Bob Duffy: T-Mobile/Sprint merger holds economic promise for upstate New York

The people of upstate New York are industrious, and our region has great potential—but we need a spark to drive economic development for the long haul. Even after some recent economic disappointments, there are reasons to be excited. Here's one: If the T-Mobile/Sprint merger is approved, the combined company plans to build a new Customer Experience Center in the Greater Rochester area, creating at least 1,000 jobs.

This is clearly a big win for upstate New York. But the new facility—and job commitment—is only one of the many ways the merger will drive prosperity in my hometown of Rochester and across the state.

As New York's lieutenant governor, I joined Governor Cuomo in championing economic development for upstate communities. I quickly learned that access to the latest technology supports small business growth, educational and healthcare outcomes, and economic development. Reliable access to high-speed Internet is the backbone of strong, resilient economies.

Therefore, we must prioritize the development of statewide 5G. The New York Public Service Commission, recognizing the importance of 5G leadership in our state, recently approved the application by T-Mobile and Sprint to transfer Sprint's coverage area and customers to a new, merged company. The combined company will have the wireless capacity needed to deliver 5G throughout upstate New York. And, with its plan to invest nearly $40 billion to build 5G nationwide, more than 95 percent of rural Americans will be able to get connected. Here in New York, almost every area currently covered by the companies will have 5G access within three to five years, bringing the entire state to the forefront of innovation.  The proposed merger will place the company in third place among their competitors, not make it the largest provider.

As a lifelong New Yorker who has worked with businesses and governments at the local and state levels, I am confident 5G will be vital to our future economic health. Just as 4G brought about the "gig economy" and more robust service, the low latency, high speeds, and robust coverage of 5G will usher in life-changing developments.

You don't have to take my word for it. T-Mobile and Sprint have made verifiable commitments to ensure the entire state is included in the 5G economy. They have pledged that the number of New Yorkers employed by the new T-Mobile will remain steady or increase over the next three years.

In the Greater Rochester region and across the state, we're eager to seize the opportunities that the new T-Mobile and its 5G network present.

Bob Duffy is president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce