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

Rhea-AI Summary

Frontier (FYBR) and the Fiber Broadband Association released a groundbreaking study showing that fiber deployment could generate a $3.24 trillion economic impact in the U.S. The study reveals that deploying fiber to 56 million unserved households could create $1.64 trillion in increased housing values and $1.6 trillion in household income growth, primarily in non-urban areas. Additionally, it could create 380,000 new jobs. Currently, approximately 62 million broadband serviceable locations lack fiber access, positioning the U.S. behind most developed countries in fiber deployment.

Positive

• Study projects $3.24 trillion potential economic impact from fiber deployment
• Expected $1.64 trillion increase in housing values for areas with fiber access
• Projected $1.6 trillion increase in household income, mainly in non-urban areas
• Potential creation of 380,000 new jobs through fiber deployment
• Access to over $100 billion in government funding through ARPA and BEAD initiatives

Negative

• U.S. currently lags behind most developed countries in fiber deployment
• 62 million broadband serviceable locations still lack fiber access

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The study reveals significant untapped market potential in U.S. fiber deployment, with 62 million broadband serviceable locations lacking fiber access. The projected $3.24 trillion economic impact breaks down into three key components: $1.64 trillion in housing value increases, $1.6 trillion in household income growth and 380,000 new jobs.

This research is particularly relevant for Frontier as the largest pure-play fiber provider, positioning them to capitalize on federal initiatives like ARPA and BEAD, which allocate over $100 billion for broadband expansion. The study's credibility is strengthened by The Brattle Group's involvement and validates Frontier's business strategy in fiber deployment.

The U.S.'s current lag behind other developed nations in fiber infrastructure presents both a challenge and opportunity for market growth, especially in non-urban areas where the income impact could be most significant.

Economic Policy Analyst

This comprehensive study presents compelling evidence for prioritizing fiber infrastructure in federal broadband funding decisions. The research quantifies the multiplier effect of fiber deployment across three critical economic indicators: property values, household income and employment. The focus on non-urban areas is particularly significant, as it addresses both economic development and digital equity objectives.

The timing aligns with major federal infrastructure initiatives, potentially influencing how $100 billion in government funding is allocated. For investors, this suggests a favorable regulatory and funding environment for fiber deployment, with government policy likely to support continued expansion in this sector.

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

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Frontier (NASDAQ: FYBR):

(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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241120922301/en/

Media

Chrissy Murray

VP, Corporate Communications

chrissy.murray@ftr.com

Source: Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.

FAQ

What is the projected economic impact of Frontier's fiber deployment in the US?

According to the study, Frontier's fiber deployment could generate an estimated $3.24 trillion in economic impact through increased housing values, higher household income, and job creation.

How many new jobs could FYBR's fiber deployment create in the US?

The study indicates that Frontier's fiber deployment has the potential to create at least 380,000 new jobs in the U.S. economy.

How many US households currently lack fiber access according to Frontier's study?

According to the study, approximately 56 million U.S. households currently lack fiber access.

What is the projected increase in housing values from FYBR's fiber deployment?

The study projects that deploying fiber to unserved households can generate $1.64 trillion in net present value through increased housing values.