At the PCIA show this morning, in a move to better represent its growing membership, PCIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association, announced the 67-year-old national trade association has changed its name to the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA).
Jonathan Adelstein, President and CEO of WIA, made the announcement during his opening remarks at the annual Wireless Infrastructure Show, which brings together more than 3,000 leaders and innovators from across the wireless infrastructure ecosystem. The WIA’s mission is to represent the wireless telecommunications infrastructure industry, including the infrastructure providers, carriers, equipment manufacturers and professional services firms that enable mobile networks.
The “PCIA” moniker was created in 1995 at a time when the association primarily advocated on behalf of the personal communications infrastructure industry. In 2004, the association’s emphasis shifted to focus on wireless infrastructure, yet “PCIA” remained part of the group’s name with the addition of “The Wireless Infrastructure Association” descriptor.
Tim House, Executive Vice President of WIA, said the new name reflects the long-term vision for the association.
“Our industry has grown beyond its history of representing personal communications,” Adelstein told a packed ballroom at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. “We are now on a mission to enable mobile networks everywhere. Increased spectrum, improved technology and more wireless infrastructure all play a role in meeting the soaring demand for wireless data.”
The new name was approved by the Board of Directors, which includes leaders from wireless infrastructure companies and wireless carriers. The Association also unveiled a new logo and website.
“The new name reflects the long-term vision for the association,” added Tim House, Executive Vice President of WIA. “WIA remains the premier professional association for infrastructure owners and operators, wireless carriers, equipment manufacturers, and service providers.”