FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2007

House Passes Internet Tax Ban With Senate-Passed Amendments

TIA Praises Action, Urges President Bush to Sign It Into Law.

Arlington, Va. - The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) applauded Congress for its action passing H.R. 3678, the Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007, which was sponsored by Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.), Representatives Linda Sanchez (D-Cal.), Chris Cannon (R-Utah), and Rick Boucher (D-Va.). The House moved rapidly to pass the latest version of the bill, with amendments passed by the Senate last week, by a vote of 402-0. The bill would extend the soon-to-expire moratorium on Internet access taxes and multiple or discriminatory taxes on online transactions through November 2014.

Quick adoption of this legislation with the stroke of President Bush's pen would keep the Internet free of access and transaction taxes, which will protect the growth of innovative technology. Such technology is the engine of the American economy and will help keep Internet access within reach of the American public. In a time when the government is busy formulating the best methods for deploying broadband, a strong disincentive to network investment like an Internet access tax could undo a decade of positive trends.

"In overwhelming bipartisan and forward-thinking fashion, the House of Representatives and the Senate have successfully kept the Internet free of access taxes for another seven years," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "We urge swift action by President Bush to sign this bill into law."

For more information about the Internet tax moratorium, please contact Ian Martinez at 703.907.7723 or imartinez@tiaonline.org.

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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.