FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2008

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Hails Ruling Upholding FCC Order Removing Barriers to Video Market Entry

Decision by 6th Circuit Will Help Speed Broadband Internet Roll-out

Arlington, Va. - The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leader in advocacy, standards development, business development and intelligence for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, applauds the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision today to uphold the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) video franchise decision issued under Chairman Kevin Martin's leadership. The FCC, relying on its authority under Section 621 of the Telecom Act, adopted an Order in December 2006 that will help speed the roll-out of broadband Internet across the country and result in an increase of choices for consumers in the communications services market.

"Across the country, consumers want more video and broadband choices and communications providers are ready to upgrade their networks for new applications and services," TIA President Grant Seiffert said. "We are pleased by the court's affirmation of the FCC's decision to elevate competition in the broadband market by limiting unnecessary regulatory delays at the local level. It is the consumer who stands to benefit most, as more competition will pave the way for more broadband services and lower prices."

TIA has long argued that while limited governance over video service offerings is appropriate at the local level, it is primarily a responsibility of the federal government. The Sixth Circuit's decision upholds the FCC's Order, which sets time limits on how long a "local franchise authority," usually a city or county government, can review requests by new entrants to offer broadband video. TIA has urged for a uniform local franchise process because unreasonable delay and build-out requirements create barriers to market entry that discourages investment, innovation and competition.

TIA represents the information and communications technology industry, and its members represent the entire telecommunications supply chain, from infrastructure provider to device maker. TIA members include many of the manufacturers of the equipment needed to offer video services and upgrade broadband networks.

About TIA
Currently in its 84^th year, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development, advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. Thousands of companies and individuals work through TIA to enhance the business environment for telecommunications, broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite, unified communications, emergency communications and the greening of technology. TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level executives from ACS, ADC, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, ArrayComm, AttivaCorp, Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cam Communications, Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Ericsson, Inc., Graybar, Harris Stratex, Henkels & McCoy, Intel Corporation, LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nortel, OneChip Photonics Inc., Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., Verari Systems, Westell Technologies, Inc. and Zebra Technologies Corporation. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates, ILS Technology, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

TIA membership enhances the ability of companies to prepare for the future of communications. TIA brings people and businesses together by helping the industry overcome technical and political barriers to communications. Visit www.tiaonline.org for details.

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