Growth Opportunities in the US Tier I Mobile Device and Data Industry

Description

The US mobile device and data industry continues to grow at a steady pace. Wireless high-speed broadband services, developments in the cellular machine-to-machine and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors, and the resurgence of unlimited mobile plans are the top growth drivers. New network technologies, device form factors, and computing paradigms continue to reshape the mobile industry. 4G was already considered a revolution for wireless communication. With 5G, the wireless service experience will completely transform how data is delivered (speed, latency) and how various types of wireless devices will be supported over public networks. 5G-enabled smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices will accelerate revenue growth for wireless communications service providers. Mobile operators in the United States are well aware of the need to support higher data bandwidths on their networks and are investing in appropriate spectrum, infrastructure, and business frameworks to support the growth of next-generation mobile services.

This Frost & Sullivan analysis provides an overview of key trends shaping the US mobile device and data industry. It offers estimates of the installed base of mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, fixed wireless access (FWA), wearables, and mobile hotspots, across Tier I US mobile operators, along with forecasts extending through 2031. The report also features a focused analysis of enterprise mobility, identifying critical success factors that support mobile operators’ growth strategies in this segment. In addition, it includes a strategic profile of AT&T, the nation’s leading mobile services provider, highlighting its core enterprise mobility initiatives and differentiators.

Product Code: KC83-65

Introduction and Background

Key Industry Themes Shaping Tier I Wireless Growth in 2025

Convergence is Becoming the Central Wireless Growth Play
Broadband Adjacency Remains one of the Strongest Enablers of Wireless Growth
Revenue Growth is Shifting toward Account Quality, ARPA Expansion, and Lifetime Value Optimization
Enterprise Mobility is Broadening from Connectivity Sales to Solution-Led Growth
AI is Emerging as a Key Enabler of Operational Efficiency and Platform Innovation
AI-RAN and Programmable Network Architectures are Emerging as Long-Term Strategic Capabilities
Cost Efficiency and Digital Transformation Remain Structural Pillars of the Wireless Growth Model
Network Modernization is Increasingly Judged by Monetization Outcomes, not Just Coverage Expansion
Operators are Widening the Wireless Value Pool through Ecosystem Expansion

Device Trends

Modest Growth in Smartphones
Continued Strong Growth in FWA
Uptake in Wearables
The Resilient Mobile Hotspots Market
Connected Tablets
Other Connected Device Types
Impact of 5G and Mobile Broadband on Device Adoption

Segment Highlight-Enterprise Mobility

The US Enterprise Mobility Market
CSP Success Factors for Enterprise Mobility
Strategic Vendor Profile: AT&T

The Strategic Imperative 8TM

Strategic Imperative for the US TIER I Mobile Device and Data Industry

Disruptive Technologies
Industry Convergence

Growth Opportunity Analysis, US Tier I Mobile Device and Data Industry

Growth Environment
Growth Opportunities

Growth Opportunity Universe, US Tier I Mobile Device and Data Industry

Growth Opportunity 1: FWA
Growth Opportunity 2: Network Slicing and Programmable Connectivity
Growth Opportunity 3: Converged Communications and Account-Based Monetization

The Last Word

Transformational Growth Journey

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