FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2007

TIA: White Spaces Decision Should Be Based On Sound Technical Analysis

FCC Rulemaking based on OET's testing program would best serve all parties.

Arlington, Va. - Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) President Grant Seiffert this week commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its efforts to introduce new low-power devices in the vacant portions of broadcast television spectrum bands, known as "white spaces." In a letter to the FCC, Seiffert also urged the FCC, as an "expert agency" to make its white spaces ruling based on "robust testing and sound technical analysis" rather than political considerations.

TIA believes that a thoroughly researched, well-informed white spaces decision by the FCC would help deliver greater broadband connectivity to consumers across the United States while avoiding any harmful interference to broadcast television or other authorized services in those spectrum bands. To that end, TIA supports the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), which has already conducted an extensive testing program, including field testing. The Association urges OET to continue its testing if the Commission deems further testing necessary to ensure TV services are appropriately protected.

"The FCC is in a unique position to maximize spectrum efficiency, to open a new market, and above all to stimulate U.S. broadband deployment with its white spaces policy," Seiffert said after signing the letter. "We urge them to rely on its talented technical experts when making its decision."

For more information about TIA's wireless policy advocacy, please contact Ian Martinez at 703.907.7723 or imartinez@tiaonline.org.

About TIA
For almost three 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.