4G network investments will open door to thousands of new jobs for Americans

MILWAUKEE — The investments wireless telecommunications companies are poised to invest in fourth generation cellular wireless networks (4G) will have a significant impact on job growth and economic development in America, according to a new report released by Deloitte this week.

Wireless communication companies are expected to invest between $25 million and $53 million through 2016, resulting in the creation of 371,000 to 771,000 new jobs and gross domestic product growth of $73 million and $151 billion during 4G deployment.

“Earlier this year, the Wisconsin legislature took the necessary steps to update the state’s decades-old telecommunications rules, making Wisconsin a competitive Midwestern state for these new jobs and new telecommunications investments with the deployment of new 4G technologies,” says Thad Nation, executive director of Wired Wisconsin. “With these new guidelines now in place, our state is now poised and ready to take part in the job creation and economic development that 4G deployment will create.”

According to the report, deeper investments and stronger growth are likely to occur the faster 4G is deployed by U.S. cellular carriers. This rapid deployment would also open the door for additional domestic 4G applications by developers who are better able to reach new markets and analyze consumer needs faster and more economically than in the past.

“This synergistic relationship would result in a cycle of investment and consumer response, which would drive even more job growth for those seeking employment,” says Nation. “This is the kind of development we need to help the economy get back on track in Wisconsin and throughout the United States.”

Additionally, the report found that 4G deployment will help in particular certain disadvantaged markets, such as rural communities and minority populations, which currently have limited access to broadband connectivity. By doing so, many populations in most need of employment opportunities will have access new jobs and new opportunities for local economic development.

“Now is the time for domestic cellular providers to move forward, not just to remain as mobile broadband innovators, but to open the door to the economic opportunity and job growth that 4G offers,” says Nation

To access the report, “The Impact on 4G Technology on Commercial Interaction, Economic Growth and U.S. Competitiveness,” visit http://www.deloitte.com/us/impactof4g.