Frontier Releases New Study That Reveals Fiber Deployment Can Boost the U.S. Economy by Over $3 Trillion

By: Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. via Business Wire

November 20, 2024 at 09:00 AM EST

First-of-its-kind economic study highlights the benefits of increased investment in fiber deployment

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(Graphic: Business Wire)

What happened: 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.

Why it matters: The U.S. currently lags 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.

The breakdown: 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 this fresh research, 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.

Handy quote: “We are building the critical digital infrastructure this country needs to succeed in the digital economy. 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,” said Nick Jeffery, CEO of Frontier. “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.”

The FBA weighs in: ��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.”

Who did the study? 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. Their work is distinguished by the credibility of their experts, which include 500 leading international academics and industry specialists across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

About Frontier

Frontier (NASDAQ: FYBR) is the largest pure-play fiber provider in the U.S. Driven by our purpose, Building Gigabit America^®, we deliver blazing-fast broadband connectivity that unlocks the potential of millions of consumers and businesses. For more information, visit www.frontier.com.

About the Fiber Broadband Association

The Fiber Broadband Association is the largest and only trade association that represents the complete fiber ecosystem of service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists dedicated to the advancement of fiber broadband deployment and the pursuit of a world where communications are limitless, advancing quality of life and digital equity anywhere and everywhere. The Fiber Broadband Association helps providers, communities, and policy makers make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better fiber broadband networks. Since 2001, these companies, organizations, and members have worked with communities and consumers in mind to build the critical infrastructure that provides the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver. The Fiber Broadband Association is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which is a platform of six global FTTH Councils in North America, LATAM, Europe, MEA, APAC, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org.