U.S. Department of Commerce seeks input on IoT policies

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released a request for comment on questions posed by the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), the U.S. Department of Commerce announced yesterday.

The request is part of the department's effort to promote IoT, which is defined as the broad category of devices, appliances and objects that can be connected via the Internet.

The department will use input it receives to draft a "green paper" that identifies key issues affecting deployment of these technologies, highlights potential benefits and challenges, and outlines possible roles for the federal government in fostering the advancement of IoT technologies in partnership with the private sector.

Those interested in responding to the request for comments must do so within 45 days.

"We are just beginning to see the exciting range of novel applications and connected devices emerging from the Internet of Things," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence Strickling in a press release. "This effort is aimed at ensuring the continued growth and innovation of IoT for the benefit of consumers, society and the economy."

IoT has "quickly become one of the most important technological trends of this decade," Department of Commerce officials said, noting that the topic is relevant in almost every industry.

In March, Progressive Railroading covered the wide range of IoT applications in the rail industry.