Public Policy
Our Approach to Public Policy
Overview
Ribbon is a leading, publicly traded, global provider of communications technology, employing thousands of people operating in more than 100 countries. Using our trusted solutions, our customers can offer services that improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world, support digital inclusion across markets and lower global greenhouse emissions through efficient bandwidth utilization and cloud-based applications.
As a responsible and accountable business, Ribbon aims to maintain positive, compliant and collaborative relations with governments around the world and joins with industry peers to support public policy for the benefit of expanding affordable access to communications technologies and digital inclusion.
Our Approach
Ribbon Communications, including all subsidiaries, directors, executives and employees, is committed to respecting and upholding positive relations with all the government, legislative and regulatory authorities that govern in the countries where we do business. Ribbon has interests at stake at international, federal, state and local levels. We strive to comply with applicable law and engage collaboratively with public authorities to address issues that may arise in our industry or assist in advancing public policy for the benefit of the communities we serve. See Ribbon’s supporting commitments:
Relations with governments
We engage with government bodies and policymakers in our markets, where relevant, to inform them about our business and our industry. We may do this directly, when approached, or through established industry associations, such as the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and other industry organizations of which we are proud members.
Participation in public policy making
We believe that there can be benefits for all stakeholders in shaping public policy in the interests of advancing innovation, access to technology, improving environmental impacts of corporate activities and other positive aspects of our business activities. Where relevant, either directly or through industry associations, Ribbon may express a corporate opinion on local and national issues that affect its business and its stakeholders, and this will always be consistent with our legal and ethical obligations in political matters and will be in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Political contributions
Ribbon does not make party political contributions or donations or contributions of any kind to political parties, candidates, election campaigns or any other form of direct or indirect political spending anywhere in the world.
Employee participation in civic affairs
Ribbon supports and encourages employees to participate in civic affairs and the political process as private citizens. Ribbon does not permit the use of corporate resources or time for personal political activities unless prior approval has been granted by either the Chief Financial Officer or the Chief Legal Officer. It is expressly prohibited for employees to participate in civic affairs in their capacity as a Ribbon employee; all such participation is an individual choice and responsibility. Through our annual Code of Conduct training, employees are educated in their responsibilities in these matters.
Payments to governments
As a responsible and law abiding Company, Ribbon strives to comply with applicable law and regulations relating to taxation and other mandatory payments to governments. We disclose information relating to such payments in accordance with applicable regulatory disclosure requirements and make payments promptly as required. We do not practice aggressive tax avoidance practices or make use of tax havens. In the event of issues arising in relation to matters of taxation, we engage in discussion with the relevant tax authorities to reach appropriate solutions. We do not request, nor does Ribbon directly receive, financial assistance from governments in any of our markets, although we accept tax incentives or beneficial tax programs where relevant in line with local market conditions.
Supporting Global Sustainable Development
Our approach to public policy directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 which calls for promoting the rule of law at national and international levels.
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice
Governance
Executive direction of our approach to public policy rests with Ribbon’s Chief Executive Officer, supported by Ribbon’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. Other senior managers also play an important role in ensuring effective organizational controls related to relations with governments, such as commercial and sales, procurement, supply chain management, human resource management and others.
Ribbon’s Board of Directors reviews Ribbon’s public policy positions and activity annually and provides guidance as needed.
Disclosure
We report transparently to our stakeholders on our overall ESG performance and public policy interventions, if relevant, in our annual Sustainability Report.
Version 5: February 2023
