Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) defended his call for U.S. agencies rebuilding Iraq after the current war to use CDMA instead of a popular mobile technology used in the Middle East, saying that U.S. companies should benefit from the rebuilding effort.

Issa sent a letter dated March 26 to the Department of Defense and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) asking them to build a wireless system in Iraq based on CDMA instead of the rival GSM equipment that is produced by French and German companies, he said. 

About 30 other lawmakers had signed the letter as of Thursday afternoon. Late Wednesday, Issa also introduced a bill requiring the federal agencies to use U.S.-based CDMA technology while rebuilding Iraq, and requiring the preference of U.S. contractors for all government rebuilding efforts -- presuming, of course, that the U.S. wins the war there.

The bill wouldn't stop private companies from installing GSM systems, said Dale Neugebauer, Issa's chief of staff. "We're talking about funds that'll come from U.S. taxpayers," Neugebauer added. "CDMA is a U.S. industry."

Some wireless analysts have criticized Issa's plan as being out of step with most other wireless services in the Middle East, potentially creating problems with roaming. Issa, who represents part of the San Diego area, wants to support U.S. companies in the rebuilding effort, including CDMA pioneer Qualcomm, which is based in San Diego outside of Issa's district.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.