Representing U.S. Interests in Global Standards Development
International standards shape the technologies, products, and infrastructure that power the global digital economy. Through U.S. Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), industry experts collaborate to develop and communicate U.S. positions on international standards initiatives, helping ensure that global standards reflect the needs and priorities of American industry. TIA administers several U.S. TAGs of strategic importance to the communications and digital infrastructure sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participation in a TIA-administered TAG gives organizations a direct voice in international standards development and the opportunity to influence the technical decisions that impact global markets.
TAG participants help:
- Develop U.S. consensus positions on international standards proposals
- Review and comment on technical work from international standards bodies
- Identify emerging technology trends and standards activities
- Contribute expertise to the development of future global standards
- Represent U.S. industry priorities in international forums
By engaging early in the standards process, organizations gain visibility into evolving technologies while helping shape the frameworks that support global interoperability and innovation.
As the administrator of multiple U.S. Technical Advisory Groups, TIA convenes industry experts, facilitates consensus-building, and coordinates the development of U.S. positions for international standards activities. TIA’s TAG program extends the organization’s long-standing leadership in standards development and helps connect domestic expertise with international standards initiatives.
TIA-administered TAGs bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including:
- Manufacturers
- Service providers
- Technology companies
- Government representatives
- Industry experts
- Standards professionals
- End users and other interested parties
This collaborative approach helps ensure that U.S. positions reflect broad industry consensus and technical expertise.
IEC TC86 Fiber Optics
Prepare standards for fiber optic systems, modules, devices and components intended primarily for use with communications equipment.
IEC TC76 Optical Radiation Safety & Laser
Develop international standards for equipment incorporating or intended for use with lasers and LEDs, including requirements essential to characterization and safe use.
IEC TC46 Cables, Wires, Waveguides, & RF Connectors
Establish and maintain standards for the design, testing, and quality assessment of conductors, wires, waveguides, RF connectors, and passive components for communication networks and cabling.
ISO/IEC JTC1/SC25 Interconnection of IT Equipment
Develop standards for information technology systems, smart homes and buildings, and ICT cabling infrastructure, including networking, interoperability, installation, management, and remote powering.
IEC Systems Committee – Smart Cities
Foster the development of standards in the field of electrotechnology to help with the integration, interoperability and effectiveness of city systems.
How to Join a TIA-Administered TAG
Organizations and individuals interested in participating can apply through TIA’s membership process. Here’s a step-by-step application Guide:
Complete and submit the following documents to membership@tiaonline.org:
- Letter of Support from Your Company
- USNC Expert Appointment Form (Download PDF)
- Current CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Complete and submit the TIA Membership Application.
Once approved, TIA will issue an invoice for the annual TAG participation fee.
After receiving your application materials and membership application, TIA will:
- Confirm your interest in participation
- Initiate a 7-day TAG ballot
- Notify you of the approval decision
Once your TAG participation is approved:
TIA will:
- Issue your TAG participation fee invoice.
- Add you to the TIA portal and provide onboarding information.
- Notify the U.S. National Committee (USNC) of your approved participation.
USNC will:
- Issue a separate annual participation fee invoice.
- Onboard you to the IEC collaboration platform and related international standards development activities.
Applicant will:
- Pay the TIA TAG participation fee invoice.
- Pay the separate annual USNC participation fee invoice when received.
TIA works with participants throughout the process to facilitate engagement and coordination with the appropriate international standards communities.
For questions, please contact us at membership@tiaonline.org.
Help Shape Global Standards
Join the experts influencing the future of communications, connectivity, and digital infrastructure through international standards development.