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Legislative bills

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Address Telecommunications Workforce Shortage

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg and Yvette D. Clarke introduced the Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act to address the growing shortage of skilled workers in the telecommunications industry. The bipartisan legislation aims to develop a workforce equipped to deploy 5G technology and broadband infrastructure to underserved communities. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators John Thune, Jon Tester, Roger Wicker, Gary Peters, and Jerry Moran. The bill reflects the need for a skilled workforce to meet the increasing demand for high-speed broadband access in rural communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act aims to develop a workforce equipped to deploy 5G technology and broadband infrastructure to underserved communities.
  • The bill would address the growing shortage of skilled workers in the telecommunications industry, which is expected to see substantial demands to fill new jobs in coming years.
  • The legislation places a focus on workforce development through apprenticeship programs, such as the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program.
  • The bill has received support from various organizations, including NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, WIA, USTelecom, and CTIA.
  • According to a Boston Consulting Group study, the 5G Economy is poised to contribute $1.5 trillion and 4.5 million jobs to the U.S. economy in the next decade.
  • The bill aims to develop a future pipeline of skilled technicians to meet the country's ambitious broadband and 5G deployment objectives.

Statistics:

  • 4.5 million jobs are expected to be created by the 5G Economy in the next decade (Boston Consulting Group study).
  • $1.5 trillion in economic growth is expected from the 5G Economy in the next decade (Boston Consulting Group study).
  • The 5G Economy is expected to have substantial demands to fill new jobs in the telecommunications industry.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives -- Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07)
  • NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association
  • NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association
  • Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA)
  • USTelecom -- The Broadband Association
  • CTIA
  • Boston Consulting Group

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