Smart home device adoption increased fivefold in past ten years to 45% of US internet households; only a quarter of internet households report using a router/gateway app, either from their ISP or router maker

Parks Associates, the leading market research and consulting firm specializing in consumer and small business technology markets, is proud to announce its partnership with WiFi NOW for the upcoming Wi-Fi World Congress USA 2025. Parks Associates’ consumer research shows smart home device adoption increased fivefold in the past ten years to 45% of US internet households. US internet households own 17 connected devices on average, a rate that has doubled since 2014.

The event is being held April 28-30 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, and brings together global leaders in wireless connectivity. This partnership ensures that the voice of the consumer and small business is at the center of strategic innovation. As part of the event, Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO of Parks Associates, will lead a featured session “Present & Future of Smart Home IoT, Smart Building IoT,” from 1:50-2:10 PM on April 29, 2025.

“In our view, Parks Associates delivers the finest in business-critical insights into the connected consumer market,” said Claus Hetting, CEO & Chairman of WiFi NOW and organizer of the Wi-Fi World Congress event series. “We’re excited to be partnering Parks Associates for this event, also because we know that accurate information and analysis is essential for building the next generation of Wi-Fi connectivity technology and services.”

The presentation draws on Parks Associates' industry-leading consumer research to highlight value-added services, consumer demand and expectations, and opportunities for new service revenues. Other data highlighted includes research insights from Parks Associates:

  • Only a quarter of internet households report using a router/gateway app, either from their ISP or router maker.
  • 40% of US internet households rate home technology support appealing.
  • Smart home device adoption increased fivefold in the past ten years to 45% of US internet households.
  • 32% of US internet households own a Wi-Fi mesh network.

“The battle for home connectivity is no longer about speed — it's about services,” Parks said. “Service providers are racing to differentiate beyond the pipe, and the winners will be those who understand not just the network, but the consumer. We are excited to share our latest insights on how households and small businesses are driving the evolution of the connected home and smart building markets.”

Attendees will gain a clear, data-driven view into how value-added services are reshaping customer satisfaction, loyalty (including fiber NPS), and revenue potential — with a focus on both home and smart building environments.

To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific data, please contact Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein at mindi.sue@parksassociates.com, 972-490-1113.

About Parks Associates

Parks Associates is a global research, consulting, and marketing firm with 40 years of experience delivering proprietary consumer data and industry insights for businesses. The firm produces market research reports, forecasts, surveys, and competitive business intelligence on connected consumer, small business, and commercial technologies and related business solutions. A woman-owned and woman-led company, Parks Associates is a trusted partner and advisor to executives, providing custom research, strategic consulting, and forward-looking analysis across smart home, small business, and commercial markets, including security, broadband, entertainment, energy, multifamily, smart buildings, connected health, and emerging AI-driven technologies.

Parks Associates supports industry growth through proprietary research, consulting, and executive networking and convenes thousands of leaders each year through its flagship conferences, including CONNECTIONS™, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit, Smart Spaces, and Future of Video. Learn more at https://www.parksassociates.com.

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