BYOD and How Broadband is Revolutionizing the Workplace
The future of mobile broadband lies with 4G. Service providers in the United States and Europe have already rolled out their LTE networks many quarters ago. The UK was late to the 4G party though, having established their first 4G network last October.
What is 4G?
4G is fourth general of cellular wireless standards, succeeding 2G and 3G. In developing countries, the latter technology is still being deployed, but it is only a matter of time before they make the move to 4G as well. 4G technology has revolutionized the way people live and access the Internet. But more than that, it has revolutionized how work is done in the workplace and has made the option of working from home more of a reality than a concept.
Everyone’s Getting 4G
Research and advisory firm the Yankee Group conducted a study and confirmed the obvious: mobile LTE is on the rise. By the end of this year, there will be 152 commercial 4G networks in operation spread out in 65 countries. The firm predicts that the number of mobile broadband users will rise to 114 million in 2013 and will double to about 258 million by the end of 2014.
This study confirms what many before it have concluded: mobile broadband is on the rise, and mobile data demand will obviously follow suit.
BYOD in the Workplace
People have been using their mobile devices to access the Internet even when they’re on the go or away from their homes or offices. 4G has made doing this more convenient and faster due to the fast speeds that it provides. It has become so rampant in the workplace, with employees checking their emails and firing messages off on their handheld devices, that it has given rise to something called BYOD or Bring Your Own Device in the enterprise.
BYOD is basically a business policy where employees are allowed to bring their own mobile gadgets to work for use at work as well.
‘Live to Work’ Through Broadband
Extending the concept of BYOD is the ‘working from home’ option. This is where employees are expected to do their work at their own time and pace, from the comforts of their homes. Some believe that their employees’ productivity increased when they are in a comfortable environment, which will let them do their work well and fast. The downside is when workers abuse the option and fail to deliver instead since they are left without supervision.
Regardless what you think about working remotely, this is only made possible because of broadband. Without the Internet, there can be no exchange of information or messages and users will not be able to access servers or files that they might need to do their job. It also allows them to remain in constant communication with the office, should any situations arise.
Mobility and the Future
The future is bright for mobile broadband. Ofcom, the communications regulator in the UK, is already looking into 5G while they are in the midst of rolling out 4G. More and more firms are adopting BYOD in the workplace since they have seen the benefits that a good policy brings to the firm. The same can be said for working remotely.
Who knows? Your own firm might be headed that way as well. So if you’re unsatisfied with your provider’s current service or coverage, then maybe it’s time to switch to a new one so you can get your work done without a hitch. You can easily check Internet service providers in your area by logging on to Broadband Expert.
Employees in high-growth, emerging economies are demonstrating a more flexible attitude to working hours, and are happy to use their own devices for work. This behavior will shape not just future patterns of enterprise mobility in high-growth markets, but also dictate which markets are going to benefit most from this revolution.
– Richard Absalom, consumer impact IT analyst at Ovum
