FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17, 2008

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Urges FCC to Expedite Reauction of D Block Spectrum

Association Advocates for Recognition of Broadband and LRMS Technologies as Vital Components of Interoperable Public Safety Networks

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, today urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reauction the D Block quickly to facilitate an interoperable public safety network featuring broadband technologies and Land Mobile Radio Systems (LMRS).

“TIA has been a strong supporter of the Digital Television (DTV) Transition and the Congressional mandate to auction the resulting available spectrum. TIA applauds the FCC’s effort to ensure that an interoperable public safety network is built, which would serve the public interest in protecting all Americans in times of emergencies and national disasters,” said TIA President Grant Seiffert. 

“TIA members develop and produce the equipment necessary for public safety communications and served as the standards forum for the adoption of the first standards-based public safety radio systems. TIA is currently working to develop standards using both broadband and LMRS technologies for interoperable public safety systems. This dedication makes clear that broadband and LMRS technologies are both necessary elements of interoperable public safety systems,” Seiffert noted.

For more information about TIA’s government affairs initiatives, please contact Danielle Coffey at dcoffey@tiaonline.org. For information about TIA, please contact msnyder@tiaonline.org.

About TIA

Currently in its 84th 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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