FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2008

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Hails Senate Passage of Broadband Data Improvement Act

TIA Urges the House to Take Up and Pass This Bill as Soon as Possible

Washington, D.C. –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 Senate for passing the “Broadband Data Improvement Act” Friday night. TIA urges the House to take up this bill and pass it as soon as possible.

The bill’s purpose is to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the nation.

The Senate version of the Broadband Data Improvement Act includes language from HR 3919, a House-passed “Broadband Census Act” calling for an international comparison study comparing “data transmission speeds and price for broadband service capability” in a total of 75 communities in at least 25 countries. It also now includes S. 1965, “Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act,” which passed the Senate this past May.

“Passage of this legislation is an important step in the effort to bring broadband services to all homes and businesses in the United States,” said TIA President Grant Seiffert. “It’s important to remember that broadband provides improved business solutions and helps small and large companies and consumers save money every day. We need a strong broadband network as a foundation to help regrow the U.S. economy and we’re pleased that Members of Congress have not forgotten that.”

It is estimated that over $1 trillion could be lost over the next decade due to constraints on broadband development. Whereas a seven percent increase in national broadband penetration could result in $92 billion through an additional 2.4 million jobs generated, according to a study published by ConnectedNation earlier this year.

"This bill will help to increase broadband deployment and consumer demand, bringing the United States one step closer to Internet access for all Americans," said Seiffert.

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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. With roots dating back to 1924, TIA enhances 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. TIA co-owns the SUPERCOMM® tradeshow and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

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, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, 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, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

 

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