Fiber Broadband Association, Frontier study estimates $3 trillion value in U.S. fiber deployment

Frontier, in partnership with the Fiber Broadband Associated (FBA), today published a new study that finds deploying fiber in the U.S. could generate an estimated $3.24 trillion in economic impact by increasing housing values, lifting average household income and creating jobs.

The U.S. is currently behind most developed countries in fiber deployment, with approximately 62 million broadband serviceable locations — including 56 million households — lacking fiber access. As the largest pure-play fiber internet provider in the country, we want to raise awareness of the economic benefits of expanding fiber access and highlight how directing existing public funding towards fiber deployment can maximize these benefits.

This study is the first to quantify the significant incremental economic benefits of fiber deployment, even in the presence of other high-speed broadband technologies like cable. According to the research study, here’s how fiber deployment in the U.S. could fuel $3.24 trillion in economic growth:

• Deploying fiber to the 56 million U.S. households unserved by fiber can generate $1.64 trillion in net present value (NPV) in increased housing values.
• Fiber deployment can increase household income by $1.6 trillion in NPV, primarily in non-urban areas.
• Fiber deployment has the potential to create at least 380,000 new jobs in the U.S. economy.

“We are building the critical digital infrastructure this country needs to succeed in the digital economy,” said Nick Jeffery, CEO of Frontier. “Fiber is the best technology for connecting homes and businesses – it’s fast, reliable and capable of meeting our customers’ needs today and into the future. This study provides us with data that shows the incredible impact that our fiber technology can have on individuals, communities and the U.S. economy, giving us even more reason to believe in our purpose of Building Gigabit America.”

“This study makes it clear: when it comes to closing the digital divide for the long term, government programs need to prioritize funding for fiber over any other high-speed connections. Investing in fiber is key to unlocking substantial economic and social benefits,” said Gary Bolton, Fiber Broadband Association CEO. “With over $100 billion being committed to broadband expansion through initiatives like ARPA and BEAD, focusing on fiber deployment will really drive economic growth, enhance community well-being and set us up for long-term success.”

Frontier and the FBA commissioned The Brattle Group to conduct the research for this study. The Brattle Group answers complex economic, regulatory, and financial questions for corporations and governments around the world.

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