FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2010
Leading Telecom Trade Groups Sign Strategic Cooperative Agreement
Washington, D.C. - The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO) announced that the two organizations have signed a friendship agreement that is designed to enhance the benefits each trade group offers to its members.
The agreement sets forth an arrangement for the organizations to work together to support networking events, promote technology solutions and consider regulatory issues of common importance.
"Through this joint effort with TIA, OPASTCO plans to make our meetings even more vibrant and compelling," said OPASTCO President John N. Rose. "This is a unique opportunity to further enhance the value of our events, including our convention and trade show, for our carrier members. This in turn augments the experience for our exhibitors and sponsors. It's a classic ‘win-win' that will make our meetings even more productive for all participants."
TIA President Grant Seiffert stated, "Working with OPASTCO brings TIA members an opportunity to engage with 530 rural carriers through an organization that is dedicated to advancing telecommunications services and addressing operator needs. At this critical juncture when the federal government is focused on expanding the buildout of rural broadband networks, the TIA/OPASTCO cooperative agreement allows members of both associations to take advantage of opportunities to engage with one another and generate business opportunities to support the deployment of new and evolving telecom technologies in America's heartland."
OPASTCO and TIA will share specific member benefits of interest to its respective memberships.
About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development, advocacy, tradeshows, business opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. Since 1924, TIA has been enhancing 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 the TIA Website at www.tiaonline.org.
About OPASTCO
The Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO) represents more than 530 small, independently owned, local telecommunications companies serving primarily rural areas of the United States and Canada. OPASTCO membership includes both commercial companies and cooperatives, which range in size from fewer than 100 to 100,000 access lines, and collectively serve more than 3.5 million customers. OPASTCO represents rural telecommunications interests before federal regulatory bodies and Congress, provides publications, and holds two conventions annually in January and July of each year, addressing the needs of the small telecommunications industry. The association has an affiliate 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED). Visit the OPASTCO Website at www.opastco.org.
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