Our wireless wins of 2025 also expanded beyond the national level with a spotlight on state and local innovation. This was a big year for connectivity in many rural communities.

In Colorado, local advocates played a critical role in successfully urging policymakers to pass wireless permitting legislation that will close coverage gaps and provide faster and more reliable wireless access. The bipartisan bill, which was signed into law in summer 2025 and went into effect on January 1, focused on expanding reliable service statewide by vastly improving the predictability surrounding wireless permitting, cutting red tape that causes costly delays, and driving investment and innovation to build a stronger future for Colorado.

A high school in Dierks, Arkansas, with a population of less than one thousand, caught national attention to win a Friday Night 5G Lights competition. The competition was held to highlight the expansion of a 5G network, connecting rural communities with 5G Home, and is part of a broader initiative to connect 10 million students with internet access. By securing almost 2 million votes, the high school won a home field upgrade that will benefit the community for generations to come.

For many, mobile and wireless technology is used as a link to family, friends, and lifesaving services. Yet not everyone feels confident navigating an increasingly connected world. In Fayetteville, North Carolina, senior citizens are learning how to use wireless-enabled devices and mobile tools to stay safe, connected, and engaged online. The program focuses on teaching crucial skills to recognize online scams, create strong passwords, and use wireless video calls to connect with loved ones. One connection at a time, these sessions provide comfort and security to a community that needs it the most.

In one of Maryland’s most remote communities, residents of Smith Island finally received reliable broadband after years of limited options. A partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development brought high-speed internet to the island where geography made fiber optic cables unrealistic. This 5G expansion benefits homes and businesses, including wireless healthcare solutions for critical hospital services, ensuring this remote community doesn’t fall behind.

Across the country, 5G fixed wireless access—5G Home—is making a huge impact, connecting nearly 4 million new subscribers across the country last year.

5G Wireless Technology Continues to Connect Us at Home and Drive Innovation

In fact, for the third year in a row, 99 percent of new home broadband subscribers chose 5G. For the underserved and unserved, fixed wireless access is transforming the reality of home internet and narrowing the digital divide.

5G is also transforming manufacturers’ reindustrialization efforts by enabling increased domestic production with 5G’s tremendous capacity, speed, and low latency. The result is simple: the focus can remain on productivity, employee safety, sustainability, and innovation.

This came to life in Lakewood, New York, where a private 5G network was built at the Cummins’ Jamestown Engine Plant. The network connects over 1,500 on-site employees so they can efficiently build over 500 engines a day. Wireless manufacturing modernization is evolving, and this is just one case of the direct impact.

Looking Ahead

When we look back at all that has been accomplished, especially through the lens of working together, we should be proud. Your voice has reached policymakers and helped shape decisions that connect our communities and inspire generations to come.

ACTwireless will continue advocating for access to the best wireless possible. With permitting reforms that will help speed deployment, studying spectrum to support next-generation networks, and advancing a national privacy law that protects all Americans, there are many opportunities for more policy victories.

There is no doubt 2026 will be groundbreaking for all things wireless, but with our shared goals on forward-thinking wireless policies, it’s sure to be an exciting one. We’re glad you’re here.

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