TIA Applauds FCC Chairman Wheeler’s Call for U.S. Leadership on 5G

Arlington, Va. (June 20, 2016) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today applauded remarks made by Federal Communications Commissioner Tom Wheeler on next generation 5G wireless connectivity and the impending Spectrum Frontiers proceeding.

“In order for the U.S. to continue leading the world in wireless innovation, 5G must be a national priority,” said TIA CEO Scott Belcher. “We’ve been actively working to bring companies, policymakers and organizations together to achieve this goal, and we strongly support the vision for America to be the global leader in 5G laid out today by Chairman Wheeler.”

Belcher continued, “TIA’s members are instrumental in developing the technologies that will allow 5G networks and applications to deliver for consumers and businesses. 5G is particularly critical for IoT, and will be essential for ensuring that companies can effectively develop and implement transformative connected solutions.”

Last week TIA met with FCC staff regarding the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Radio Services. In its comments, and a letter that followed, TIA stressed that the Commission should act promptly to propose new rules that will identify and open up additional spectrum for 5G applications while recognizing the continued importance of existing services in the bands, and that market forces should drive this technological evolution.

Belcher continued, “TIA and its members look forward to continuing to work with the Commission in the weeks, months, and years ahead as the Spectrum Frontiers proceeding moves forward. The decisions that will be made will have significant ramifications for American innovation and our economy, particularly as 5G delivers unimagined new technologies and services that will transform how we stay connected and remain competitive.”