As a nation, we're becoming increasingly susceptible to 'e-anxiety', with 57% of Londoners feeling uncomfortable or worried when unable to check their email or Facebook accounts. In the coming year, we'll likely see huge developments in how we communicate. Facebook have already introduced a video-call service as part of their instant messaging 'Chat' feature, FaceTime comes as standard with all Apple devices with a front-facing camera. Soon we'll even be projecting our video recipients using 'sixth-sense technology' that requires users to interact with the world around them. To find out more, watch Pranav Mistry wowing the crowds with his demonstrations at the latest TED Talks:.
The evolution of how we use the internet has also led to this need for faster connections in the modern age. For some people fast connections are not a luxury, but are actually considered as a necessity. For instance, it is common now for people to work at home. When working at home it is vital that a secure and stable connection is established, as people need instant access to their emails, documents and other online work materials. Slow connections and unstable internet could lead here to less productivity in the working day, making for a frustrating working day, thus the stability and speed of the internet connection is vital here.
Another reason why 2013 will be the year of fibre optic broadband is the increasing use of communication online, particularly on social media sites. As these become increasingly popular, and indeed many people will use this as their primary form of communication, a desire for fast and secure connections will go hand in hand alongside this.
The government is hoping that 90% of homes and businesses will have superfast, fibre optic broadband service by 2015 and many companies are helping to meet that target, with a third of homes already covered.
2013 will undoubtedly see a shift in how we connect to the internet, as the way we use the internet continues to change and evolve, from research to communication purposes, it is only natural that old traditions wane and we move to groundbreaking, forward-thinking conventions.