ARLINGTON, VA– The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, sent a letter urging the Senate Communications Subcommittee to take further actions to support broadband adoption.  In advance of a subcommittee hearing, TIA cited the United States’ declining standing among developed nations in broadband deployment and the marketplace transformation caused by the ongoing IP transition.

In its letter, TIA outlined a framework for broadband adoption based on universally available service, consumers’ ability to connect to the Internet, technology-neutral competition, increased availability of spectrum, uniformity in regulation, and elimination of regulatory barriers.  To help advance those goals, TIA urged Congress to adopt tax incentives to promote broadband investment, and to support the FCC’s work towards universal service reform and modernization of the E-Rate program.

“The lack of broadband connectivity inhibits job creation and other economic development, particularly in rural areas. It is essential to the nation’s future that the United States not be outpaced by major trading partners in the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and networks.”  TIA President Grant Seiffert wrote in the letter to the leadership of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.

Seiffert further went on to urge the subcommittee leadership to support a framework of broadband adoption based on the following goals:

•             Universally available broadband connectivity

•             Consumers’ ability to connect

•             Network operators’ ability to engage in network management

•             Technology-neutral competition among existing and emerging platforms and providers

•             Increased availability of spectrum

•             Market-based mechanisms to drive spectrum

•             Uniform regulation

•             Elimination of regulatory barriers to investment and innovation

To help achieve these goals, Seiffert cites tax incentives to promote investment, universal service reform, and E-Rate reform.

To access TIA’s letter to Senate and House leadership, visit http://www.tiaonline.org/sites/default/files/pages/TIA%20Letter%20on%20Broadband%20Adoption%20Oct%202013.pdf.

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members’ products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details.

TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is a proud sponsor of ANSI’s Standards Boost Business campaign. Visit www.standardsboostbusiness.org for details.