Mobile-Only Internet Households Have Increased

New research shows more Americans rely solely on smartphones for internet connectivity.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Telecommunications

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a smartphone, representing the systemic shift toward mobile-only internet access across the United States. — A new study by Purdue University professor Roberto Gallardo shows that millions of U.S. households have transitioned to smartphone-only internet access since 2017. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you consider a smartphone sufficient as your primary and only source of home internet access?

Purdue University professor Roberto Gallardo has published a study revealing a significant shift toward smartphone-only internet access across the United States. Between 2017 and 2024, millions more households opted to rely exclusively on mobile devices rather than traditional broadband.

Why it matters

The study identifies affordability as a primary driver for the rise in mobile-dependent homes, particularly within urban and low-income demographics. While broadband access has expanded, the reliance on smartphones highlights a growing divide in how different households connect to the digital world.

The number of households owning only mobile devices increased by 9 million, moving from 9% in 2017 to 15.2% in 2024. Meanwhile, smartphone-only internet access rose to 11.5% of homes by 2024, up from 7.5% in 2017.

The players

Roberto Gallardo

He is a professor at Purdue University who specializes in research regarding telecommunications and broadband access.

The details

Researcher Roberto Gallardo analyzed U.S. Census data to compare connectivity metrics across income, age, and metropolitan versus rural demographics. The findings indicate that while internet infrastructure reach has improved, economic constraints are pushing urban and low-income users toward smartphone-centric solutions.

2017 marked the baseline for device ownership and connectivity metrics.
2019 served as the period for a deep dive analysis of Census data.
2024 acted as the end point for mobile-only household and device ownership data.
2025 serves as the end point for general internet access data.
October 6, 2026, was the publication date of the research paper.

The Tech Race

This trend highlights how mobile technology is increasingly replacing traditional desktop and laptop computing as the primary gateway to the internet for millions of Americans. It positions mobile-first accessibility as a critical evolution in the telecommunications sector, driven by consumer cost sensitivity.

For many households, the shift toward mobile-only access necessitates careful data plan management to avoid overage charges when performing high-bandwidth tasks. Users may also find that specific complex online applications or job portals are better optimized for desktop environments, creating potential accessibility hurdles.

The takeaway

Reliance on mobile devices is no longer just a trend but a primary method of connectivity for millions due to economic factors. Households should evaluate if their mobile-only status limits their access to digital resources or high-speed bandwidth required for modern work and education.