The Honorable Curt Friesen
Chairperson, Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
Nebraska State Capitol
Lincoln, NE 68509
Dear Chairperson Friesen,
On behalf of National Taxpayers Union (NTU), the nation’s oldest taxpayer advocacy organization, I write to express our support for Legislative Bill 184, the “Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act.” This forward-looking proposal would remove regulatory roadblocks that impede the deployment of wireless infrastructure for next-generation 5G networks. Enactment of LB 184 will improve connectivity, lead to faster speeds for consumers, and spur economic growth. In order to deliver these benefits to all Nebraskans, we respectfully urge all members to support this important legislation.
The consumer and economic benefits of a 5G network cannot be understated. With speeds up to 100 times faster than today’s LTE service, along with the ability to support 100 times more devices, 5G has the potential to revolutionize the economy and connect millions of Americans to an ever growing digital-dependent world. Estimates indicate a high-speed 5G wireless network could generate $500 billion in economic growth and create three million new jobs across the country. Of particular importance and relevance to NTU’s members are the benefits of 5G to taxpayers. A whole host of government services and functions – among them traffic system management, public building maintenance and energy efficiency, tele-health services in programs for the underserved, and first responder capabilities – can be made more cost-effective with this technology, reducing the fiscal pressure on residents of localities.
With many states preparing to participate in this prosperous future, Nebraska also stands at a critical junction; either it can enact policies that will allow its citizens to enjoy these benefits, or it can stand by as these investments and jobs go elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the wireless industry faces significant challenges for 5G deployment in Nebraska. Red tape, outdated rules, regulatory sandboxes across localities, and exorbitant fees are all expensive and time consuming obstacles. These barriers needlessly delay deployment and raise the cost of business, all of which lead to less efficient outcomes for consumers and providers.
Thankfully your legislation would address these obstacles by streamlining regulations and fees, making it easier for companies to invest in 5G networks in a cost-effective and prudent manner. LB 184 will deliver enormous benefits to American consumers and taxpayers, and allow the American economy to prosper well into the 21st century.
If Nebraska fails to pass this legislation, it is choosing to forgo the benefits that will come from widespread deployment of 5G technologies. Meanwhile, other states will embrace a modern regulatory environment that will allow 5G technologies to flourish, leaving Nebraska further behind. We urge members to support LB 184’s timely passage into law.
Sincerely,
Thomas Aiello
Policy and Government Affairs Associate