Broadband

Overview

TIA has focused for many years on the deployment of broadband communications networks and services as a critical issue for the communications industry and as a major stimulus of the national and global economies. Ubiquitous deployment of next-generation broadband networks will bring major advances in education, healthcare, teleworking, e-commerce, public safety and security. Such capabilities will equip every person with the tools necessary to compete in the 21st century, making them far more productive, increasing their standards of living, and enhancing economic and physical security. Broadband's benefits will be realized only if it is made available widely and within a reasonable period of time.

TIA’s Broadband Mission

• Promote ubiquitous broadband deployment in the United States and around the globe.
• Advocate for minimal regulation of broadband networks.
• Work for removal of barriers to broadband deployment including right-of way impediments, franchise fees and excessive taxes.
• Support fiscal incentives, such as tax credits, grants, pilot-project funding and low-interest loans.
• Assist international organizations to realize the economic and social benefits of broadband.
• Encourage global deployment of all broadband access technologies.
• Seek additional globally harmonized spectrum allocations.

Recent Activity

• TIA Senate BTOP/BIP Rescissions Committees of Jurisdiction (July 9, 2010)
• TIA House BTOP/BIP Rescissions Committees of Jurisdiction (July 1, 2010)
• BTOP/BIP Funds As Offsets (June 2010)
• "TIA Comments on Berkman Study" TIA filed comments stating that the broadband study failed to acknowledge the unique status of the U.S. broadband market. (November 2009)
• "TIA Roadmap Chart for National Broadband Plan" TIA filed a chart that provides specific proceedings and timetables for achieving TIA's six suggested goals of the National Broadband Plan. (July 2009)
• "TIA Broadband Plan Comments" TIA filed comments suggesting six major policy objectives for the National Broadband Plan. (June 2009)
• TIA letter to Rep. Anna Eshoo commending her for the introduction of H.R. 2428, the “Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2009.” (May 14, 2009)
• "TIA Reply Comments to FCC regarding it's National Broadband Plan" TIA filed comments addressing broadband deployment and adoption; spectrum allocation and management; universal service reform; accessibility; international comparison; research and development; public safety; energy and the environment; and video device innovation. (January 2009)
• TIA delivers two documents to the Obama transition team concerning the nationwide deployment of broadband.
  • Open Letter to President-elect Obama (December 17, 2008)
  • The Promise of Broadband and the ICT Industry (December 17, 2008)
• Creating a national broadband network is important to President-elect Obama, and in a letter to Congress TIA specifies tax breaks and direct grants that can make it happen.
  • TIA Recommends Specific Broadband Incentives for Economic Stimulus (December 11, 2008)
• TIA is a signatory to the Call to Action for a National Broadband Strategy, which asks President-elect Barack Obama and the next Congress to make the development and initial implementation of a comprehensive National Broadband Strategy a high national priority in 2009.
  • Education Week: Broad Backing for Broadband (December 4, 2008)
  • ars technica: Telecoms and Advocacy Groups Unite Over Broadband "Stimulus" (December 2, 2008)