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.
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.
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.
Government Affairs
Standards Development
Business and Marketing Opportunities
Access to Critical Intelligence and Market Analysis
Educational, Networking and Credentialing Programs
Click here for more information on benefits and how to join TIA.
You need timely intelligence. TIA produces resources designed to inform ICT leaders about the trends, legislation, standards, and information that affect our industry.
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.