Americans used 159.3 trillion megabytes of wireless data in 2025, 20% more than the year before and 60% more than the past two years
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans used more wireless data in 2025 than in the entire 4G decade, according to CTIA's 2026 Annual Survey. The finding underscores the surging demand being placed on America's wireless networks for everything from AI to wearables, digital streaming services, and more.
"This continued surge in demand reflects the increasingly central role wireless plays in everyday life," said Ajit Pai, CTIA President and CEO. "America's wireless providers are stepping up to the challenge, investing nearly $30 billion last year alone to expand capacity and lay the foundation for future AI-native 6G networks."
For over four decades, CTIA has surveyed U.S. wireless providers, and this year's survey shows continued surging demand for more wireless data. Last year, Americans used a record 159.3 trillion MB of data—20% more than the previous year and a nearly 60% spike over the past two years.
Data demand is expected to grow 4x by 2032, with the growth of AI placing an even greater strain on America's wireless networks. AI is growing 3x faster than traditional wireless traffic and is projected to make up nearly a third of all broadband traffic by 2034.
Additional Findings:
- Wireless Invests Tens of Billions Every Year. Wireless providers spent nearly $30 billion last year to expand capacity and support massive data growth. Over the life of the industry, total wireless investment in the nation's infrastructure now exceeds $763 billion. A third of that—$250 billion—has been spent since 2018, the year 5G launched.
- Americans Increasingly Rely on Wireless to Power Their Lives. The U.S. now supports more than 600 million wireless connections—roughly 1.8 connections for every American. Nearly half (46%) of all devices on networks today are something other than a phone—including consumer wearables for health and wellness, and industrial sensors and robotics to power safety, efficiency, and performance improvements for American companies.
- Wireless Continues to Deliver More for Less. Real prices for typical unlimited wireless plans declined by more than 10% last year, including a 21% decrease in the price per megabyte, while speeds increased 51%.
- More Consumers Flock to 5G Home. For the fourth consecutive year, virtually all net growth in the home broadband market came from fixed wireless offerings. Nearly 16 million Americans subscribe to 5G Home, including more than 3.9 million net new subscribers last year—more than double the number of subscribers cable lost over the same period.
- Building AI-Native 6G Infrastructure. Small cells have grown nearly 120% since 2018 and make up nearly 40% of all wireless cell sites nationwide—helping to support expanded 5G deployment, increased capacity, and improved network performance across the country.
Highlights Report: https://www.ctia.org/news/2026-annual-survey-highlights
About CTIA®
CTIA® is the trade association representing the U.S. wireless industry. Our members include wireless providers, device manufacturers, suppliers, and messaging and technology companies. CTIA advocates at all levels of government for policies that promote wireless innovation and investment to keep America connected and competitive. Founded in 1984, CTIA is based in Washington, D.C.
SOURCE CTIA
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