Mobile data usage is exploding as U.S. carriers start to roll out 5G services.
Mobile data usage in the U.S., according to The CTIA (YoY growth):
1) 2017 – 12.9T megabytes
2) 2018 – 28.6T megabytes (↑ 82%)
U.S. smartphone users:
1) 2009 – 50M
2) 2018 – 285M
Why does 5G matter? Fifth-generation wireless is coming with speeds 10–100X faster than we have today.
Flashback: How 5G wireless will change pay-TV industry virtually overnight
What this means for the pay-TV industry: More competition. Cable companies are going into wireless (see Comcast) and wireless companies are going into pay-TV (see AT&T).
Big threat: If a wireless company like Verizon is able to offer fast home broadband delivered via mobile, then the number of home broadband options jumps from 1-2 to 4-5 overnight.
Remember: The majority of profit for pay-TV providers comes from selling broadband rather than the actual pay-TV service.
More #1: Where 5G’s Impact Is Already Being Felt
More #2: Here’s what to expect from the Big 4 carriers as Verizon, AT&T, and others battle for 5G dominance
More #3: The war for your internet connection
