The total value of wireless broadband and mobile voice services will exceed $427 billion by 2016, according to a new study by CTIA and analyst Roger Entner. The new analysis shows even greater productivity and efficiency gains than first reported in 2005.
While the 2005 report on the macroeconomic impact of the U.S. wireless industry, the new follow-up focuses on the impact that the use and deployment of wireless broadband technology currently has, and is projected to have, on the U.S. economy.
The report also says that in the five largest states-California, New York, Florida, Texas and Illinois-the combined annual cost savings due to the implementation of wireless broadband is expected to jump from $10.1 billion in 2005 to more than $47 billion in 2016.
“This study provides strong evidence that the wireless industry continues to be a major player in the U.S. economy and an important driver for growth,” CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent said in a statement. “At a time when America is in the midst of an economic pinch, more and more employers are turning to wireless broadband technology to help reduce costs, increase efficiency and productivity, and stay competitive in the marketplace.”
According to the report, there were 68.8 million U.S. mobile enterprise users with 25 percent using a wireless broadband connection. By 2016, that number is projected to grow to 81.9 million mobile enterprise users with 83 percent using a broadband connection.
The report also projects the health care sector as the biggest winner in deriving benefits from the use of mobile broadband. In 2005, for example, the uses of mobile broadband solutions in the sector were valued at approximately $6.9 million. The CTIA report expects that number to triple to $27.2 billion by 2016.