CTIA is lashing out at a GigaOm op-ed questioning the existence of the spectrum crunch. The editorial pointed to CTIA’s own numbers as evidence that data growth was slowing and questioned the industry’s claims about spectrum scarcity, given consumers’ increasing use of Wi-Fi. CTIA quickly posted a rebuttal on its official blog, pointing out that growth was still significant and “a single slower period doesn’t necessarily model the future.” “If we do not meet the wireless industry’s need for spectrum, there will be a crisis in relatively short order,” CTIA cybersecurity and technology cheif John Marinho said in a separate blog post today.

Sprint has closed on its initial $3.1 billion convertible bond investment from Softbank. The bond can be turned into about 590 million Sprint shares, about 20 percent of its current outstanding shares. Softbank is investing $20.1 billion in Sprint to gain a 70 percent stake.

The LG Optimus L9 will hit shelves at T-Mobile USA on Oct. 31. The Android smartphone has a 4.5-inch qHD Gorilla Glass display, 1 GHz dual-core processor, 5 megapixel camera and can be used as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The Optimus L9 costs $80 with a $50 mail-in rebate and new two-year contract.

U.S. Cellular started selling a new smartphone from Alcatel One Touch today, the One Touch Shockwave. The entry-level Android device is designed to be durable, with shock- and water-resistant casing and tempered glass. It also features a 800 MHz processor, 3.5-inch HVGA display and a 3.2 megapixel camera. The Shockwave retails for $50 with a two-year contract.