Press Releases

The two technology associations have signed an official “Memorandum of Understanding” acknowledging a continued partnership on TIA’s Smart Buildings Program.

Arlington, VA (April 23, 2018) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, and the Government Wireless Technology & Communications Association (GWTCA), a leading association representing the interests of government users of wireless technologies, today announced the decision to collaborate on TIA’s  industry-wide Smart Buildings Program to share knowledge, create documentation and unify an informed market ecosystem for the communications, real estate, and smart communities sector.

“Smart buildings are the building blocks that will support the digital transformation of smart cities” said TIA CEO Wes Johnston. “TIA is leading industry collaboration to develop next-generation smart buildings, and we are excited to partner with the Government Wireless Technology & Communications Association to contribute public safety, public service and public transit expertise to the Smart Buildings Program.”

“We’re excited to be able to provide our input into the TIA process,” said GWTCA President Andrew Maxymillian.  “TIA represents the gold standard in trade associations in certifications and protocols. GWTCA believes that can provide an important viewpoint in this process.”

TIA launched the Smart Buildings Program to address the recognized need for a reknown standards development organization to unify the broader ecosystem of smart buildings under a recommended framework of best practices. With significant existing standards in and related to building infrastructure already in place, TIA will address the need to aggregate existing standards in support of other organizations and continue to develop standards and other architectures to inform smart building stakeholders how to fully integrate connectivity to new and retrofit building projects. 

GWTCA brings to the Smart Buildings Program its commitment to improving local and federal usage of wireless communications infrastructure.

The two organizations will work to create tangible outcomes, including the definition of interoperability certification, the identification of common protocols, and more. TIA and GWTC officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize this working relationship.  The agreement between the two technology associations will prove to be mutually beneficial, with efforts to grow the initiative and market the continued progress accordingly.

About GWTCA – The Government Wireless Technology & Communications Association (GWTCA) is devoted to representing the wireless interests of government service workers, including the transportation sector.  GWTCA works with the Federal Communications Commission, states and municipalities to ensure the safe, efficient and cost effective use of wireless technologies to foster a better future for its members and all citizens.  For more information, please visit www.gwtca.org.