5G Competition Lowered Cable Prices by 17%, Study Finds
A new study indicates that competition from 5G home broadband services has reduced cable prices by 17%, saving American households up to $28.5 billion between 2023 and 2025.
Competition from 5G home broadband services has made internet access more affordable for American consumers, according to a new study commissioned by CTIA. The research, conducted by Pepperdine University economics professor James Prieger, found that the introduction of 5G home services into a market led to an average 17% decrease in cable broadband prices within a year.
This reduction in pricing resulted in estimated savings of up to $28.5 billion for U.S. households from 2023 through 2025. On average, consumers saw their standalone cable broadband bills decrease by approximately $11 per month. Notably, nearly three-quarters of these savings benefited households that remained with their cable providers, who lowered prices to compete.
5G home services have rapidly emerged as a significant competitor in the broadband market. By 2025, nearly 17 million households subscribed to these services. In 2025 alone, 5G home services gained 3.9 million subscribers, while cable providers collectively lost 1.5 million.
CTIA President and CEO Ajit Pai stated that 5G is introducing substantial competition and lowering prices. He highlighted the importance of government policies, such as freeing up more spectrum, in fostering increased competition and consumer savings.