TIA Supports Bi-Partisan MOBILE NOW Legislation to Advance Wireless Broadband

Arlington, Va. (February 12, 2016) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today applauded Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) for the bipartisan introduction of the MOBILE NOW Act. The legislation will help advance new spectrum management thinking, and ensure that more spectrum is made available for commercial wireless broadband use.

TIA CEO Scott Belcher issued the following statement:

“The introduction of this legislation with strong bipartisan support is an important achievement and a step towards making 5G networks a reality. By paving the path towards opening more federal spectrum to non-federal use and streamlining regulations for wireless deployment, the bill lays critical groundwork for companies that are investing in infrastructure and building next-generation networks.

“More spectrum is essential for ensuring that the incredible technological progress we’ve seen in the last decade will continue well into the future. Explosive growth in wireless is advancing communications, healthcare delivery, education, transportation and more, but it’s also demanding more and more spectrum. Passing the MOBILE NOW Act will help address this growing demand, but more spectrum solutions will be needed — particularly to keep the U.S. competitive as nations around the world push forward with plans for next-generation wireless.

“The bill also adopts creative approaches to encouraging network deployment, including a ‘dig-once’ policy to promote broadband conduit installation at the time that roads are constructed, and by promoting the deployment of small cells that will be essential to next-generation networks. These important provisions will help make the emerging Internet of Things a reality for all Americans.

“We thank Sens. Thune and Nelson for their hard work, and we encourage Congress to make this legislation a priority in the months ahead.”

###

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.