Issue: Telecommunications

The alarm sector of the security industry protects the life, safety and property of some 30 million homes and businesses. Any potential changes to the 1996 Telecommunications Act should ensure that the current consumer experience with security services operating over broadband infrastructure is preserved, and that data transmission is not subject to any anti-competitive practices.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the security industry, networked devices have multiplied capabilities to prevent or quickly address emergencies. The federal government should play a key role in fostering investment in the communications infrastructure that supports IoT and collaboration between the public and private sectors to eliminate barriers to deployment.

SIA Position:

SIA supports S. 88/H.R. 686, the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act (Sen. Deb Fisher, R-NE, and Rep. Erick Paulsen, R-MN), which directs the Secretary of Commerce to convene a governmental working group and private sector steering committee to make recommendations regarding the government’s role in the proliferation of the internet of things, including future related spectrum needs.

The recent reduction in regulatory controls on broadband service by the Federal Communications Commission has spurred interest by members of Congress in defining and clarifying a national policy governing broadband service via legislation. As Congress continues to debate these issues, it is critical that any new policy ensures emergency communications involving security and life safety systems are prioritized and not impeded. As broadband capabilities and security technologies evolve, networks must be relied upon to communicate alarm data and other emergency communications without risk of interference.