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.
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.
Read the full press release here.
