ALBANY, NY – New York State now has a new association with a mission of working with local communities in educating and improving relationships with the wireless industry. The New York State Wireless Association (NYSWA), a statewide organization supported by PCIA – the Wireless Infrastructure Association, was recently launched and officers were elected. Douglas W. Dimitroff, a Partner with the Buffalo and Albany offices of Phillips Lytle LLP, is the founder of the New York association and was elected first president of the board.

Dimitroff brings more than eleven years experience in telecommunications law and regulatory matters to his new position as president of NYSWA. He founded Phillips Lytle’s telecommunications practice and has helped the firm grow it into a national practice.

NYSWA is a business association comprised of members from all sectors of the wireless industry whose objective is the promotion and advancement of the industry by means of education, awareness and opportunity. The association’s mission is to be a unified voice in state and local legislative matters impacting the industry and will be a central repository for collection and distribution of news and information for its members. In addition, the association will look to cultivate relationships and exchange ideas between the wireless telecommunications professionals and the local communities across New York State that they serve.

“There is a definite need in New York State to foster the advancement and promotion of the wireless industry,” said Doug Dimitroff. “When it comes to telecommunications regulations, New York is a diverse state and can sometimes be difficult to navigate, especially since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which resulted in an ever expanding wireless industry, new technologies and a flood of new competitors and regulatory issues in the marketplace.

Through PCIA’s support, the NYSWA hopes to advance an understanding of the benefits of wireless services and the required infrastructure.”

PCIA – the Wireless Infrastructure Association, is the principal trade association representing the companies that make up the wireless communications and broadcast infrastructure industry. PCIA’s members own and manage more than 65,000 telecommunications towers and antenna facilities that support analog, digital and broadcast services across the country.

“PCIA is proud to support the State Wireless Association program and the growing network of statewide organizations,” said PCIA President & CEO Michael Fitch. “The New York State Wireless Association will help educate decision makers about the needs and benefits of the wireless industry.”

NYSWA has representation across the state, with a reach into adjacent states. Additional 2007 officers appointed were Timothy Conte with Global Tower Partners as Vice President and Adam S. Walters with Phillips Lytle LLP as Secretary. Other board members elected for 2007 include: Dennis J. Burdick, McPat Engineering, Penfield; Mona Carbonel, Clough Harbour & Associates, LLP from Rochester; Tom Erwin, Pyramid Network Services LLC, East Syracuse; Christopher Fisher, Cuddy Feder LLP, White Plains; Thomas E. Smith, Edwards & Kelcey, Edison, NJ; Ken Summers, Buffalo; Joe Tassone, Jr., High Pointe Consulting, LLC, Clifton Park, NJ; Alexandra E.J. Townson, Phillips Lytle LLP, Buffalo; Mark Zagger, Pyramid Network Services, Albany.

Additional information about PCIA and the State Wireless Association program can be found at www.PCIA.com and www.swaprogram.net.