Hawaii’s governor said the new law will boost the deployment of next-generation wireless broadband infrastructure
Hawaii Governor David Ige has signed new legislation which will allow the deployment of small cells across the state in a move to support the expansion of next-generation wireless broadband infrastructure throughout Hawaii.
“As network traffic increases, keeping ahead of demand is more important than ever. This new law will help establish the deployment of small cells across the state, to support the growth and demand for data,” Governor Ige said. “More importantly, this new law paves the way for Hawai‘i to lead the nation in providing citizens with greater broadband connectivity, infrastructure investment, and bringing in the next generation of broadband.”
The new legislation takes effect on July 1, 2018.
“The bill Governor David Ige signed into law today will make Hawaii a nationwide leader in developing small cell wireless infrastructure. This cutting-edge technology will deliver economic growth and high-paying jobs by improving broadband access throughout Hawaii,” said Jonathan Adelstein, president & CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association.
The new law establishes a permitting, application, review, and approval process for small wireless providers or communications service providers to install wireless facilities on state or county solely-owned utility poles, or install associated utility poles, in the right of way, WIA said in a statement.
The deployment of 5G wireless networks could result in gross domestic product growth of $1.3 billion and an estimated 8,000 new jobs for the state of Hawaii, according to a research study by Accenture.The report also estimated Hawaii would gain close to $471 million in “smart city benefits” from the deployment of 5G technologies.
Accenture also estimated that the deployment of 5G in Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu, could create over 3,500 jobs and increase GDP by over $571 million.
The report highlighted that U.S telecom operators are expected to invest approximately $275 billion in 5G infrastructure, which could create up to 3 million jobs and boost GDP by $500 billion.
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