Arlington, Va. -- Matthew J. Flanigan, president of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), made the following statement today after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell addressed the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.:

'We praise Chairman Powell's continued vision on the 'digital migration' and the importance of saturating the country with broadband connectivity.  Broadband enables the continued emergence of exciting new applications such as VoIP.  The chairman is right that consumers will be the winners if new technology is allowed to flourish without premature heavy-handed government regulation or the imposition of legacy rules crafted in the analog age.  We agree that the burden should be on the government to justify why regulation is needed for new technologies, not the other way around.  Moreover, TIA and its members are committed to working with the FCC to work toward creative solutions for addressing legitimate policy issues, including the needs of public safety and law enforcement.'

###

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is the leading trade organization serving the communications and IT industry, with proven strengths in standards development, domestic and international public policy, and trade shows. Through its worldwide activities, TIA facilitates business development opportunities and a competitive market environment. The association provides a forum for its member companies, the manufacturers and suppliers of products and services used in global communications. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Visit us at http://www.tiaonline.org.