RCA report finds job growth in data roaming, 700 MHz interoperability

The expansion of mobile broadband services to rural markets currently underserved by such options could result in the creation or retention of 117,000 jobs across 19 states, according to a new report released by the Rural Cellular Association.
The study, which was conducted by Columbia Business School Finance and Economics Adjunct Professor Dr. Raul Katz, the implementation of requiring data roaming services interoperability amongst all carriers using 700 MHz spectrum would result in further investment in wireless broadband in rural areas that would impact the 19 states with the lowest broadband penetration and availability.
(States considered to be “significantly lagging broadband accessibility” include: West Virginia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alaska, South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota, Kentucky, New Mexico, Missouri, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Louisiana, North Carolina, Alabama, Kansas, Virginia, Tennessee and Maine.)
The job creation would come from both in the deployment of the networks as well as in the impact having such capabilities would have in creating more jobs across different business sectors.
Katz noted that the biggest obstacles for expanding mobile broadband services to underserved communities is the lack of interoperability and roaming requirements and that the current government funds to expand services are being used to deploy fiber optic infrastructure.
“If Congress and the FCC were to advance these policy changes, accessibility to service would have a major economic impact, including creating or saving 116,862 jobs between 2011 and 2014 in the 19 states with lowest broadband coverage,” Katz noted in a statement.
In addition to the impact on jobs, Katz’ report found that expanding broadband deployment to 100% of those states currently deemed underserved would increase median income per county by an average of more than $1,200.
RCA has for more than a year been calling on the government to be more forceful in requiring equipment and devices using the 700 MHz spectrum band to support all the bands set to be used by operators, thus ensuring the ability for cross-network roaming.
Late last year RCA sent letters to all members of Congress asking that they take action on the data roaming and interoperability issues.