U.S. Data Use Up 26% in 2014 Over 2013, CTIA Says

Americans used 4.1 trillion MB of data in 2014, 26 percent more than in 2013, CTIA said Wednesday, as the group released results of its annual survey. That's a 947 percent jump over 2010. Every minute, U.S. subscribers use 7.7 million MB of data and exchange 3.6 million text messages and 300,000 videos and photos, the wireless association said. U.S. wireless subscribers hit 355 million in 2014, 20 percent more than in 2010, CTIA said. Some 208 million smartphones and 35 million connected tablets were in use in America, a 166 percent and 161 percent increase over 2010, respectively, the group said. Minutes of use climbed only 10 percent during the period. “The year-over-year pressure of skyrocketing mobile data and device growth highlights the need for a long-term national spectrum plan so that Americans continue to enjoy new and innovative wireless offerings,” said CTIA President Meredith Baker.