By: Jason A. Llorenz, Esq.

January 26, 2012

The Latino mobile adoption story is well told. We know Latinos lead in using mobile, including social networking applications via their handheld devices. This week, a new study by noted economists Rob Shapiro and Kevin Hassettdocuments some interesting developments about job creation in the United States that connect to this overarching narrative.

Shapiro and Hassett show how the money spent by U.S. wireless companies to buy spectrum and build faster and bigger wireless broadband networks has created more than 1.5 million new jobs across the U.S. economy.  The study, released last week by NDN, a progressive think tank, documents the direct link between investing in wireless broadband networks and job creation.  Many economists have discussed the theoretical possibility of investments creating jobs (in studies from Deloitte, Ovum / CTIA, and the Phoenix Center), but this study is the first time anyone has actually looked backwards and proved a direct connection between investment in mobile build-out and jobs.

Study after study shows that Hispanics are key drivers of the demand for more and better wireless broadband. This community is a key part of the driver of private investment which has created the jobs documented in the new study.

So, a few takeaways here.  The new study proves that jobs can be created regardless of a slumping economy.  The study also proves that American ingenuity and innovation can have tangible benefits beyond cool apps and faster networks.  Of most relevance to Hispanic communities is the fact that we have played a leadership role in driving companies to invest – which has driven the job creation Shapiro and Hasset capture.

Jason A. Llorenz, Esq. is Executive Director of the Hispanic Technology and Telecommunications Partnership (HTTP). Twitter: @hispanicttp