Deloitte: U.S. Mobile Broadband Industry May Be Losing Edge to Global Competitors

By Kalen Smith, Big4 Blogger

The United States used to lag most of the rest of the world in implementing fourth generation (4G) cellular technology. U.S. mobile companies surprised the rest of the world when they emerged as the global leader in 4G technology last October. However, a new study from Deloitte has shown that they may be losing their competitive edge.

Competition in the mobile broadband industry is becoming fiercer. Deloitte’s report shows that the United States will need to raise new capital and implement new strategies to maintain an advantage in the global economy.

Experts from Deloitte also argue that the United States should make it a priority to lead the 4G industry. Investing in the 4G network could expand U.S. GDP by as much as $150 billion. The report states that this would bring substantial benefits to the nation’s economy as it would increase tax revenues and create a number of new high technology jobs. Deloitte expects that additional investments in 4G technology would lead to an increase of more than 700,000 jobs over the next four years.

Craig Wigginton is the head of global telecommunications for Deloitte. Wigginton said that the nation’s policies have helped the nation become a global technology leader. However, policy makers may need to update their policies to ensure the United States remains a global technology leader through the 21st century.