2021 was a year of tremendous challenges, but there were also incredible strides made in the world of wireless technology that have changed the way we live, work, and play–all for the better.

As technology evolves, there’s always plenty to be excited about. Today, over 300 million people have access to a 5G wireless network, so it’s hard to believe this innovation became available only three years ago. 5G has been described as a transformative technology, but most transformations happen steadily – they become “trends” that happen over time.

To that end, here are three trends I predict for 2022 that can have a lasting impact on families and businesses across the country.

1. Real change for rural America

A recent study by BroadbandNow indicates that more than 40 million people in the United States lack reliable access to high-speed internet–many of them in rural areas. A primary driver for lack of coverage in these areas is simple economics. At times it can be twice as expensive to build the needed broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and there are far fewer people to help pay for the service, making it cost-prohibitive for providers and expensive for customers.

But there are encouraging signs that this will be changing. The recent infrastructure bill allocated more than $65 billion for broadband and provides an unprecedented opportunity for the expansion of high-speed connectivity to underserved areas, as well as increased affordability for consumers. Government leaders I’ve spoken to are eager to put this money to work for their constituents.