Wireless usage spikes in 2025, networks strain

By Ian Bell Published July 17, 2025

Wireless customers continue to be glued to their devices, with usage jumping 40 minutes daily compared to early 2024, per the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study—Volume 1. Over a third of Gen X and Gen Y users are on their phones for more than eight hours every two days, mostly streaming, gaming, or doom scrolling. But this surge comes at a cost: network problems rose to 11 per 100 uses (PP100) from 9 PP100. Verizon leads in four regions, tying with AT&T in the Southwest, while T-Mobile tops the Southeast and UScellular shines in the North Central region.

This Is Important Because: The data highlights a growing dependency on wireless networks, especially among younger users, pushing carriers to their limits. As streaming becomes ubiquitous, networks face increased strain, leading to more dropped calls and slower load times. This study, based on 27,528 customer responses from July to December 2024, shows carriers must adapt to meet rising demands. We’ve previously noted 5G’s role in reducing issues, but the latest data suggests even 5G struggles under heavy loads.

Why I Should Care? If you’re streaming or gaming on the go, network hiccups could disrupt your experience. The increase in problems—two more per 100 uses—means you might face more buffering or dropped connections. Choosing a carrier like Verizon or T-Mobile, depending on your region, could improve reliability.

OK, What’s Next? Carriers need to bolster infrastructure, especially mid-band 5G, to handle data-heavy tasks. Consumers should monitor carrier performance in their region and consider switching if issues persist. For more, check J.D. Power’s full report or Digital Trends’ coverage on 5G advancements.

FYI: A 2024 study from the Journal of Behavioral Addictions links heavy phone use—over six hours daily—to increased anxiety and depression, especially in Gen Z and Gen Y. Social media and gaming, key drivers of the 40-minute usage spike, correlate with reduced attention spans and sleep issues. The study, based on 5,000 young adults, suggests mindful usage and screen-time limits to mitigate risks as wireless dependency grows.