TIA to Congress: If Jobs and Economy are Top Priority, TPP is a Mandatory ‘Yes’ Vote

Arlington, Va. (January 12, 2016) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today announced its support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. TPP is a proposed free trade agreement between the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries, which would cover 40 percent of the world economy.

“With a focus on the digital economy, TPP is a mandatory ‘yes’ vote for any Member of Congress who states that jobs and the economy are a priority,” said TIA CEO Scott Belcher. TPP would bolster the U.S. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry by eliminating tariffs on technology goods – a step that will expand markets and create jobs here at home by making U.S.-made products more affordable overseas.”

Belcher noted that TPP would also alleviate the regulatory uncertainty that hamstrings US tech firms abroad – especially small- and medium-sized businesses without big staffs or legal resources – by requiring regulators to clearly spell out the rules and provide all companies an equal standard of treatment. It would forbid governments from forcing tech firms to hand over valuable intellectual property, an emerging threat in some countries. The TPP would also protect the free flow of data across borders, preventing information bottlenecks that run counter to the spirit of an open, vibrant Internet.

“The Internet and connectivity are at the center of the global economy and for the first time we have an international trade agreement that recognizes this fact,” Belcher continued. “Congress must seize this opportunity and approve TPP.”

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.