TIA Statement on Release of FY18 Appropriations Package

Arlington, VA (March 22, 2018) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today issued the following statement after the legislative text for the omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2018 was made available.

“TIA is pleased that the FY18 spending bill incorporates several important legislative priorities for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, many of which have been years in the making,” said TIA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Cinnamon Rogers.

“The bill includes $600 million for broadband deployment through the Rural Utilities Service as well as funding for the Department of Commerce to update maps that will provide data on which parts of the country still lack adequate broadband service. This funding serves as an important down payment, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure additional dedicated funding for broadband deployment to help close the digital divide,” said Rogers.

“The bill also advances TIA’s long-held goal of lowering deployment costs by coordinating efforts between telecom providers and state transportation DOT’s to install broadband infrastructure when road construction projects are taking place and to avoid multiple excavations.”

Rogers continued, “It includes the RAY BAUM’S Act to re-authorize the FCC, which also incorporates significant portions of the MOBILE NOW Act which makes more spectrum available and further streamlines regulations for wireless broadband deployment, helping to ensure the U.S. remains a leader in the global race to 5G.”

“TIA is grateful for the leadership of the House and Senate Commerce and Appropriations Committees and for their diligent work in reaching bipartisan consensus on these important issues. This legislative package will accelerate broadband connectivity and expand economic growth, delivering opportunity to more people and helping both rural and urban communities across America thrive.”