New Wireless Data Likely to Fuel Spectrum Debate

Data traffic on the nation’s wireless networks jumped by 110 percent in 2010, CTIA, the wireless industry’s lobbying group, reported in a finding that it says underscores the urgency of its calls for regulators to free up more spectrum for wireless broadband.

The big jump in wireless data use was matched by a 64 percent rise in MMS messaging, which involves sending data files, music, video, or pictures, CTIA found in its biannual survey of the wireless industry. The survey found a 57 percent jump in the number of Americans with smart phones such as the iPhone or Droid. Texting also remains popular, with 31 percent more sent. Overall, the report found that 96 percent of Americans had some kind of mobile phone at the end of 2010, compared to 91.2 percent in 2009. The number of wireless subscribers increased by 6 percent to 302.9 million.