June 10, 2013

Americans for Job Security Response to the Commissions Request for Comment in the Matter of Electronic Digital Media Devices, Inv. No. 337-TA
796

JOB
SECURITY

Dear Ofce of the Secretary:

Americans for Job Security submits comments in response to the Notice of Commission Decision to Review in Part a Final Initial Determination Finding a Violation of Section 337; Request for Written Submissions issued by the United States lntemational Trade Commission in the matter of Electronic Digital Media Devices, Inv. No. 337-TA-796 on May 28, 2013.
Americans for Job Security (AJS) promotes free markets and pro-paycheck public policy because they are fundamental to building a strong economy and creating more and Well-payingjobs. Our organization is concerned by the potential economic and societal implications of a broad exclusion order being issued in this case.

Thousands of businesses and individuals depend on their smartphones and tablets to access the Intemet every day. For many, smartphones and tablets are their primary or only means to access the Internet. For businesses in particular, mobile Internet access on smartphones and tablets is essential to economic success and job creation.

LIMITING THE NUMBER OF SMARTPHONES ON THE MARKET WILL STIFLE BUSINESS GROWTH AND INNOVATION
In todays service economy, businesses large and small depend on ubiquitous and fast broadband access. Nearly every business today relies on Intemet access to connect its clients, customers and colleagues. Advances in broadband networks have driven countless innovations and new consumer benets. 4G wireless broadband technologies can now deliver Internet speeds, functionality and applications to a mobile device that just recently would have required a xed broadband connection. The wireless revolution is driving the modern digital economy. For example, small businesses depend on these technologies to increase their growth and saturation in the marketplace, from accessing apps to sharing on social media, payment processing, website development, researching, and connecting with clients.

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Samsung and Apple are the two largest providers of smartphones in the U.S. devices that are critical to commerce and business in the digital economy. The competition between the two companies and other large players like HTC and RIM is driving innovation, keeping prices down for consumers, and providing incentive for smaller manufacturers to compete. Should Samsung devices be banned from entering the U.S., competition and the availability of cutting-edge devices will decrease and costs will skyrocket. With limited options and less competition in the marketplace, prices of these devices will increase and businesses will be impacted directly.

SMARTPHONES MAY BE NECESSARY FOR JOB APPLICANTS AND SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYEES

Many job seekers actively search for jobs on their smartphones and most employers now encourage online applications. Companies and recruiters are moving toward seeking applicants who are less likely to have access to Internet other than through a wireless connection, such as lower-wage and younger workers. Additionally, more and more businesses are encouraging their employees to utilize wireless, on-the-go Intemet access instead of being reliant upon a desktop connection. Businesses are beginning to offer bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies where employees purchase their own mobile devices and the business in tum offers incentives on the cost of the phone and/or monthly payment plan. Many employees need affordable, high-speed devices to stay connected via e-mail and mobile apps to their colleagues and businesses.

Having immediate access om anywhere enables companies to better serve clients with real-time response. Employees can comiect to GPS services, allowing leadership to assign the closest employees to assignments, or send photos and videos to address issues on the site and get immediate feedback. Business is becoming mobile. Limiting the number of devices, and the largest Android provider, that can get the job done will only harm businesses, their success, and threaten innovation in these ecosystems.
It is our concem that businesses will be unable to grow and wireless innovation will be stied should an exclusion order be placed on Sarnsung smartphone devices entering the U.S. Access to the mobile Internet is a growing necessity in our country, and limiting the avenues through which consumers can accomplish this is a hindrance. AJ S requests that the Commission consider our comments as it makes its ruling in ITC case 337 TA-796.
Respectfully,

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Stephen DeMaura President Americans for Job Security