For many individuals and businesses, a high-speed internet connection has become less of a desirable feature and more of an indispensable one. So that means high-speed internet homes are in massive demand.
A report from the United Nations, in fact, described internet access in general as a basic human right. Here’s the quote: “The internet is one of the most powerful instruments of the 21st century for increasing transparency in the conduct of the powerful, access to information, and for facilitating active citizen participation in building democratic societies.”
So, where are the high-speed internet homes?
In some countries, such as Finland, higher-speed broadband connections have been declared a legal right for all citizens. Other countries don’t look at the speed of your connection as a right, but high-speed internet is becoming more and more widespread. Internet connections are getting faster.
In Louisville, Kentucky, for example, it’s hoped that Google Fiber could soon be providing ultrafast internet that is both more reliable and up to 20 times faster than conventional broadband. (Update: Turns out Google Fiber decided against the project, at least for now.)
Other options include Xfinity internet plans and plans from other big players like Spectrum, AT&T, and Verizon. The demand is there so the supply has ramped up.
Here’s a quote from Louisville’s mayor, Greg Fischer.
“Fast internet service is as critical for economic growth and innovation as roads, bridges, water and other infrastructure has been in the past.”
Connected Homes
Access to high-speed internet has changed the way many of us work, communicate, and spend our leisure time. By using a Voice over IP (VoIP) service, for example, you can access incredibly cheap local, national, and even international calls via your internet connection. One service, lingo.com, offers unlimited international calling and a wide range of additional features such as voicemail and three-way calling.
Users are getting more accustomed to receiving digital services via a wide range of devices. We’re all used to surfing the internet on desktop computers and laptops, of course, but TVs and game consoles are increasingly utilized to access online content. High-speed internet homes are becoming the norm, rather than the exception.
Gamers can not only play against people all over the world. But they can also watch movies, play music, and access websites via their consoles. On-demand TV and radio also make good use of high-speed internet connections.
New data from network gear maker Sandvine Corp. shows Netflix traffic accounted for 34% of North America’s downloads during the busiest hours of the day this year, up from 32% six months ago.
Work from Home
It’s not only our leisure time that’s affected, however. The rise of the internet has also seen a corresponding growth in homeworking. Both the self-employed and employees are now able to work from home, either part-time or full-time.
Cloud-based systems allow users to access software and storage that doesn’t have to be installed on their hardware at home. This, in turn, means greater freedom to work remotely. By using collaborative software and VoIP or other communication software, a worker can collaborate with his or her colleagues no matter how far away they are.
But what do you do if you live out in the country? Well, there are rural internet plans too! Depending on your location, high-speed internet is readily available.
We’re also increasingly connecting wirelessly and via smartphones and other mobile devices. According to a comScore report, more people worldwide now access the internet via mobile than by desktop. As well as using your cellphone’s data connection, you can connect wirelessly to your Wi-Fi hub or even use your cell to set up a hotspot that you can use to connect to other devices.
Advances in speed have made high-speed internet homes that fit our lifestyle. New developments are likely to continue at a fast pace, bringing new ways to work, talk, and play.
The bottom line is this: If you’re setting up your home office, high-speed Internet is probably #1 on your list.
