TIA, BICSI Sign Friendship Agreement at GLOBALCOMM(TM) 2006.

CHICAGO -- The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and BICSI today signed an agreement of friendship and cooperation at TIA's GLOBALCOMM(TM) 2006 intended to formalize a long-standing relationship that has been a cornerstone of the industry for many years.

"This agreement will jump start a fresh approach to our relationship with BICSI that will enhance member services for both organizations," said TIA President Matthew Flanigan. "Next year, when you walk the show floor at GLOBALCOMM 2007 from June 17-20 in Chicago, you will see the entire industry from broadband and IP services to traditional communications infrastructure and TIA will bring the face of the thousands of individuals who make the physical networks possible. TIA will continue to be a home for BICSI members to develop critical standards for our industry and both organizations will work toward finding solutions to our industry's challenges."

"As there is a convergence in network design and services, our relationship with TIA is a convergence of standards development -- with the TIA and BICSI focus of reaching out with forward-thinking training and manuals that mutually benefit our membership," BICSI President John Bakowski said.

"There has always been an industry need to have a qualified and skilled workforce for the installation and maintenance of information transportation networks," Ed Donelan, President-Elect of BICSI and President of Telecom Infrastructure Corporation stated. "BICSI and TIA will drive increased awareness of BICSI's accreditation programs and publications while mutually supporting each organization's events and tradeshows."

TIA's Engineering Committee TR-42 produces a series of standards that cross boundaries between industries, through the creation of standards for information transportation systems in the built environment. BICSI has created a series of accreditation classes, trainings and publications based on this suite of standards.

About BICSI

BICSI's mission is to enhance the telecommunications industry by providing excellent education, promoting skill sharing, and assessing knowledge with professional registration programs.

About TIA

TIA is the leading trade association for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. As owner and producer of GLOBALCOMM(TM), TIA represents global ICT suppliers and their service provider and enterprise customers through its leadership in standards development, domestic and international policy advocacy, and facilitating member business opportunities. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Visit us at http://www.tiaonline.org.

About GLOBALCOMM(TM)

GLOBALCOMM(TM) represents the premier business opportunity for the entire global communications and IT industry. With more than 450 exhibitors and 20,000 participants expected from 100 countries, GLOBALCOMM(TM) -- the Next-Generation Communications Marketplace and Summit - debuts June 4-8, 2006, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, USA. GLOBALCOMM(TM) is a trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). Visit http://www.globalcomm2006.com for more information.

SUPERCOMM(R) is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the United States Telecom Association (USTA). The final SUPERCOMM(R) was held in June 2005.