# Controlled Connectivity Consumers get more control over their mobile connection. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Aug 26, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/controlled-connectivity ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Controlled Connectivity trend? **Controlled Connectivity:** For many consumers -- particularly Hispanic consumers in North America -- the cellular device is the main source of Internet access. Maximizing on this, network providers and device manufacturers are giving consumers more control over their connectivity. This speaks to the need for customization and the necessity of integrating consumer behavior into even the most technical of products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 4, 2015 to Aug 5, 2016 - Published: Aug 26, 2016 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Controlled Connectivity trend ### WiFi-First Smartphones This trend is disrupting the traditional mobile network plan by introducing Wi-Fi first smartphones with freedom to easily switch between Wi-Fi & mobile network. ### Signal-Improving Phone Cases This trend is disrupting the traditional phone cases by introducing cases that not only offers extra battery but also improves the signal and durability of the phone. ### Custom Data Plans This trend allows consumers to personalize their own phone plans which can make a significant impact on how the traditionally-priced plans are structured. ## What the Controlled Connectivity trend means for industry ### For Wireless Services Providers Introducing Wi-Fi-first smartphones and mobile LTE hotspots can benefit wireless services providers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile alike for better connectivity and custom data plans. ### For Mobile Network Manufacturers Signal-improving phone cases offer opportunities for companies like Apple and Samsung to improve user experiences and increase phone durability. ### For Consumer Electronics Accessories Custom data plans and signal-improving phone cases are significant innovations for accessories manufacturers like Mophie, OtterBox and Belkin can take advantage of to gain a competitive edge. ## Workshop question What is consumer behavior within your industry indicating about how your offerings are utilized? Can you streamline that? ## Trend signals for Controlled Connectivity Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 40%, activity 42%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 40% - Activity: 42% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Controlled Connectivity trend 4 featured examples from Nov 4, 2015 to Aug 5, 2016. - [Wi-Fi-First Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wififirst): This Smartphone Will Use Wi-Fi Hotspots Whenever Possible (Category: Tech) Implication: This industry can leverage the Wi-Fi-first smartphone trend by offering specialized plans and services for users who prioritize Wi-Fi usage instead of mobile data. - [Signal-Improving Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphone-battery-case): The 'mJoose' Smartphone Battery Case Betters Your Phone Signal (Category: Tech) Implication: Mobile phone companies could think about developing an ecosystem to support case's cellular connectivity. - [Custom Data Plans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-fit): T-Mobile's 'Smart Fit' Plan is Tailor-Made Based on 30 Days of Usage (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Telecommunications industry is continuously innovating with personalized data plans like T-Mobile's Smart Fit. - [Mobile LTE Hotspots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lte-hotspot): The SuperNova LTE Hotspot Offers Free Connectivity from FreedomPop (Category: Tech) Implication: The telecommunications industry can leverage the trend of free Internet by offering similar services to gain a competitive edge. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)