Modernizing rules around 5G Small Cells could unlock additional $100 billion in economic growth, according to new report

New study builds on prior analysis of 5G’s economic impact, underscores need for all levels of government to streamline infrastructure deployment

WASHINGTON, D.C.; July 19, 2018 Reducing current timelines for 5G wireless infrastructure deployments by 12 months would unleash an additional $100 billion to the U.S. economy, according to a new report commissioned by CTIA.

The analysis, developed by Accenture (NYSE: ACN), builds on a 2017 study of the economic impact of 5G deployment which estimated a $500 billion boost to U.S. GDP and the creation of 3 million new American jobs.

Today’s study adjusted that model to estimate the impact of accelerated 5G deployment enabled by the streamlining of federal, state and local infrastructure rules for small cells—specifically, updating rules for small cell deployments in rights-of-way and creating reasonable fee structures for small cells.


“Accenture’s findings illustrate the importance of an updated federal framework to help accelerate small cell installations and boost economic activity in communities across the country,” said Meredith Attwell Baker, CTIA President and CEO. “Modernizing outdated infrastructure rules is key to the United States winning the global race to 5G and unlocking the benefits that will come from the next generation of wireless.”

Given that 300,000 small cells need to be deployed in the next three to four years to serve 5G networks, the study recognizes that modernization of infrastructure guidelines will be key to decreasing the time required for a 5G network rollout.

“To make 5G a reality and reap the benefits it can bring, U.S. communications infrastructure must evolve,” said Tejas Rao, managing director and global 5G offering lead for Accenture’s network practice. “The deployment of small cells will lay the foundation for ‘smart cities’ and more innovative services, which will help strengthen the economy and ultimately improve the way we live our lives.”

This report builds on previous analyses Accenture Strategy conducted for CTIA including a January 2017 report, which highlighted the economic and societal impact of deploying 5G wireless and a April 2018 report, which found that the U.S. wireless industry contributes $475 billion annually to America’s economy.

“5G is a crucial factor in creating new and agile business models across industries that are predicated on wireless,” said Sanjay Dhar, managing director, Accenture Strategy, Communications, Media & Technology. “The economic benefit we isolated can only be achieved with robust mobile ecosystems that quickly usher in the age of 5G.”