Staying Connected: The Growing Challenge for American Families and Verizon’s Response

In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of family life. From cooking dinner to doing homework, digital devices play a significant role in how families function and interact. Staying connected, however, comes at a cost, and this cost presents a growing challenge for many American households. As families become increasingly reliant on technology, the need for reliable and affordable internet and mobile services has become more crucial than ever.

Imagine a typical dinnertime scene: a father using his tablet to follow a recipe, a mother texting to let her family know she’s on her way home, a teenage daughter video-chatting with her grandparents, and a young son using an app to complete his homework. These activities are no longer unusual; they are essential in today’s digitally driven world. They highlight the importance of connectivity and how it has become a non-negotiable part of the family budget.

Verizon’s second annual Consumer Connections Report sheds light on how connectivity has transformed daily life. The report reveals that the average Verizon internet household now has 18 connected devices, a testament to the increasing reliance on technology. Data usage among Verizon home internet customers has also increased by 6% compared to last year, further demonstrating the growing demand for connectivity.

Connectivity: From Convenience to Necessity

Today’s families face intense economic pressures and parenting demands, making safety and affordability critical factors in their decision-making. According to the Consumer Connections Report, 63% of parents feel anxious when they don’t have immediate access to their child’s location. This anxiety drives the need for solutions that offer both safety and peace of mind.

Adults are increasingly leveraging technology to stay connected with their children and monitor their activities. The report shows that caregivers make an average of 3.3 million calls each month to children wearing Gizmo smartwatches, kid-friendly devices that help monitor location and offer safe ways to stay in touch.

Parents are also paying close attention to their children’s social media habits. The report identifies Tumblr, Whisper, and Snapchat as the top three platforms parents are most concerned about, followed closely by X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and TikTok.

The shift towards digital connectivity has transformed the way families live, work, and play. "Being connected" is no longer a mere convenience; it has become an essential part of daily life. Families increasingly view internet and mobile services as vital utilities, as necessary as electricity or water.

Verizon’s Solution: Addressing the Growing Challenge

To address the growing challenges families face in staying connected, Verizon is offering a first-of-its-kind, three-year price lock guarantee on all myPlan (mobile) and myHome (internet) plans. This initiative is designed to give families more control, reduce stress, and provide better value, particularly in today’s ever-changing economy.

Verizon’s myPlan and myHome offerings are designed to ease the burden of finding reliable and fast connections. Customers can build personalized mobile or home internet plans, choosing only the features they need. This allows for greater choice and flexibility, ensuring that families are not paying for services they don’t use.

The three-year price lock guarantee provides budget stability, a significant benefit for families looking to manage their expenses. This industry-first initiative ensures that customers will not experience unexpected price increases during the three-year period, providing peace of mind and allowing them to plan for the future.

In addition to the price lock guarantee, Verizon offers other benefits to help families save money. New and existing customers on any myPlan can get a free phone when they trade in any phone, regardless of its condition. This eliminates the worry about the high cost of device upgrades, making it easier for families to access the latest technology.

On the home front, myHome plans include an internet router at no additional cost. Families who bundle myPlan and myHome services save an extra $15 each month. All customers can also access discounts of over 40% on today’s most popular streaming services, further enhancing the value of Verizon’s offerings.

The Future of Connectivity: Prioritizing Affordability and Safety

As digital life becomes a daily necessity, families are looking for more than just fast connections. They want safer, smarter, and more affordable ways to stay connected. Verizon’s initiatives reflect this shift in priorities, focusing on providing solutions that address the needs of modern families.

In 2025, families will likely continue to prioritize services that offer both the technology they need and the price certainty that helps them plan for the future. Companies that can provide reliable, affordable, and secure connectivity solutions will be best positioned to meet the evolving needs of American households.

Verizon’s Consumer Connections Report highlights the growing importance of connectivity in family life and the challenges families face in staying connected. By offering innovative solutions like the three-year price lock guarantee and personalized plans, Verizon is helping families stay connected without breaking the bank. As digital life becomes increasingly intertwined with daily routines, families will continue to rely on companies like Verizon to provide the essential connectivity they need to thrive.

Key Findings from Verizon’s Consumer Connections Report

• The average Verizon internet household now has 18 connected devices.
• Data usage among Verizon home internet customers is up 6% from last year.
• 63% of parents feel anxious when they don’t have immediate access to their child’s location.
• Caregivers make 3.3 million calls on average each month to children wearing Gizmo smartwatches.
• Tumblr, Whisper, and Snapchat are the top three platforms parents are most concerned about.
• In 2024, the average monthly data usage per Verizon internet household reached 656 GB.
• One in five (20%) U.S. internet households now has a smart video doorbell.
• About 16% use a smart thermostat.
• Overall, 42-45% of U.S. internet-connected households have at least one smart home device.

These findings underscore the increasing reliance on technology in family life and the importance of providing affordable and reliable connectivity solutions.