In the opening keynote presentation today at the CTIA WIRELESS 2008 tradeshow in Las Vegas, Lowell McAdam, President and CEO of Verizon Wireless and this year’s CTIA chairman, called the wireless industry “a great American success story” and emphasized the market value of competition, using strong language to argue against regulation.

“Our industry is at a critical crossroads as we enter our next 25 years,” he said. “We cannot allow ourselves to be made into a 21st century version of a regulated utility. I believe this is a clear and present danger—if our public policy leaders interfere and if our industry permits them to.

“To tamper with the formula that built this economic growth engine is very dangerous. Even as the economy has worsened in recent months, the wireless industry has continued as one of the few bright spots, creating jobs, investing in infrastructure, and launching exciting new products and services.”

He also spoke about the potential of “4G” technology, which he said, “will take the industry to new heights.”

The full text of McAdam’s speech is available at the Verizon Wireless Web site.

Other keynote speakers scheduled to appear at CTIA this week include: former Presidential candidates John Edwards and Fred Thompson; Kevin Martin, Chairman of the FCC; and Sir Richard Branson, Founder and Chairman of Virgin Group and Virgin Mobil USA.

Adapted from Wi-Fi Planet.