TIA Says DIGIT Act Creates Needed Foundation for IoT Deployment; Applauds Passage by Senate Commerce Committee

Arlington, Va. (April 27, 2016) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today expressed strong support for the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things Act (DIGIT) Act (S. 2607), and applauded its passage by the Senate Commerce Committee.

TIA CEO Scott Belcher issued the following statement:

“The DIGIT Act is important legislation that will help foster a unified federal policy towards the Internet of Things. As policymakers consider the future of IoT, it is important that IoT devices and systems are viewed as being part a broad ecosystem. While connected devices are now being used in unique ways to serve specific industries, there is significant risk of adopting a balkanized regulatory framework.

“The DIGIT Act will bring federal agencies together to coordinate IoT deployments and examine how IoT technologies will impact future spectrum needs. This is an important step towards ensuring companies can effectively develop and implement IoT solutions across industries, allowing our country to realize IoT’s enormous potential to transform fields like healthcare, transportation and more.  We strongly support the work of the Senate Commerce Committee in advancing this legislation.”

In February of this year, TIA expressed support for S. 2607 in a letter to the bill’s sponsors.

Contact

Ashley Simmons, 703-907-7704, asimmons@tiaonline.org

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details. TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is a proud sponsor of ANSI’s Standards Boost Business campaign. Visit www.standardsboostbusiness.org for details.