International Broadband Policy Principles

TIA recognizes that every market has unique needs and challenges. However, we believe that while broadband policy implementation may vary from country to country, regulators and government telecommunications officials should strive for common principles, including the following:

1. All people should have access to affordable, highly-advanced and secure communications services.
2. Broadband deployment policies should be technology-neutral with respect to user/service provider choice among multiple broadband technology options. All broadband access technologies should be given equal consideration, if technologically feasible. These technologies include, but are not limited to, DSL, fiber, satellite, and fixed and mobile wireless.
3. All governments are strongly encouraged to:
• make a commitment at the highest political levels to address their social, economic and other needs by making broadband deployment a national priority;
• adopt well-considered national broadband deployment strategies;
• include all players – government, private sector and consumers – in the formulation of such broadband strategies;
• promote competition as a means of facilitating ubiquitous deployment of broadband technologies;
• limit regulation to that which addresses a specific, critical problem and minimizes disruption of competitive market forces;
• recognize the national benefits derived from the use of nascent technologies and not impose legacy regulatory models that would inhibit broadband technology deployment and present obstacles to addressing national needs;
• adopt spectrum management policies that include plans for the provision of radio spectrum for the deployment of advanced communications services;
• act as key drivers of broadband demand and deployment by promoting the use of broadband in areas such as government services and administration, security, tourism, public safety, education, agriculture, teleworking and healthcare;
• implement policies that encourage investment in new and diverse communications technologies; and
• consider fiscal incentives for broadband deployment, which might include the provision of tax credits, explicit and targeted subsidies, grants, pilot-project funding, low-interest loans, or development funds.