TIA Applauds Department of Commerce Rules Implementing Executive Order on Communications Equipment Security

Arlington, VA (November 26, 2019) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today issued the following statement in response to the Department of Commerce promulgating rules to implement the President’s Executive Order on communications equipment security.

David Stehlin, TIA’s Chief Executive Officer, issued the following statement:

“TIA supports the Commerce Department’s new rules implementing the President’s May Executive Order to safeguard the nation’s communications infrastructure from foreign adversaries. TIA has long maintained that supply chain risk management is best addressed by public-private partnerships and consensus-based, industry-driven standards, but there is a place for targeted and careful government intervention. Today’s rules exemplify this approach and, through the invitation of comments from industry, represent a clear step forward towards a public-private effort for ensuring a secure communications supply chain.

“TIA and its members remain committed to upholding the highest standards of security for all information communication technology (ICT) equipment, software, supply chains, and networks.  As 5G deployment accelerates, today’s rules will complement ongoing private sector efforts to provide added confidence in the security of the ICT supply chain. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration with the Administration to ensure safe, reliable communications networks built with equipment from trusted partners.”