President Trump’s Upcoming State of the Union Address

President Trump is set to give his first State of the Union address for his second term on Tuesday. This address will focus on themes of freedom and enterprise, coinciding with the nation’s forthcoming 250th anniversary. He is expected to highlight his intentions to conclude foreign conflicts, strengthen border security, assert American power, and push forward his legislative goals. Growth restoration, inflation reduction, lower energy costs, and tax cuts are likely to be key points, with the argument that his economic policies are helping Americans regain control over their prosperity.

However, there might be an underlying success story that doesn’t grab headlines. Thanks to investment-friendly and competitive policies, the wireless market in the U.S. has seen decreased prices, improved services, and increased choices without government-imposed mandates or price controls.

Wireless communications exemplify how free markets can operate effectively when government stays out of the way.

Since President Trump took office, wireless prices have dropped by 4%. The White House touts this achievement as Win No. 132 among its collection of “365 wins in 365 days.” Recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that wireless plans today are significantly more efficient, offering greater speeds and massive amounts of data compared to decades ago.

Twenty years back, wireless networks were primarily used for voice calls. Nowadays, they play crucial roles in work, education, healthcare, navigation, banking, entertainment, and small businesses. Interestingly, the share of wireless subscriptions relative to household budgets has actually decreased.

This transformation wasn’t coincidental; it stemmed from competition, private investment, and effective policymaking.

Improved Services, Choices, and Costs

Currently, plans provide faster connectivity and greater coverage than most people envisioned two decades ago. Where once a wired connection was needed at home, now almost anywhere is fair game for connectivity.

Fixed wireless access has paved the way for this, allowing home internet over wireless connections. Almost 15 million households have switched to wireless services, finding it typically more affordable.

Americans enjoy real alternatives. Many subscribe to three or more national wireless networks, with various brands offering budget-friendly options for families, seniors, students, and those watching their spending. Smaller carriers and resellers contribute to price competition, making it necessary for companies to work hard to attract customers.

Saving Money with Wireless

Wireless connections do more than just link people; they also help cut costs.

For instance, parents save on transportation by working from home. Seniors can turn to telemedicine instead of driving long distances for consultations. Students can learn from virtually anywhere, and small businesses can reach clients without heavy investment in physical storefronts or expensive phone systems.

Essential services like housing, healthcare, food, and energy have become more affordable and accessible, with wireless communication continually providing more value.

Investment is Key

All these advancements hinge on investment. U.S. wireless companies are putting around $30 billion each year into developing and improving their networks, nearly double the per-capita investment in Europe.

This substantial investment indicates that the U.S. leads globally in wireless performance, coverage, and innovation—achievements not realized through government control but rather through encouraging competition and allowing companies to take risks.

President Trump’s initial spectrum auction raised a staggering $90 billion, essential for fueling the current 5G networks. Now, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr pushed for another auction to free up more frequency bands needed for expanding wireless infrastructure.

Spectrum Limitations

Radio technology relies on frequency bands, and in the U.S., these bands are quite crowded.

Many valuable spectrum blocks are tied up by federal agencies, even if they see only minimal use. Countries like China, South Korea, and Japan are quickly moving ahead in releasing spectrum for commercial use.

More spectrum translates to improved services, heightened competition, and reduced costs. Without adequate spectrum, growth could stagnate and prices could escalate. Thus, freeing up spectrum is now a crucial national priority.

Hidden Costs on Phone Bills

There’s another issue that tends to fly under the radar for consumers.

The Universal Service Fund is intended to back rural connectivity and vital communication services. Unfortunately, it often finds its way into phone bills as a separate charge, amounting to nearly $9 a month for families and seniors, without them having a say in the matter.

Meanwhile, large internet firms, the primary users of U.S. networks, typically contribute very little—if anything—toward the system while generating massive amounts of traffic and profits from the wireless infrastructure funded by others.

President Trump has suggested that major tech companies should carry their fair share, especially those benefiting from energy-intensive AI data centers. The same logic applies to wireless services; profitable firms relying on networks need to contribute to their upkeep.

Conclusion

Wireless communication demonstrates that free markets can thrive if government refrains from interference. The competitive landscape has driven down costs, enabling the creation of one of the best networks through private investment and intelligent spectrum management.

Now, policymakers must decide whether to safeguard this success or impose bureaucratic constraints. The push for more spectrum must continue, real competition needs to be maintained, and Big Tech should stop benefitting from American consumer-funded networks without contributing.

If President Trump seeks an illustration of American strength and market-driven success for his State of the Union address, he need not look far. It lies in the hands of nearly every American using a cellphone.