For Immediate Release
June 9 , 2006

Association predicts legislation will lower price of video service, fuel job growth and accelerate 21st Century U.S. next-generation broadband deployment

Arlington, Va. -- The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 5252, the "Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement (COPE) Act of 2006," by a vote of 321- 101.

Among other things, the COPE Act removes regulatory barriers for video service providers to enter the market. Additionally, the legislation allows municipalities to deploy broadband and provide video services on a transparent and nondiscriminatory basis, thereby removing barriers for another competitor’s entry intro the marketplace.

The legislation also includes language that states the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has the authority to enforce its policy statement on "net neutrality" – an approach that is generally consistent with TIA's deregulatory, market-driven Broadband Internet Access Connectivity Principles released earlier this spring. Stronger net neutrality rules were proposed and defeated during debate on the House floor. According to TIA's principles, the promulgations of rules could lead to unintended consequences, such as dissuading companies from expanding and enhancing broadband networks. (For more information on TIA's Broadband Internet Access Connectivity Principles, click here.)

"TIA believes that this legislation will spur long awaited deployment of advanced networks and will allow market forces to drive down the price of video service for consumers. This competition would stimulate billions of dollars in investment in our nation’s broadband network, creating thousands of new jobs in the process," TIA President, Matthew Flanigan stated, "This legislation provides a new framework that will allow for greater consumer choice into the video service market in a manner that will quickly lead to lower prices for all consumers across the country."

"The U.S. House of Representatives has, in an extremely bi-partisan manner, taken a tremendous step today towards providing the necessary framework to encourage service providers to build high speed, next generation networks. Passage of the COPE Act is a significant sign that members of Congress want the U.S. to be the world leader in broadband deployment, and passage of this legislation is a very positive step towards that universal goal," Flanigan added. "It is our hope that the Senate will follow the House's lead and act quickly on this legislation."

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TIA is the leading trade association for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. As owner and producer of GLOBALCOMM™, TIA serves ICT suppliers to global markets through its leadership in standards development, domestic and international policy advocacy, and facilitating member business opportunities. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Visit us at http://www.tiaonline.org.

GLOBALCOMM™ is a trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The Next-Generation Communications Marketplace and Summit will take place June 18-21, 2007, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Visit www.globalcomm2007.com.

P.A. Release: 06-48/06.09.06