A Boost in Speed, a Boost in Jobs, a Boost for the Economy

By Brad

Speaking of LTE mobile broadband deployment — and the many benefits thereof — Roger Cheng at CNet highlights a new study from Deloitte that found some impressive numbers for jobs and the overall economy as providers build out their networks:

The wireless carriers’ investment in 4G networks could be the salve that the ailing U.S. economy is looking for.

The carriers could invest between $25 billion and $53 billion in building out their 4G network through 2016, according to a study from Deloitte. That in turn could lead to the creation of 371,000 to 771,000 jobs, and gross domestic product growth of $73 billion to $151 billion.

In the study (available here in PDF form), Deloitte notes those numbers for buildout are “conservative,” and when you factor in jobs beyond installing networks — new businesses and jobs spurred by expanded access and powerful technology — the overall effect on America’s economy could be enormous.