The charts below show the move to wireless communications, and the decline in the number of telephone land lines in Texas and nationwide. The charts also show the growth of high-speed internet use in the state and in the United States.
Source: Federal Communications Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, and the U.S. Census Bureau, 2017.
Mobile Wireless Phone Subscribers (in thousands)
| 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6,705 | 14,424 | 21,008 | 23,482 | 25,481 | 28,220 |
| U.S. | 90,643 | 192,053 | 238,230 | 261,284 | 290,304 | 310,691 |
Local Telephone Land Lines (in thousands)
| 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 13,657 | 12,310 | 10,500 | 9,590 | 8,840 | 8,330 |
| U.S. | 188,500 | 157,041 | 152,945 | 143,319 | 133,233 | 123,671 |
Internet Connections (in thousands)
| 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 253 | 2,943 | 7,484 | 17,487 | 23,612 | 29,011 |
| U.S. | 4,107 | 42,518 | 102,043 | 206,124 | 275,608 | 356,212 |
Type of Computer in Household: 2013 (in thousands)
| Household with computer | Desktop or laptop | Handheld* | Internet connection | ||
| Number | % | % | % | % | |
| Texas | 7,635 | 83.8 | NA | NA | 72.3 |
| U.S. | 116,291 | 83.8 | 78.5 | 63.6 | 74.4 |
*Handheld includes tablets and smart phones.
