CTIA-The Wireless Association

Demand for wireless data continued to skyrocket in 2023, with Americans using more than 100 trillion MBs—enough data for every single U.S. household to watch the first season of House of the Dragon every day for the entire year. 100T MB of data is nearly double the amount of data used just two years ago and represents the largest single-year increase in wireless data ever—26 trillion MBs—a 36% increase over 2022. In fact, Americans used more wireless data in 2023 than they did from 2010 to 2018 combined.

The role of spectrum has evolved with each wireless generation, and the growing demand for it is expected to continue in the coming years. Meeting this rising demand requires making a substantial amount of mid-band available in a way that balances various interests with broader economic and societal benefit. Spectrum harmonization is one such strategic approach, which involves aligning spectrum regulation and commercial allocations with other countries.

In 2012 the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) was asked to write a report on how it envisioned the allocation of wireless spectrum in the future. Taking the position that clearing spectrum for unencumbered use was too difficult in some cases, the report called for sharing spectrum between incumbent federal, state and local users and commercial users. Licenses should be small, reused, and relicensed and would thereby increase the capacity by a factor of 1,000.

This study explores the current state of radio spectrum (spectrum) allocation in the US and how additional licensed spectrum will enable wireless providers to continue expanding 5G connectivity and unlock 5G-enabled innovation. 5G brings new promises of greater capacity, lower latency and faster speeds.

Millions of low-income Americans supported by the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program have come to rely on mobile wireless services to meet their expanding education, health care and public safety needs.

Americans used 82% more mobile data in 2018 than in 2017, as results of annual survey showed an increase in wireless across nearly every metric, reflecting unprecedented consumer demand. Key findings:

Making 400 MHz of mid-band spectrum available for commercial 5G networks will add $274 billion to the U.S. economy and create 1.3 million new jobs, according to new research from Analysis Group. Key findings include:

In the race to get to 5G wireless technology in a real way, China is poised to lead the world.  That's according to a study conducted by Analysys Mason, which found that China had the best combination of wireless carriers committing to the technology, government backing for research, a clear rollout plan by 2020 and government commitment of spectrum, or the radio airwaves critical to deliver wireless service. After China, South Korea, then the US and Japan make up global leaders in 5G, according to the firm.

Key findings by Analysys Mason include: