TIA Submits Comments to USTR on 1377 Report for 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Ashley Rook, +1.202.429.4929, AshleyRook@Rational360.com

TIA Submits Comments to USTR on 1377 Report for 2013

ARLINGTON, VA (December 17, 2012) - The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, officially filed its submission for the 1377 Report for 2013 to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

Section 1377 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 Act requires USTR to annually detail the effectiveness, implementation, and compliance of U.S. telecommunications trade agreements.  Countries and regions covered in this year's TIA submission include Argentina, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, the European Union, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and the Republic of Korea.

“TIA remains a committed advocate for free trade and open markets, and our filing this year reflects a number of recommendations to improve access to markets around the world for U.S. ICT manufacturers,” said TIA President Grant Seiffert.  “Of equal importance is the work by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and other agencies to ensure that existing trade commitments are being followed by U.S. trading partners around the world to ensure a vibrant and competitive global ICT market.”

Trade agreement infringement issues highlighted in this year's 1377 filing by TIA include concerns over protectionist policies associated with indigenous innovation initiatives in China and India; localization barriers to trade in a number of countries; policies that contradict the principle of technology neutrality; foreign equipment licensing and certification processes; spectrum management issues; and the freedom to use strong encryption.

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.

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