While the Internet has its early roots in the 1960's, it was the advent of the World Wide Web 25 years ago that first brought the Internet to our homes and businesses. As the Web and the Internet have evolved, so have our uses for them. From simple email and messaging to streaming HD movies, how we use the Internet continues to change. And internet providers, including IAMU's broadband utility members, have had to work to keep up with the consumer's demands for more and more bandwidth.
Now the Pew Research Center has conducted a study that asks what new ways will we be using the Internet for in the future? As more and more consumers get access to Gigabit speeds, how will it change their lives?
Now the Pew Research Center has conducted a study that asks what new ways will we be using the Internet for in the future? As more and more consumers get access to Gigabit speeds, how will it change their lives?
Since we moved beyond dial-up internet and began using more advanced technologies such as DSL, cable modems, and direct fiber connections, we've measured the amount of capacity of our connection-it's bandwidth-in terms of megabits per second (Mbps). But technology has evolved to allow some areas (including customers of IAMU member Cedar Falls Utilities) to receive data speeds measured in gigabits per second (1 Gbps equals 1,000 Mbps). So the Pew Research Center decided to ask over 1,400 technology experts from around the world what new things-what "killer apps"-these speeds will enable. Among their findings:
Of course, gigabit Internet will also allow for enhancements of the purposes we use megabit internet for today. For example, the next generation of television-so called Ultra High Definition or 4K-will require much higher Internet speeds to bring entertainment into your home. And as more and more devices are put in use in the average home or business (not just computers but phones, tablets, watches, energy managements systems, home automation, etc.), the size of the broadband pipe leading into the customer's premise will need to be increased to meet the demand.
The Pew Research Center's full report can be read here.
- Enhanced telepresence: the ability to "meet" face-to-face with people around the world with no physical travel
- Augmented reality: also known as "virtual reality", we will be able to experience vitural surroundings using all of our senses, not just our eyes and ears
- Increased integration with technology: smart devices will continue to become a more integral part of our lives
- Education and healthcare: how we teach our children and how we treat the sick and elderly will be transformed.
Of course, gigabit Internet will also allow for enhancements of the purposes we use megabit internet for today. For example, the next generation of television-so called Ultra High Definition or 4K-will require much higher Internet speeds to bring entertainment into your home. And as more and more devices are put in use in the average home or business (not just computers but phones, tablets, watches, energy managements systems, home automation, etc.), the size of the broadband pipe leading into the customer's premise will need to be increased to meet the demand.
The Pew Research Center's full report can be read here.
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