FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2009

TIA Urges FCC to Identify More Spectrum for Wireless Broadband Services

The Ability of Wireless Technologies to Further Benefit All Americans Depends on the Rapid Allocation of Additional Spectrum to Meet Increasing Demands

Washington, D.C. – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) submitted its comments on spectrum for broadband to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today. TIA urges the FCC to create a 21st-century band plan that identifies Federal and non-Federal spectrum that can be allocated for wireless broadband service, acknowledges the differences in spectrum usage in different bands, recognizes the public benefits of both licensed and unlicensed technologies, and ensures that commercial licenses are granted with flexibility so that licensees can deploy services most beneficial to customers.

"As FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has made clear, mobile broadband is rapidly becoming a central part of how Americans communicate, stay informed, learn, and benefit from improved health care and energy resource management," said TIA Vice President for Government Affairs Danielle Coffey. "This trend has increased demand for a variety of wireless technologies, platforms, service, applications, and devices."

TIA forecasts that, as consumers increase demand for new wireless broadband applications, sales of smartphones capable of delivering wireless broadband in 2012 will have increased by 23.5 percent over sales in 2008.*

"TIA agrees with Chairman Genachowski that America is facing a shortage of spectrum allocated to services in which these networks can operate," said Coffey. "The time is right to recognize that terrestrial wireless broadband deployment and innovations are deeply impacted by spectrum availability. Without making more spectrum available in high usage areas, the United States risks losing its leadership position in technology for networks, devices, and applications. The ability of wireless technologies and services to further benefit all Americans depends on the rapid allocation of additional spectrum for broadband use."

"A spectrum plan for the 21st century must focus on making more spectrum available for wireless broadband while balancing the value of new services with those of existing spectrum users," she added. "Additionally, the Commission's plan should make clear that licensed and unlicensed spectrum are integral parts of a new band plan. Additionally, flexible use rules must be in place so that entities can provide the best services that consumers demand the most."

TIA's comments filed today are available on the FCC filings page at tiaonline.org.

For more information about TIA's comments, please contact Danielle Coffey at dcoffey@tiaonline.org.

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(* Source: TIA's 2009 ICT Market Review & Forecast)

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, AttivaCorp, Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Graybar, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, Intersect, Inc., LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, Openwave, Inc., Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Powerwave Technologies, Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., and Verari Systems. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

 

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