USA - Mobile Infrastructure, Broadband, Operators - Statistics and Analyses

Growth in the US mobile subscriber base remains strong, with a penetration rate of about 127%. Declining revenue from voice services is compensated for by high growth in mobile data use, itself supported by upgraded networks based on LTE technologies. Smartphone penetration is also high, which had encouraged mobile data use among subscribers. The major operators, led by AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile US, have partnered with vendors to trial 5G technologies and services and will be expanding their commercial services into 2019 or 2020. In addition, operators are working on the potential of NB-IoT, LTE-U and LTE-A technologies, in some respects as complementary technologies supported by 5G.

Major Recent Developments include the complex reserve auction for spectrum in the 600MHz band, which raised more than $19 billion. Although network operators must wait for spectrum allocations to be concluded, the additional 70MHz made available will go far to supporting mobile broadband in rural areas and improving network capacity.

In addition to the auction of 28GHz spectrum in late 2018 the FCC plans other auction in 2019 (for spectrum in the 24GHz, 37GHz, 39GHz and 49GHz bands) to increase the amount of spectrum available for 5G.

This report provides analyses as well as key statistics and forecasts on the US mobile market. It also assesses telcos' strategies, regulatory policies, and developments in the deployment of emerging technologies.

Key Developments:

• T-Mobile US merger with Sprint concluded;
• Sprint signs MVNO deal with Altice USA;
• Auction 103 finishes, raising $7.56 billion;
• FCC authorises the use of LTE-U devices in the under-utilised 5GHz band;
• AT&T launches national LTE-M service;
• T-Mobile US secures additional 700MHz blocks for $1.3 billion;
• AT&T closes down 2G infrastructure, reassigns spectrum for LTE;
• Report update includes telcos operating and financial data to Q4 2019, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report:

AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Corporation, T-Mobile US, TracFone, MetroPCS Communications, Leap Wireless, Frontline, Alltel, US Cellular; Clearwire.