CTIA reports US wireless data usage reached 159.3 trillion MB in 2026—still a record, but the year-over-year growth rate has slowed versus recent years. CTIA forecasts demand could be 4x higher by 2032, with AI traffic growing faster than traditional usage. Dealers should pivot from “more data” hype to “better experience” selling: Wi‑Fi offload, device upgrades, fixed wireless comparisons, and connected-device bundles.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr says the FCC will vote later this month on two items aimed at expanding next-gen connectivity: unlocking more than 1,000 MHz in the 12 GHz and 42 GHz bands for a range of services (including faster satellite broadband), and launching a proposal to modernize ultra-wideband (UWB) rules—its first comprehensive update since 2002. Dealers should prepare for more fixed wireless/satellite competition and new UWB-enabled devices.

Comcast says it’s advancing a 10-year, $1 billion initiative called Project UP to expand internet access and digital opportunity—aiming to reach 50 million people with broadband, public Wi‑Fi, devices, and digital skills training. The effort includes Internet Essentials (low-cost home internet launched in 2011; typically $14.95/mo for 75 Mbps), 1,250+ Lift Zones with free Wi‑Fi, and $60M+ invested since 2021 in Digital Navigators to help residents get connected and build skil

Broadband Nation Expo (BBNE) is coming to New Orleans Nov. 18–20, 2026 with the theme “Broadband & Beyond: The Next Era of End-to-End Connectivity.” The agenda is built around three tracks—Hybrid Horizons, Built to Last, and No AI Without Broadband—and adds a co-located Data Center Excellence Summit focused on scaling infrastructure behind the AI economy. Early bird pricing ends Sept. 17.

Charter Communications (Spectrum) has completed its transaction with Cox Communications and the acquisition of Liberty Broadband, creating a larger broadband, video, and mobile provider operating across 45 states. Spectrum plans new offers for former Cox customers, including a free mobile line for a year, expanded bundles, and service guarantees like outage credits and same-day technician dispatch (when requested before 5 p.m.). Here’s what dealers should watch.

Spectrum has partnered with Amazon to include a full Amazon Prime membership at no additional charge for eligible Spectrum Internet customers—new or existing—regardless of speed tier (eligibility is mainly based on serviceable address). Customers activate via Spectrum’s portal (Spectrum.net/Prime), then complete enrollment on Amazon, which confirms eligibility and manages the Prime experience.

A Morningstar outlook says economic growth for the North American telecom market is still possible in 2026—good news for dealers if they sell what customers actually buy in “steady growth” years: practical upgrades, home internet, and business connectivity. The playbook is simple: target families who need reliable streaming/Wi‑Fi, SMBs that need uptime, and switchers frustrated by app-only support. Win with location-based fit checks, bill audits, and bundles (router/mesh, hot

Verizon signed a $1 billion fiber deal with Google to deliver high-speed, reliable connectivity to Google data centers—part of a broader push into AI-era infrastructure. CEO Dan Schulman says more deals will be announced by the end of 2026, totaling “multiple billions” in revenue over the next several years. Verizon also reported mixed consumer broadband momentum: 193K new fixed wireless subs (6.2M total) vs 155K new fiber subs (10.9M total).

Cord-cutting pressure is hitting Comcast again, with reports that the company lost over 167,000 internet customers and 280,000 TV customers. For wireless dealers, this is a timely signal: households are actively shopping for cheaper, simpler home connectivity. The opportunity is to offer a clear alternative—fixed wireless/home internet options, streaming-first setups, and “backup connectivity” bundles for reliability.

AT&T has quietly returned to New York’s home broadband market, confirming it has resumed offering Internet Air fixed wireless after exiting in early 2025 over the state’s Affordable Broadband Act (ABA). The law requires large providers to offer discounted broadband—down to $20/month—for eligible low-income households. AT&T hasn’t said what changed, but dealers can use the return to win home internet signups, especially for budget-focused families and prepaid customers.

Cord Cutters News lists several rumored 2026 mergers that could reshape streaming, broadband, and pay TV: Netflix potentially pursuing Lionsgate (despite a public denial), SiriusXM exploring iHeartMedia, Comcast evaluating a bid for Charter (Spectrum), and continued consolidation talk around DIRECTV and DISH. For dealers, the immediate impact is “bundle confusion”—customers asking what to buy now, what to cancel, and what to use as backup internet.

Cord Cutters News reports Comcast is weighing a potential acquisition of Charter (Spectrum), citing a New York Post report. The deal would be massive and faces major debt and antitrust hurdles, especially with Charter already pursuing a $34.5B Cox acquisition. For wireless dealers, the practical impact is customer confusion around bundles, pricing, and service—creating opportunities to sell plan audits, 5G home internet comparisons, and reliable backup connectivity.

Comcast is splitting into two public companies, spinning off NBCUniversal and Sky from its broadband/wireless business—potentially reshaping bundles and pricing.

A new Cartesian report says US broadband competition accelerated in H2 2025: over half of households can choose between two or more fiber/cable providers, and symmetrical 1 Gbps availability expanded faster than the prior three years combined. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA/5G home internet) mostly grew in mid-speed tiers, with 38% of locations able to access at least two FWA providers.

Comcast is rolling out Xfinity same-day internet service in select markets, letting new customers get a gateway delivered within hours and activate service the same day through the Xfinity app. The launch covers nearly 20 markets (including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Nashville, Philadelphia, and San Francisco) and also includes same-day pickup at 700+ Xfinity retail locations. It’s a direct response to T-Mobile’s rapid 5G Home Internet delivery model.

Starlink broadband pressure is pushing AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to respond. Dealers can sell rural internet bundles and backup connectivity.

Verizon Fios bundle combines internet, voice, and unlimited. Dealers should run a bundle fit check, confirm fees, and close with Wi‑Fi setup.

Spectrum internet expansion to 262,000+ additional homes and businesses in Q1 2026 is a dealer-friendly growth signal: more addresses can now buy broadband, which means more switchers, more installs, and more “my internet is finally available” conversations. Dealers should run a New-Coverage Close: verify address eligibility, map the household’s usage (streaming, gaming, WFH), recommend the right speed tier, and close with a Wi‑Fi performance bundle (mesh + install) plus a ce

The FCC working to speed up fiber internet rollout signals more households will gain access to faster, more reliable home internet—creating a huge bundle opportunity for dealers. Wireless dealers can win by running a quick Home Internet + Mobile Audit, checking eligibility by address, and bundling the in-home experience (mesh Wi‑Fi, extenders, streaming devices, and setup) so customers feel the upgrade in every room—not just on a speed test.