The broadband horizon: four ways broadband will change post 2020
By
December 20, 2018
Increasing access to high-speed broadband is changing the world. Here’s what New Zealand can expect post-2020.
Broadband will be essential
As broadband becomes fundamental to social and economic participation, it will be seen as an essential service and a human rights issue, rather than something that’s nice to have.
Closing the digital divide and achieving high-quality network access for everyone will require a range of technology (including fixed, mobile and satellite broadband) as well as innovation and creativity.
How we use fibre will change
With a limited number of people on the UFB network, the main use of fibre has been to consume content, such as movies and television. But by 2020, when the majority of New Zealand will be on the fibre network, individuals and businesses will be able to take advantage of the high speeds in how they interact online. As online interaction becomes more immersive – involving more of our senses and more closely mimicking in-person communication – geographic barriers will further reduce.
Click here to find out what broadband options are available in your area.
Broadband will underpin a city’s attractiveness
As cities increasingly compete for talented individuals and innovative businesses, having strong connectivity will be an attractive point of difference. Technology will be used to overcome challenges (such as limited budgets and aging infrastructure), revitalising urban areas and improving economic growth.
Work will become more flexible
Greater connectivity will impact how people work, and fundamentally change how businesses and cities organise themselves.
“It doesn’t mean an end to office buildings – people naturally want to collaborate and be together,” says Liam. “But it does mean having freedom to choose the environment that best suits what you’re working on at the time.” For instance, a worker might jump between needing to work alone and needing to hash a problem out as part of a group.
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