in December 1993, is an international consortium of companies who have joined together to lead the adoption and evolution of 3G CDMA wireless systems around the world. The CDG is comprised of CDMA service providers and manufacturers, application developers and content providers. By working together, the members help to ensure interoperability among systems, while expediting the availability of 3G CDMA technology to consumers.

CTIA-The Wireless Association®, is an international nonprofit membership organization founded in 1984, representing all sectors of wireless communications – cellular, personal communication services and enhanced specialized mobile radio.

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite carriers as well as companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry.

The GSMA represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry. Spanning 219 countries, the GSMA unites more than 750 of the world’s mobile operators, as well as 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organizations. The GSMA is focused on innovating, incubating and creating new opportunities for its membership, all with the end goal of driving the growth of the mobile communications industry.

The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) delivers open specifications for creating interoperable services that work across countries, different networks, fixed and mobile terminals. Driven by users’ needs and the expanding market for data services, the member companies of the Open Mobile Alliance stimulate the adoption of new and enhanced information, communication and entertainment services. The Open Mobile Alliance includes contributors from all key elements of the wireless value chain, and contributes to the timely and efficient introduction of services and applications.

RCA is the premier association representing rural wireless telecommunications providers across the United States. RCA speaks with a strong, united voice on issues that concern its members and keeps them informed through timely sharing of information, knowledge and expertise to the common benefit of all members. RCA has been at the heart of the rural wireless success story since it began in 1992. Our primary focus is representing two-way wireless communication providers with less than 500,000 subscribers. These companies primarily serve small rural markets each with its own set of challenges and opportunities. RCA’s primary goal is to help our members meet those challenges successfully and capitalize on all opportunities. In addition, RCA provides opportunities to learn more about the industry and network with other members through various meetings and seminars.

Rural Telecommunications Group (RTG) is a Section 501 (c)(6) trade association representing rural wireless carriers who serve less than 100,000 subscribers.  RTG’s members have joined together to speed delivery of new, efficient, and innovative telecommunications technologies to the populations of remote and underserved sections of the country. 

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is the leading trade association representing the global information and communications technology (ICT) industries through standards development, government affairs, business opportunities, market intelligence, certification and world-wide environmental regulatory compliance. With support from its 600 members, TIA enhances the business environment for companies involved in telecommunications, broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite, unified communications, emergency communications and the greening of technology. TIA is accredited by ANSI.

Formed in 1998, The Messaging Industry Association, or TMIA, works to advance the awareness, adoption and use of all messaging services and technologies. TMIA members join the not-for-profit organization to help maximize the growth of the messaging industry in order to increase profitability of all industry participants. Through committee work, members conduct research and promote growth in specific areas, such as Unified Communications, Wireline/Wireless Convergence, Migration to Next Generation Messaging, Text and Video Messaging.