Press Releases

Arlington, Va. (Feb. 25, 2015) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today applauded Federal Communications Commission (FCC) action to pre-empt certain state laws that prohibit municipalities from investing in their broadband facilities.

TIA CEO Scott Belcher commented, “TIA applauds the FCC for giving municipalities the flexibility to pursue network solutions that allow affordable and high quality broadband to be made available to all Americans. Municipalities should be able to assure local access to high-speed connectivity, especially in locations where private sector alternatives are not available. High-speed Internet offers tremendous social and economic benefits, and today's action will help municipalities pursue needed broadband solutions and shrink the digital divide.”

At today's FCC open meeting, the Commission voted to pre-empt state laws in North Carolina and Tennessee that restrict the abilities of communities to provide successful broadband services. The FCC action took place in response to petitions filed by the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the City of Wilson, North Carolina, which asked the FCC to act pursuant to section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. TIA has previously filed comments in support of these two petitions.

Follow TIA on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, TIA NOW and Google+ for latest updates.