New Research from Accenture Strategy highlights Economic and Societal Impact of Investing in 5G Infrastructure

CTIA-commissioned analysis estimates U.S. GDP boost of $500 billion and three million new jobs along with savings and benefits to local communities in excess of $160 billion

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Jan 12, 2017, 09:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Deploying the next generation of high-speed 5G wireless networks could create up to three million jobs and add approximately $500 billion to U.S. GDP through direct and indirect potential benefits, according to a new report from Accenture (NYSE: ACN), commissioned by CTIA.

According to a new report from Accenture, deploying the next generation of high-speed 5G wireless networks could create up to three million jobs, add approximately $500 billion to the U.S. GDP and result in savings and benefits to local communities in excess of $160 billion. Wireless operators will invest as much as $275 billion nationwide over seven years as they build out 5G.

Accenture Strategy's analysis estimates that wireless operators will invest as much as $275 billion nationwide over seven years as they build out 5G. Estimates highlight that the wireless industry's investment in deploying 5G could create direct impacts of 350,000 new construction jobs and a total of approximately 850,000 jobs in the United States when considering suppliers and other partners cumulatively over the seven years of network build-out. The broader economic benefits from 5G could create an additional 2.2 million jobs in communities across the country.

"The report findings show what an incredible opportunity there is in local economies," said Tejas Rao, managing director and Mobile Offering Network lead for Accenture's North America practice. "5G-powered smart city solutions applied to the management of vehicle traffic and electrical grids alone could produce an estimate of $160 billion in benefits and savings for local communities and their residents. These 5G attributes will enable cities to reduce commute times, improve public safety and generate significant smart-grid efficiencies."

Sanjay Dhar, managing director in Accenture's North American Strategy practice, added, "Full realization of the economic growth and cost savings will depend on how robustly 5G networks are deployed locally, and will require different approaches in local communities from those used in the past."

Noting that achieving the full benefits, speed and capacity of 5G will require hundreds of thousands of new, shoebox-sized small cells, the study calls upon municipal leaders to consider a new approach to wireless siting policies. The study strongly suggests changes such as streamlining local permitting and regulations to account for the size and number of small cells needed, improving access to public rights of way, and changing wireless antenna fee structures to support the new small cell deployment model.

"5G will be transformative for all Americans. Accenture's report confirms the significant benefits from the next generation of wireless, driven by hundreds of billions of dollars that the wireless industry will invest to deploy 5G," said Meredith Attwell Baker, President and CEO of CTIA. "Not only will 5G deployment unlock substantial job growth and economic gains in cities and towns across the country, it will help make our lives safer. The Accenture report importantly underscores the need for policymakers at all levels of government to take action—cities and states with modernized zoning and siting rules that support tomorrow's networks will be the first to realize the economic and civic benefits of 5G."

About the Research
This research was commissioned by CTIA. All data used is publically available. Statistics are based on industry averages, plus Accenture's knowledge of expected costs, and assume that adoption and coverage requirements will be similar to those of previous generations of technology. A full breakdown can be found in the report.

About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions—underpinned by the world's largest delivery network—Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 394,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

About Accenture Strategy
Accenture Strategy operates at the intersection of business and technology. We bring together our capabilities in business, technology, operations and function strategy to help our clients envision and execute industry-specific strategies that support enterprise wide transformation. Our focus on issues related to digital disruption, competitiveness, global operating models, talent and leadership help drive both efficiencies and growth. For more information, follow @AccentureStrat or visit www.accenture.com/strategy.

About CTIA
CTIA® (www.ctia.org) represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and the companies throughout the mobile ecosystem that enable Americans to lead a 21st century connected life. The association's members include wireless carriers, device manufacturers, suppliers as well as apps and content companies. CTIA vigorously advocates at all levels of government for policies that foster continued wireless innovation and investment. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices, hosts educational events that promote the wireless industry and co-produces the industry's leading wireless tradeshow. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE CTIA