TIA Joins Coalition in Calling on Presidential Candidates to Embrace a High-Tech Agenda

Arlington, Va. May 4, 2016 – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today joined with 12 other technology trade associations from around the country to announce their first-ever Technology Sector Presidential Platform to the presidential candidates. The letter outlines a specific high-tech agenda for the United States. A copy of the letter is available here.

TIA CEO Scott Belcher said, “We want to send a strong message to the candidates that these 12 organizations, and the hundreds of businesses they represent, believe our country needs a thoughtful high-tech agenda. Our recommendations address both the need to strengthen America’s technology foundation, and the opportunity to foster innovation and economic opportunity.”

The Technology Sector Presidential Platform includes recommendations on a broad swath of issues, including: ensuring a skilled 21st-century work force; fostering trade; advancing comprehensive tax reform; promoting effective and balanced intellectual property protections; improving trust and efficiency in networks; promoting innovation and free expression on the internet; improving innovation in government; and promoting the Internet of Things.

Belcher continued, “Our nation faces the prospect of falling behind our global competitors on innovation, risking the jobs and economic growth that come with that leadership. The steps we’ve outlined will make sure technology companies have the tools to compete with any company, anywhere in the world.

“More spectrum access, in particular, is an essential part of driving innovation, including in next-generation wireless, cloud computing, connected cars, IoT and more.  We want the next president to understand that a full-scale strategy is needed to increase access and improve spectrum management. Doing so will make certain consumers stay connected and businesses have reliable access to incredible technology advancements that will drive their success for decades to come.”

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