Briefs: U.S. telecom spending up 9 percent in 2005

Telecom-industry spending in the United States rose nearly 9 percent last year to just under $857 million and is on pace this year to top $944 million.

Annual statistics released by the Telecommunications Industry Association on Wednesday pointed to robust growth in wireless, network equipment and equipment servicing leading the 8.9-percent growth.

The association estimated that the compound growth rate in the United States for 2006-2009 would reach $1.2 trillion.

International spending -- not including the huge U.S. market -- grew 11.4 percent last year to $1.8 trillion.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International