The association continues to be engaged extensively in representing TIA members on the increasingly wide range of legislative and regulatory issues affecting the communications and information technology industries. Policymakers are grappling with the impact of the Internet, and the key debates are centering on the emergence of broadband technologies. TIA Spring Policy Summit A highlight of the Public Policy Committee's efforts this year was the TIA Spring Policy Summit (see http://pulse.tiaonline.org/0500/wash/washart11.htm) in Williamsburg, Va., held in April. This exciting event for TIA member companies and government leaders -- including 29 Capitol Hill staffers and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff -- was an interactive and relaxed forum for sharing views and information. Attendees shared insights as to what policies are needed to foster the continued growth of broadband networks and Internet technologies. The agenda included informative speakers and panel discussions, highlighted with a speech from Congressman Mike Oxley (R-Ohio), a key member of the House of Representatives Telecommunications Subcommittee and a candidate for the position of chairman of the Commerce Committee if Republicans retain control of the House of Representatives. Greg Rohde, assistant secretary of the Department of Commerce and head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (www.ntia.doc.gov/), and Francis McInerney, a venture capitalist with North River Ventures, also delivered keynote speeches. The policy panels also were very well received, and attendees were extremely happy with the event, promising to return next year. Internet Technology Briefing Series TIA's Public Policy Committee, through its Internet Working Group, is planning future events in its Internet Technology Briefing Series on Capitol Hill that focus on the broadband technologies that are bringing the Internet to consumers and businesses -- at increasingly greater speeds. The first event, held earlier this year and attended by 28 Hill staffers, focused on wireless Internet. Upcoming sessions will focus on some of the other broadband access technologies, including xDSL, fiber optics, cable and satellite. International Trade In what likely is this year's biggest legislative win for U.S. industry, and especially the communications industry, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to China. PNTR will provide U.S. businesses future opportunities in one of the world's most important markets. TIA has been very active on this issue, with the Government Relations and International Departments working together on a daily basis. This will continue, as the Senate must still vote after Congress returns from recess in September. Page Forward TIA Home | Industry Beat | TIA Press Releases | Subscribe | Past Issues Letter from the President | Inside Washington | TIA Around the Globe | Small Company Focus Trade Shows and Marketing Opportunities | Standards Update | Member Spotlight New TIA Members | Member News | Market Forecast | Calendar of Events | PulseOnline Home Contact Us: Rali Mileva rmileva@tia.eia.org or Melanie Phung mphung@tia.eia.org