Tax Bill Passage Caps Year of Policy Wins that will Advance High-Tech Connectivity, Jobs and U.S. Leadership

Arlington, Va. (December 20, 2017) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech connectivity networks, today applauded House and Senate approval of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, saying it is one of several key 2017 wins that will help advance broadband infrastructure, connectivity and jobs in the future.

Cinnamon Rogers, TIA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, issued the following statement:

“Today’s passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ensures that our country remains a global technology leader. By lowering the corporate tax rate, the legislation ensures a business environment that will encourage start-ups to invest in growth and large companies to bring new services and products to market. Importantly, it will foster business investment in essential communications networks, releasing the full potential of American innovation to create jobs and strengthen our economy.

“The tax bill is just one of the positive policy developments this past year that promises to accelerate connectivity and create new high-tech jobs. Just last week, the FCC acted to restore the longstanding and bipartisan approach of light-touch regulation of the internet that has fostered innovation and investment in our country’s telecommunications infrastructure. Also in 2017, the FCC delivered a tremendous win for wireless consumers and 5G development by successfully completing the voluntary incentive auction which made available prime spectrum for wireless networks. And the Senate passed the Mobile Now and DIGIT Acts, both of which advance next-generation technologies.

“It is impossible to underestimate the role of our high-speed broadband networks in powering business growth and creating economic opportunity for all Americans. We appreciate that the Administration, leaders in Congress, and regulators recognize this role and took meaningful action in 2017 to advance important tech policy priorities.”