Push for Access to White Spaces Mounts among Technology Industry
Washington, D.C. – As the Federal Communications Commission approaches a final decision on ‘white spaces’, the campaign to realize the potential of white space technology gained support and additional momentum today with the addition of the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA). The leading technology industry associations are the most recent organizations to join the 18-member alliance working to deliver high speed wireless connections to all Americans.
“BSA and CCIA are well known for their advocacy for the technology industry, and we are delighted to add their memberships to the promotion of wireless innovation in the U.S.,” said Jake Ward, a spokesperson for the Wireless Innovation Alliance. "These organizations and the other consumer, rural, and industry groups that comprise the WIA are dedicated to fostering innovation in the white spaces to benefit all Americans.”
“The U.S. information technology industry is strong, but we cannot be complacent at a time when many nations are investing in advanced IT capabilities,” said Katherine McGuire, vice president of government relations of BSA. “We believe that white space technology can help foster economic growth and innovation, which in turn will deliver many benefits to business and consumers.”
“At a time when our national economy is strained, opening up this precious and unused public spectrum for new wireless technology means a stronger, more competitive future for America”, said Ed Black, President & CEO of CCIA. “White space technology will provide greater broadband penetration, speed, and Internet access to the most underserved communities across the country, and create opportunities to invent new consumer applications, devices and services.”
About the Business Software Alliance (BSA):
Business Software Alliance (http://www.bsa.org) is the foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world. BSA is the voice of the world's software industry and its hardware partners before governments and in the international marketplace. Its members represent one of the fastest growing industries in the world. BSA programs foster technology innovation through education and policy initiatives that promote copyright protection, cyber security, trade and e-commerce. BSA members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Avid, Bentley Systems, Borland, CA, Cadence Design Systems, Cisco Systems, CNC Software/Mastercam, Corel, CyberLink, Dell, EMC, HP, IBM, Intel, McAfee, Microsoft, Monotype Imaging, PTC, Quark, Quest Software, SAP, Siemens, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Sybase, Symantec, Synopsys, and The MathWorks.
About the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA):
CCIA (http://www.ccianet.org) is an international, nonprofit association consisting of leading companies in the computer, Internet, information and telecommunications industries. CCIA is dedicated to open markets, open systems and open networks and preserving full, fair and open competition throughout our industry. Our members employ more than 600,000 workers and generate annual revenues in excess of $200 billion. For more than 35 years, CCIA serves as a vital link to Capitol Hill on issues directly impacting technology businesses.
About the Wireless Innovation Alliance:
The WIA includes more than 15 organizations, representing the technology industry, consumer and public interest groups, and educational and technical organizations. The Alliance also enjoys strong bipartisan support from a growing number of Congressional Members committed to actively working to create opportunity and enable innovation in the U.S. The goal of the Alliance is to work closely with policymakers to craft rules of the road that will realize the opportunity of TV White spaces, which lie vacant in as much as 75% in some areas of the country.
