Competition in the US wireless market has ramped up, with heavy promotional activity focused on moving consumers to higher-end unlimited data plans. New entrants in the market, most notably the cable companies, have reshaped the wireless landscape as they continue to gain traction. They have provided less expensive options for consumers and forced operators to find new opportunities to monetize their products and services.

The telcos continue to make sizable investments in their 5G networks. These have resulted in unprecedented levels of speed and latency, but the apps haven’t caught up yet — this is expected to be the next step in the 5G evolution. Wearables, AR/VR/XR headsets, and other devices will build on the 5G foundation to enhance the consumer experience in entertainment, fitness, and retail. These immersive, synchronous experiences may take place in the Metaverse, which promises an environment of persistent connectivity.

Consumer connectivity has become a critical issue as the pandemic forced millions of people to socially distance themselves from home. This seismic change in work and education put a spotlight on the ongoing crisis of the digital divide in the United States and raised questions about how to address inequality around education, telehealth, and many other areas. Companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and others have looked to bridge this gap in digital access, which has been shown to have a significant impact on the economy.

Some of the primary consumer connectivity topics covered at Orange Silicon Valley include: