WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, today introduced a resolution in support of deploying 5G mobile broadband technology across the country. The bipartisan resolution highlights the importance of expanding 5G and all broadband technologies to create jobs, encourage innovation, and close the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

“Approving this resolution would send a strong signal to innovators and businesses across the country that the Senate supports the development and deployment of this next-generation technology,” Senator Wicker said. “I am committed to working with the Administration and others to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and policies are in place to make 5G networks a reality.”

“In today’s digital age, everyone needs access to the internet for almost every aspect of their life. That means we need to do more to expand and improve our wireless network which includes both licensed and unlicensed spectrum,” said Senator Schatz. “Developing and deploying 5G technology will provide more Americans with access to the internet while giving us the opportunity to continue our global leadership, foster innovation, and create millions of new jobs.”

The deployment of 5G networks is expected to begin in 2019 after official standards have been developed to define the scope of the technology. Potential benefits include three million new jobs, $275 billion in investment from the wireless industry, and a boost of $500 billion to the economy.

Consumers in both rural and urban areas would have greater access to innovative technologies, including precision agriculture, telemedicine, and other Internet-connected applications and services that depend upon fast, reliable broadband connections.

The resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Gary Peters, D-Mich.