New Survey Shows Leaders in Key Sectors Expect 5G to Positively Impact their Business and are Investing more in Wireless Technologies

October 24, 2017

WASHINGTON – Reflecting the increasing importance of wireless connectivity to the ability of businesses to innovate and compete, seven out of ten leaders across the healthcare, transportation, energy and manufacturing industries believe the U.S. must win the global 5G race to stay economically competitive, according to a survey commissioned by CTIA.

The survey, conducted by Harris Poll, also found that 80 percent of business leaders in these key industries believe 5G, the next generation of wireless, will positively impact their businesses, and a strong majority, 62 percent, are planning to invest more in wireless technologies next year.

“Key corporate executives know the U.S. needs to lead the world in 5G because wireless leadership is critical for their continued global competitiveness,” said Meredith Attwell Baker, President and CEO, CTIA. “The global race to 5G is on and this is a race that America has to win.”

The survey’s findings occur at a critical time. If policymakers make additional spectrum available for wireless broadband, modernize infrastructure rules and ensure regulations and tax policies incentivize wireless investment, the U.S. wireless industry stands to invest a projected $275 billion to deploy 5G, creating over 3 million new American jobs and adding $500 billion to the economy, according to Accenture. [link to Accenture]

In addition, the survey found almost 9 out of ten business leaders in these industries rely more on wireless today compared to five years ago, and 87 percent of respondents also view wireless as very important to their business today.

The poll further showed that business leaders believe 5G promises a range of additional benefits, including some of the ones highlighted below.

Polling of senior healthcare executives showed:

• Eighty-four percent believe that 5G will generate better patient outcomes through wireless-powered advancements such as remote, real-time patient monitoring and telemedicine.
• Over two-thirds, 67 percent, believe that 5G has the ability to reduce medical costs.

Polling of senior transportation executives showed:

• Eighty-one percent believe 5G-powered autonomous cars will improve roadway safety, reduce traffic congestion and accidents, and save lives.

Polling of senior energy executives showed:

• Three out of four believe that a wireless-powered smart grid will reduce energy consumption, and help consumers and businesses save money on electricity bills.

Polling of senior manufacturing executives showed:

• More than seven in ten believe 5G will be very important to manufacturing, from management, to production, logistics and distribution.
• Nearly three-quarters, 73 percent, believe wireless technologies will make their business more competitive in an ever-expanding global marketplace.

About the Research

The study was conducted August 3-21, 2017, online by Harris Poll on behalf of CTIA among 507 executives in the U.S. working in the healthcare, transportation, energy, and manufacturing industries. A full methodology is available upon request.