About TIA

TIA Facts at a Glance

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is the leading trade association representing the global information and communications technology (ICT) industries through standards development, government affairs, business opportunities, market intelligence, certification and world-wide environmental regulatory compliance. With support from its 600 members, TIA enhances the business environment for companies involved in telecommunications, broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite, unified communications, emergency communications and the greening of technology. TIA is accredited by ANSI.

History

In 1924, a small group of suppliers to the independent telephone industry organized to plan an industry trade show. Later, that group became a committee of the United States Independent Telephone Association. In 1979, the group split off as a separate affiliated association, the United States Telecommunications Suppliers Association, and became one of the world's premier organizers of telecom exhibitions and seminars. TIA was formed in April 1988 after a merger of USTSA and the Information and Telecommunications Technologies Group of EIA. EIA began as the Radio Manufacturers Association in 1924.

Since 1988, TIA has advocated numerous policy issues for the benefit of its members, has sponsored engineering committees that set standards determining the pace of development in the industry, has provided a marketplace for members and their customers, and has served as a forum for the examination of industry issues and industry information. In the fall of 2000, the MultiMedia Telecommunications Association (MMTA) was integrated into TIA.

Organizational Structure

TIA is a member-driven organization. Thirty-four board members selected from member companies formulate policy, which is carried out by staff in Washington, D.C. Staff carry out activities through TIA's departments – Government Affairs, Standards and Technology, Environment, Marketing and Membership.

TIA's product-oriented divisions – User Premises Equipment, Wireless Communications, and Satellite Communications – address the legislative and regulatory concerns of product manufacturers. TIA-sponsored committees of experts prepare standards dealing with performance testing and compatibility. In addition to TIA's product-oriented divisions, the asociation also has a Communications Research Division (CRD). The role of the CRD is to ensure the U.S. communications sector continues to be a world leader in advanced research. The division provides expert advice to the government and to TIA on the status and impact of research and technology to the communications industry and educates the public on the importance of communications research as a foundation for the communications products and services on which they depend.

Membership Benefits

Government Affairs

• TIA represents the interests of its members before Congress, U.S. agencies such as the Department of Commerce (DoC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), foreign governments, and many other forums where policies affecting U.S. industry are developed.
• Members have the opportunity to participate in TIA's issue-oriented standing committees.

Standards Development

• Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), TIA is a major contributor of voluntary industry standards that support global trade and commerce in communications products and systems.
• Members can directly influence the development of technical standards by participating in the association's 70+ standards formulating groups.
• Members receive discounts on TIA technical documents.

Business and Marketing Opportunities

• Members receive exhibit space discounts at NXTcomm, a single new industry venue focused on the converged future as leading telecommunications companies become significant players in the entertainment community and push the boundaries of broadband innovation.
• Members receive discounts and benefits through TIA's USA Pavilion at ITU TELECOM WORLD, the international telecommunications exposition usually held in Switzerland, as well as pavilions at regional ITU TELECOM events.
• Members join in numerous networking events such as the Broadband and Technology Luncheons.
• Members are listed on TIA's Web site and have the opportunity to sponsor high-profile activities to enhance their visibility.

Access to Critical Intelligence and Market Analysis

• Members receive a substantial discount on the TIA Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast, the industry's most comprehensive study, providing a statistical breakdown and analysis of the major markets and trends, including advances in mobile wireless, optical networking, voice over IP and broadband networks.

Educational, Networking and Credentialing Programs

• TIA provides members with access to competency assurance programs designed to raise the level of professional preparedness in the convergence industry.
• TeleForums and educational white papers address timely topics to help members keep current.
• TIA offers the industry's premier forum for exchanging ideas and developing strategic partnerships at educational seminars, workshops and roundtable meetings throughout the year to enable members to benefit from experience of other technology professionals and industry leaders.

Click here for more information on benefits and how to join TIA.

Publications

TIA produces the TIA Network, a weekly newsletter; the Standards and Technology Annual Report (STAR), the TIA Industry Playbook, an online membership directory and the TIA Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast. In 2007, TIA produced a Technology and Industry Primer.

TIAOnline.org

TIA's Web site is designed to be a business facilitator and an information portal, promoting industry awareness of telecom standards, issues, events and market development opportunities while inviting open discussion.

Employees of member companies can sign up for a personalized search for standards (then click-through to purchase), search or browse our press archives, download market development white papers and teleforum transcripts (members only in most cases), order a publication online, view PowerPoint presentations posted from past events, and much more.