Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced the bipartisan Developing and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act. The bill would convene a working group of federal entities and private sector stakeholders tasked with providing recommendations to Congress on how to facilitate the growth of connected Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The working group’s recommendations would focus on how to plan for, and encourage, the development and deployment of the IoT in the United States. The DIGIT Act unanimously passed the Senate in the 115th Congress.

“I’m proud to join once again with the Senate IoT Working Group in our bipartisan efforts to promote long-term planning for our connected future with the Internet of Things. The DIGIT Act would prioritize coordination of private sector experts with government agencies to help Congress create smarter policies. With this bill, we can continue to foster innovative solutions that deliver economic and societal benefits across many different sectors – from transportation to agriculture,” said Senator Fischer.

“As technology develops and more devices connect to the internet, we have an opportunity to continue leading this technological revolution. Our bipartisan bill recognizes the potential of the Internet of Things, and will help the private and public sectors work together to produce well-informed policies on connected technology moving forward,” said Senator Schatz.

“As connected technology continues to evolve, it’s critical that Congress update federal policy to keep pace with innovation in order to keep America competitive. I look forward to working with Senators Fischer, Booker, and Schatz to examine the full impact of new technologies and find legislative solutions that will unleash the power of American entrepreneurship to create jobs and boost economic growth,” said Senator Gardner.

“This bill underscores our bipartisan commitment to fostering innovation, protecting consumers, and finding tech solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. I look forward to continuing our focus on the Internet of Things through this legislation and other means so that America can continue to lead the world in advancing cutting-edge technologies,” said Senator Booker.

Additionally, the DIGIT Act directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete a report assessing spectrum needs required to support the Internet of Things. 

The DIGIT Act is supported by: The App Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, CTIA, the Competitive Carriers Association, the Computing Research Association, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Intel, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the Security Industry Association, the Semiconductor Industry Association, the Telecommunications Industry Association, and VMware.

“The DIGIT Act would ensure the United States can seize all of the opportunities the Internet of Things has to offer. This bill would provide policymakers with the necessary framework to craft a national strategy for the Internet of Things, which would accelerate the development and adoption of the technology and generate key benefits for national competitiveness, including supporting the growth of AI and data-driven innovation,” said Daniel Castro, Director of ITIF’s Center for Data Innovation.

“IoT technologies are already transforming the way we live, work and play. With 5G rolling out in real time across the country, the adoption of IoT products and services by consumers and businesses will only accelerate. That is why now is the time for passage of the DIGIT Act. By bringing key federal agencies together to promote a coordinated IoT strategy, the DIGIT Act will help unify federal policy on critical IoT issues, avoid a balkanized regulatory approach, and facilitate the deployment of IoT technology across the United States,” said Cinnamon Rogers, Telecommunications Industry Association’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. 

“Competitive carriers are on the forefront of next-generation technology deployments, and rural areas will benefit greatly from current and future IoT applications. Some of the most promising, significant economic impacts of new IoT technologies can be found in rural America, and sound policies are essential to ensuring that all Americans can participate in and benefit from these innovations. Utilizing the expertise of federal and industry stakeholders, the DIGIT Act will produce reports to guide actions that support a digital future. CCA supports the DIGIT Act and encourages its swift consideration,” said Steven K. Berry, President & CEO of Competitive Carriers Association.

“The proliferation of IoT technologies continues to bring unprecedented benefits to consumers and industries across the U.S. economy. The DIGIT Act would advance a strategic, multi-stakeholder vision to promote secure, interoperable, and scalable IoT solutions and help position the United States as the global leader in IoT. We applaud Senators Fischer, Booker, Gardner, and Schatz for their leadership on this important issue, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure U.S. government, businesses, and consumers experience all the societal and economic benefits that IoT has to offer,” said Jason Oxman, President and CEO of ITI.

“Appropriate prioritization of a National IoT strategy is imperative to U.S. leadership in the 21st Century,” said Thomas Lantzsch, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Internet of Things Group at Intel, a leader in IoT.

 

**Click here to read the text of the DIGIT Act**

 

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