As the season changes and the holidays get closer, wireless technology plays a big role in keeping us connected. Whether it’s a quick video chat, sharing photos, or booking a flight home, wireless helps us feel close even when we can’t be together. Maybe you’ve hopped on a video call with family and friends who live far away or worked remotely to avoid travel delays. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.
According to a recent survey, Americans used 132 trillion megabytes of data last year, the largest jump ever in data use recorded. That means that, more than ever, we’re relying on our wireless devices, using new apps, and new services, at home and wherever the day takes us.
Here’s a fun fact: Americans exchanged nearly 2.2 trillion texts and spent more than 2.4 trillion minutes on phone calls last year.
That’s a lot of “just checking in,” and “I miss you,” and “I love you,” moments. It also shows how much our wireless connections really matter.
How 5G Keeps You Connected Every Day
The increased use of wireless goes far beyond the holidays. There are now 579 million wireless connections in the United States, which is nearly two connections for every person. Nearly half of those connections use 5G.
When we think of 5G, we think about cellphones. But 5G is much more than faster speeds and expanded coverage for phones. Your smartwatch, lights, and even your refrigerator are among the connected devices changing the way we live. These connections also enable smart traffic management systems to get you from point A to point B faster and safer. They also help farmers monitor crop quality and water use, increasing food production efficiency, sustainability and affordability.
Bringing Better Internet Home with 5G
More recently, 5G has also changed the game in home broadband service.
Who hasn’t had a frustrating experience with a cable provider, only to realize you have no other options for connectivity? 5G home gives you more choices for providers, often at lower cost and with better customer service. High-speed connections without physical cables, complicated installation, and high prices in hard-to-reach areas, makes 5G home an easy choice.
Americans agree. In 2024, 5G fixed wireless access added nearly 4 million new subscribers. And for the third year in a row, 99 percent of new home broadband subscribers are choosing 5G.
What’s Next
The facts are clear. Wireless data demand is skyrocketing. Our need for connectivity grows by about 35 percent each year, and the amount of data we use doubles nearly every two years. To keep up, our wireless networks need room to grow.
That growth depends on a critical resource: licensed spectrum, the airwaves that make “how are you?” possible. Without enough licensed spectrum, the innovation and reliability we count on every day dwindles.
That is why spectrum policy matters and your voice matters too. It’s not just the holidays where we want to stay connected, it’s into the future as well. Join ACTwireless today to learn how you can support policies that keep America’s wireless future strong, fast, and connected.
