TIA Calls on TEMA to Join in Opposing India's Preferential Market Policy

In a letter to the Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA) of India, Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) President Grant Seiffert responds to the Honorary Director General of TEMA's public criticism of the international association letter sent to Indian Prime Minister Singh opposing the Government of India's preferential market access (PMA) rules for procurement of electronic equipment.

In his letter to Ashok Aggarwal, Mr. Seiffert questions why TEMA would support policies that would harm India's successful ICT sector by limiting the choices of both the private sector and government in procuring electronic products. Seiffert notes in his letter to Mr. Aggarwal that the policies TIA has encouraged globally, and that have been adopted in India – such as increased competition, technology neutrality, de-regulation, and open trade for telecommunications equipment – have benefitted enormous numbers of lower income consumers who now have affordable access to the global telecommunications network. In addition, the build-out of India's telecommunications networks has enabled the establishment of new and highly competitive businesses, such as India's very successful ICT service companies, which have created new jobs for Indian workers. Mr. Seiffert underscores that the PMA will undermine the provision of affordable telecommunications services in India and calls on TEMA to join in opposing India's preferential market policy.

The full text of the letter is available here

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