The wireless industry is at a critical juncture. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 's policy decisions in the upcoming 600MHz spectrum auction can either take bold steps to bridge the digital divide once and for all. Or it can exacerbate it.

Regional and rural markets in the US not only represent the greatest need for high-speed LTE wireless build-outs, they also offer great opportunities for carriers that are ready to support them and numerous benefits for consumers they serve.

A recent survey of more than 400 consumers conducted by Current Analysis on the Competitive Carriers Association's behalf shows that rural wireless subscribers overwhelmingly choose expensive, Internet-capable devices. For example, more than 80 percent of the survey's participants plan to purchase a smartphone. Even among consumers making less than $25,000 per year, 70 percent of participants chose smartphones over feature phones.

Various sources place overall smartphone penetration in the US at approximately 60 to 65 percent. So how do we account for the higher rate of smartphone penetration in smaller markets?

We should look to global markets with very high smartphone penetration, such as South Korea, China, and the Nordic countries, to give us some insight into what is happening across rural America. In part, these markets have produced highly sophisticated mobile consumers due to a phenomenon they share with rural US markets -- leapfrogging. Due to a preference for mobility and a lack of access to reliable, affordable, high-speed wireline broadband services, uptake for mobile broadband is extremely high, producing power users.

Along those lines, our survey also found that nearly 40 percent of rural subscribers have either eliminated their wireline service, or plan to do so within the coming year. This trend will likely continue, aided by the fact that the capabilities of wireline services in many rural communities still lag far behind. Data from the White House's June 2013 Broadband Report backs this up:

Decisions made by policymakers on issues such as interoperability and the upcoming 600MHz spectrum auction will greatly affect competitive carriers' ability to compete and provide service in these areas. Many rural carriers are ready and willing to build-out these areas, but until these obstacles are addressed, it will be very difficult to do so. With useable spectrum and access to the latest devices, competitive wireless carriers can attempt to close the technology gap in rural communities, unlock major revenue streams for their businesses, and create jobs and opportunities in their communities.

By serving populations that the largest two carriers ignore, competitive carriers -- who serve more than 100 million subscribers in North America and represent more than $10 billion in handset buying power -- are pushing to restore competition and provide real choice. Competitive alternatives are good for consumers and good for the economy.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must design the rules for the upcoming incentive auction that will allow all carriers, both large and small, to participate and have a meaningful opportunity to win needed spectrum. Consumers are choosing and relying on wireless services each and every day; it's time for policymakers to help ensure consumers will have a choice of carriers to meet their needs.

—Steven K. Berry, President & CEO, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA)