The internet and how we use it is changing more rapidly than ever, and advanced connectivity solutions are essential to meet consumer and business needs. In this guest post, Edgar Navarro, Business Development Director of Global Internet at Qoolize shares his thoughts on the the evolving global digital landscape.
The inception of the internet set off an exponential rise of information access. Today, internet connectivity is integral in all sectors, and being unreachable is almost unheard of.
Our need for global internet connectivity and data consumption has increased exponentially, due to the ever-growing popularity of streamers such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This has happened to the extent where some of these brands have begun to build out their own network infrastructures. Areas such as supercomputing, cryptocurrency trade and blockchain, TV and film production, and the stock market further amplify the requirement for fast, reliable connectivity.
The Covid-19 pandemic only served to accelerate the curve, forcing businesses to adapt and adopt remote-first working models which are still present in many companies to this day. With the rise of remote work, online asset sharing, and investment in automation and the internet of things, accessible and comprehensive connectivity solutions have never been more vital.
We sit on the precipice of a digital renaissance, with rapid technological evolution driving constant innovation and the rise of AI. Web3 – a decentralised, intelligent, immersive iteration – is making businesses transform themselves once again. Keeping up with the digital age is no longer optional, but essential. ”
Home internet and the dot com boom
So prevalent is internet access and connectivity in our everyday lives that it’s difficult to conceive of a time – not so long ago – before access to a global wealth of information was just a click away. The World Wide Web first came into being in 1989, and was the first step in making the internet available to the general public. This led to the creation of dial-up internet, and the first internet service providers (ISPs) began offering connections to households.
In the mid-to-late 90s, the internet underwent a transformation from niche technology to the mainstream, with established companies and start-ups rushing to build websites and join the new online marketplace. This became known as the dot com boom, which shaped the internet landscape – completely transforming business and consumer behaviour from Web1 – click and read – to Web2 where interactivity and transactions were the bedrock of its foundation.
The looming digital renaissance
Fast-forward to today, and the internet has progressed in leaps and bounds since the original dot com boom. We sit on the precipice of a digital renaissance, with rapid technological evolution driving constant innovation and the rise of AI. Web3 – a decentralised, intelligent, immersive iteration – is making businesses transform themselves once again. Keeping up with the digital age is no longer optional, but essential. Most companies support hybrid or remote work, with online communication proving to be largely as effective as face-to-face.
The majority of newly-generated information is created and stored digitally, and keeping data in the cloud is more secure than physical records and documentation. As advancements such as extended reality (XR) and AI, automation, and the IoT become more integrated into our everyday lives, so too must companies undergo a complete shift of mindset, culture, and operations processes to avoid being left behind in this new technology-driven era.
How connectivity has affected everyday life
Telecommunications services range from phone lines to internet and data networks, and innovations in the telecommunications field have led to a dramatic change in how we live, work, and communicate with each other across the globe.
Telecoms promote economic growth and connect international markets, drive productivity through easy access to information, foster innovation and knowledge sharing, and are crucial for emergency communication, with a robust telecommunications infrastructure allowing timely response to disasters and other crises. Overall, the development of telecommunications and connectivity networks has drastically improved multiple aspects of our everyday lives, and access to connectivity services has risen nearly to the status of basic need.
How much more connected can we get?
Back in 2017, The Economist stated that data had overtaken oil as the world’s most valuable resource. Currently, it’s estimated that over 94% of the world’s information is stored digitally. With statistics like that, it’s difficult to imagine how much more the technological and telecommunications landscape can expand. As our world becomes almost completely digitised, automated workflows and digital workspaces are on the rise, and companies are exploring the blending of physical and virtual spaces.
Concepts such as extended reality and the Internet of Things have the potential to further revolutionise industry, changing the way we interact with and within the digital world, improving online productivity and communication, and even influencing how we navigate the real world. The advancement of the metaverse, self-driving vehicles, and a growing reliance on the internet everywhere from at home to the emergency services and military, necessitates access to the wealth of the world’s information more than ever before.
Importance of comprehensive connectivity solutions
As the digital landscape changes, so too must our connectivity solutions improve to keep up with the growing need. At Qoolize, we understand that need and specialise in enhancing connectivity solutions, improving business workflows, and growing the number of countries where we can offer customers a seamless experience. Our recent launch of Sphera saw us integrate over 350 last-mile providers and APIs, allowing our customers to access quotes and services across five continents. We are the first to be able to integrate the access of SMS, voice, ITPS (internet services), and soon eSIMs right through to the end process, so we understand the importance of an all-inclusive solution for our customers.
To learn more about Qoolize’s services, visit www.qoolize.com.