FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2007

TIA Supports Continued Push Against Internet Access Taxes

Applauds Senators McCain, Sununu and Lott in their efforts to extend the federal moratorium.

Arlington, Va. - TIA applauds the efforts of Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Sununu (R-N.H.) in favor of The Permanent Internet Freedom Act of 2007. The Senators held a press conference this afternoon in the Senate Radio & TV Gallery to highlight importance of making this tax band permanent. All three have joined 17 other senators of both parties in co-sponsoring this very important bill.

The Permanent Internet Freedom Act of 2007, sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Cal.) and in the Senate by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), would end the uncertainty that has surrounded this very effective tax ban since its inception in 1998. Rapid action is necessary on these bills because the current ban ends on November 1 of this year. Under the leadership of dedicated senators and representatives, however, consumers and Internet providers alike can continue to enjoy the benefits of the U.S. digital economy.

TIA supports this action in order to protect the growth of innovative technology and ensure the availability of advanced, secure communications to all Americans. In a time when the government is busy formulating the best methods for deploying broadband, such a strong disincentive to network investment as an Internet access tax could undo a decade of positive trends.

"By making the moratorium permanent, Congress will permanently eliminate a critical barrier to making broadband more accessible to more Americans," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. He added "TIA's goal remains a one-hundred-percent connected America."

For more information about TIA's environmental compliance resources, please contact Ian Martinez at 703.907.7723 or imartinez@tiaonline.org.

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About TIA
For more than two decades, TIA has leveraged its global resources to create the best possible business environment within which our 500+ members can research, develop, manufacture, market and sell their products and services worldwide. The association accomplishes this through its expertise in standards, advocacy, business development, market intelligence, environmental compliance and information security. TIA is committed to expanding market opportunities while protecting and enhancing the reputation of the global communications industry with all its stakeholders. For more information, go to http://www.tiaonline.org.