CEA Commends Draft House Telecom Legislation; Legislation Will Help Advance New IP-enabled Video Service, Spurring Innovation and the American Economy.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) President and CEO Gary Shapiro regarding, the Communications, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 introduced yesterday by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX):

"CEA commends Chairman Barton for introducing draft legislation to provide consumers with more choice in video services. Under this bill, the necessary steps have been taken to remove barriers for new entrants in to the video marketplace. Society will benefit from more competition and real choices in broadband.

"We are pleased that the bill recognizes the importance of ensuring key broadband policy principles. Specifically we are committed to working with Congress, service providers and other affected parties to ensure that a regulatory regime is established allowing for the advancement of new IP-enabled services, while including a commitment to open and unfettered consumer access to content, services and applications and protecting a consumer's ability to connect devices of their choice.

"More importantly, we need to work to promote and protect the commercial availability of devices that attach to broadband video services. Preserving the retail marketplace for 'edge network' technologies and devices is vital to the success of innovation in this evolving broadband era.

"At the upcoming Thursday House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet hearing on this draft, we hope to gain more understanding of the specifics detailed within this legislation. We look forward to working closely with the full House as this legislation moves forward."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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