The Telecommunications Industry Association sent a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) urging their assistance in enacting the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act, S. 865.

"The passage of this legislation is a must before the end of the 108th Congress," says TIA President Matthew Flanigan. "It is key to the economic recovery of our sector and represents a win-win situation for both industry and government."

In its letter, the TIA noted that enacting this legislation is of critical importance to the future of the radio spectrum and the wireless communications industry as a whole because it will provide greater certainty in the market and accelerate the innovation and introduction of new services. The TIA also argues it will ensure the ability of the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal entities to continue achieving mission success.

The fundamental goal of this legislation is to ensure that eligible federal entities particularly the Department of Defense, operating in the spectrum bands identified for reallocation to non-federal users, are properly compensated for the costs associated with their relocation.

This legislation cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee, passed in the full U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 408 to 10, and was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation almost a year ago.

The TIA is based in Arlington, VA. For more information visit www.tiaonline.org.