WASHINGTON-When Stephen Largent was chosen as the new president of the Cellular & Telecommunications Association, his only connection to the wireless industry appeared to be as a former member of the House telecom subcommittee, but John Stanton, chairman, director and chief executive officer of Western Wireless Corp., told RCR Wireless News Wednesday that Largent’s association with wireless goes back to his days as a star wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League.
“Steve actually was involved some in our wireless business in Seattle. When we first introduced coverage when I was running McCaw Cellular between Seattle and Portland, Ore., we named that service ‘The Wide Receiver Program,’ and Steve endorsed that program for us. Steve has known, been involved in and been a great fan of the wireless industry for almost 17 years. When Steve was an NFL player and was endorsing the product, he insisted on knowing exactly what we were doing and understanding it. Before he put his name on that product, he wanted to be certain he was comfortable associating himself with our company and that product, and he did a terrific job for us,” said Stanton.
Stanton talked to RCR Wireless News during a break in a House telecommunications subcommittee hearing on the universal service fund.
As a self-admitted fan of outgoing CTIA President Thomas Wheeler, Stanton brushed off the suggestion that his role and/or stature within CTIA would change.
“I don’t know that my role has anything to do with the leadership. I have been in the industry and in the association for almost 20 years. I expect it is just because I have been around a long time that people perceive whatever role I have. I knew the first president, Bob Mayer, and I have been an enormous fan of Tom Wheeler. I think the industry has benefited tremendously from his leadership, and I have known Steve Largent for 20 years, and I know he will do a great job,” said Stanton.
Stanton believes Largent is ready to face whatever comes his way as CTIA president.
Largent is scheduled to begin his tenure at CTIA Nov. 1.
