About TIA

TIA Facts at a Glance

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is the leading trade association representing the global information and communications technology (ICT) industries through standards development, government affairs, business opportunities, market intelligence, certification and world-wide environmental regulatory compliance. With support from its 600 members, TIA enhances the business environment for companies involved in telecommunications, broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite, unified communications, emergency communications and the greening of technology. TIA is accredited by ANSI.

History

In 1924, a small group of suppliers to the independent telephone industry organized to plan an industry trade show. Later, that group became a committee of the United States Independent Telephone Association. In 1979, the group split off as a separate affiliated association, the United States Telecommunications Suppliers Association, and became one of the world's premier organizers of telecom exhibitions and seminars. TIA was formed in April 1988 after a merger of USTSA and the Information and Telecommunications Technologies Group of EIA. EIA began as the Radio Manufacturers Association in 1924. Since 1988, TIA has advocated numerous policy issues for the benefit of its members, has sponsored engineering committees that set standards determining the pace of development in the industry, has provided a marketplace for members and their customers, and has served as a forum for the examination of industry issues and industry information. In the fall of 2000, the MultiMedia Telecommunications Association (MMTA) was integrated into TIA.

Organizational Structure

TIA is a member-driven organization. Board members are selected from member companies and formulate policies to be carried out by our government affairs staff in Washington, D.C. TIA staff also carry out activities through TIA's other departments – Standards and Technology, Market Inteligence, Environment, Marketing and Membership. TIA's product-oriented divisions – User Premises Equipment, Wireless Communications, Fiber Optics, Network, and Satellite Communications – address the legislative and regulatory concerns of product manufacturers. TIA-sponsored committees of experts prepare standards dealing with performance testing and compatibility. In addition to TIA's product-oriented divisions, the asociation also has a Communications Research Division (CRD). The role of the CRD is to ensure the U.S. communications sector continues to be a world leader in advanced research. The division provides expert advice to the government and to TIA on the status and impact of research and technology to the communications industry and educates the public on the importance of communications research as a foundation for the communications products and services on which they depend.

Membership Benefits

Government Affairs

• TIA represents the interests of its members before Congress, U.S. agencies such as the Department of Commerce (DoC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), foreign governments, and many other forums where policies affecting U.S. industry are developed.
• Members have the opportunity to participate in TIA's issue-oriented standing committees.

Standards Development

• Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), TIA is a major contributor of voluntary industry standards that support global trade and commerce in communications products and systems.
• Members can directly influence the development of technical standards by participating in the association's 70+ standards formulating groups.
• Members receive discounts on TIA technical documents.

Business and Marketing Opportunities

• Members receive exhibit space discounts at SUPERCOMM, a single new industry venue focused on the converged future as leading telecommunications companies become significant players in the entertainment community and push the boundaries of broadband innovation.
• Members join in numerous networking events such as the Broadband and Technology Luncheons.
• Members are listed on TIA's Web site and have the opportunity to sponsor high-profile activities to enhance their visibility.

Access to Critical Intelligence and Market Analysis

• Members receive a substantial discount on the TIA Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast, the industry's most comprehensive study, providing a statistical breakdown and analysis of the major markets and trends, including advances in mobile wireless, optical networking, voice over IP and broadband networks.

Educational, Networking and Credentialing Programs

• TIA provides members with access to competency assurance programs designed to raise the level of professional preparedness in the convergence industry.
• TeleForums and educational white papers address timely topics to help members keep current.
• TIA offers the industry's premier forum for exchanging ideas and developing strategic partnerships at educational seminars, workshops and roundtable meetings throughout the year to enable members to benefit from experience of other technology professionals and industry leaders.

Click here for more information on benefits and how to join TIA.

Publications

You need timely intelligence. TIA produces resources designed to inform ICT leaders about the trends, legislation, standards, and information that affect our industry.

• Market Intelligence: TIA’s ICT Market Review & Forecast—2009 is a comprehensive, attractively presented industry overview projecting trends four years ahead. Member Discount Available.
• Industry Standards for ICT Products: The Standards and Technology Annual Report, or STAR (PDF, 2.97MB), is a summary of the latest actions taken by TIA engineering committees to develop standards for global communications.
• Regulations Affecting Products: EIATRACK is an online service that systematically tracks, analyzes and reports on product-oriented environmental legislation in Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. Subscription-based.
• Understanding ICT Policies: The 2008 Industry Playbook explains ICT policies that are critical to the industry. (Requires FlashPaper)
• The 2007 Technology and Policy Primer explains terms and policy positions important to the industry. ( Request a hard copy)
• Finding Relevant Companies: Member Directory. Full version available to members.
• Upcoming Events and Pending Legislation: Legislative (PDF, 219kb) and Regulatory (PDF, 165kb) Trackers are timely updates to keep you informed of pending legislation and regulations affecting the industry.
• Information: The Telecommunications Glossary defines over 6,000 ICT technical terms.
• Finding Resources: Industry Links is a collection of news sources, associations, and meetings dedicated to the ICT industry.
• Learning: TIA Podcasts and Webinars feature interviews and insights into the ICT industry.
• News Feeds: TIA’s RSS Feeds keep you abreast of the latest news, information, and standards from TIA.

TIAOnline.org

TIA's Web site is designed to be a business facilitator and an information portal, promoting industry awareness of telecom standards, issues, events and market development opportunities while inviting open discussion. Employees of member companies can sign up for a personalized search for standards (then click-through to purchase), search or browse our press archives, download market development white papers and teleforum transcripts (members only in most cases), order a publication online, view PowerPoint presentations posted from past events, and much more.