- The surge in data usage is attributed to the increasing number of 5G wireless devices utilised across the country.
- The Biden administration announced initiatives in November 2023 aimed at repurposing the spectrum currently allocated to federal government use.
OUR TAKE
The massive increase in wireless data consumption in the U.S. to 100 trillion megabytes in 2023 reflects a significant shift in technology use and demand. The 36% rise from 2022 highlights the accelerating adoption of 5G technology and its impact on data consumption. The rapid increase in data usage underscores the need for continued investment in and management of wireless infrastructure.
-Lia Xu, BTW reporter
What happened
Americans shattered records in wireless data consumption last year, using over 100 trillion megabytes in 2023, a 36% increase from the previous year, according to a new survey by the wireless industry association CTIA. The report indicates that the total number of wireless connections climbed to 558 million in 2023, up 6% from 2022. This growth reflects a broader trend of increased reliance on data-intensive applications such as drones, autonomous vehicles, and precision agriculture.
In March 2023, Congress allowed the Federal Communications Commission‘s authority to auction spectrum to expire for the first time in 30 years. This decision has sparked controversy over how the spectrum currently allocated to the Defense Department might be repurposed or shared. In response to the growing need for additional spectrum, the Biden administration announced initiatives in November 2023 to reallocate spectrum currently reserved for federal use. However, these efforts have faced criticism from Republicans who argue that progress is too slow.
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Why it’s important
The adoption of 5G technology closely links to the increase in data consumption. It highlights the accelerating adoption of 5G technology and its impact on data consumption. The issue of spectrum availability has become a pressing concern. The standoff in Congress over spectrum auctions and the debate over repurposing military spectrum highlights the challenges in meeting the expanding demand. The Biden administration’s efforts to free up additional spectrum are a step towards addressing these needs, but there is criticism over the pace of progress.
Despite the growth in data use, the amount of time Americans spent on voice calls decreased slightly, while text messaging remained stable. This change underscores the growing reliance on data-intensive services over traditional voice communication. The decline in traditional voice calls, alongside the increase in data usage, indicates a shift in consumer behaviour towards more data-driven communication methods, such as messaging apps and video calls.
