FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17, 2010

TIA Encourages the FCC to Keep an Open Mind as It Seeks the Best Legal Framework for Broadband Internet Access

Washington, D.C. – In response to the FCC's Notice of Inquiry seeking comments on how to classify broadband Internet service under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), which represents manufacturers and suppliers of broadband equipment, products and services, has issued the following statement:

"Although the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is deeply concerned over the affect of reclassification on investment and innovation, TIA appreciates that FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) inviting the public to comment on the issue. Based on history, TIA members have undeniably been harmed by uncertainty in the marketplace. We hope the Commission is keeping an open mind and that the outcome of this proceeding has not been prejudged. We enter into this proceeding positively and look forward to working closely with and advising the Commission on behalf of TIA member companies, the manufacturers and suppliers of broadband equipment products and services that would be dramatically affected by reclassification."

Sign up for RSS feeds on government policy and other TIA news.

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. Since 1924, TIA has been enhancing 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 is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

TIA's Board of Directors from includes senior-level executives from ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, AttivaCorp, Cisco Systems, Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, Intersect, Inc., LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, OneChip Photonics, Openwave, Inc., Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Powerwave Technologies, Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., Walker & Associates and WirefreeCom, Inc. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates and Telcordia Technologies.

##