Growth of Wireless-only Homes Requires a Robust Network

As cell phone use has grown, more and more households are opting to go wireless-only — foregoing the typical wireline home phone number. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 26.6% of homes only had wireless phone service in 2010, compared to just 13.6% in 2007. This trend, which is expected to grow in the coming years, illustrates the need for comprehensive and robust wired and wireless network infrastructures.

Low-income homes and younger cohorts are even more likely to cut the cord. According to Stephen Blumberg at the Center for Disease Control:

"States such as Arkansas, Mississippi and Kentucky have a higher proportion of households living with low income... giving up a landline is one way to save money."

Even in homes with landline connections, many people tend to favor their mobile phones. In Texas, for example, wireless phones are the primary means of communication for 52.8% of households, and 32.5% of households have abandoned wired communication altogether.

To meet the demand of heavy voice traffic and increased subscriptions requires a robust wired network to ensure that the wireless infrastructure isn't overrun.

AT&T's commitment to building a 4G network that will reach 97% of the country is a bold step in securing our mobile future. This is one important benefit of the proposed AT&T/T-Mobile merger.

National Health Statistic Reports, Wireless Substitution: State-level Estimates From the National Health Interview Survey

More people ditching home phone for mobile (USA Today)

AT&T and T-Mobile Merger Means Better Broadband (Speed Matters)