Study: 4G Build Out Could Help Expand Economy

Could 4G be a tonic for a slumping U.S. economy? It won't be a cure-all, but might be a bracing source of major investment, says a new study from the giant consulting firm, Deloitte. "Investment in 4G mobile broadband networks," said Deloitte, "can fuel U.S. performance in the global race to exploit the potential of this advanced infrastructure..."

More specifically, the study by Deloitte Consulting LLP says that the U.S. must continue to invest in mobile broadband, to maintain the lead it established in building out 3G. "...the United States cannot expect to retain its mobile broadband position easily. To prevail it will need to deal with its challenges and capitalize on its strengths," said the study.

But the benefits to users — and more significantly to workers — could be huge. "U.S. investment in 4G networks could fall in the range of $25-$53 billion," said Deloitte, "during 2012-2016; conservatively, these investments could account for $73-$151 billion in GDP growth and 371,000- 771,000 new jobs."

These figures echo the study released by the Economic Policy Institute in May, 2011, which predicted that the merger of AT&T and T-Mobile could create 12,000 new jobs per $1 billion of investment. CWA supports the merger because of AT&T's promise to invest $8 billion over the next seven years, resulting in a possible 96,000 jobs.

The Deloitte study shows that a sector-wide policy of investment could have a massive and positive effect on the troubled U.S. economy.

The Impact of 4G Technology on Commercial Interactions, Economic Growth and U.S. Competitiveness (Deloitte)

The jobs impact of telecom investment (EPI)

CWA: AT&T/T-Mobile Merger Will Create as Many as 96,000 Quality Jobs (Speed Matters)