THE FIRETIDE BLOG

The importance of wireless mobility

Feb 06, 2015

2015-02-06 Subways and Wireless Networks.jpgIt’s not secret that we’re living in a mobile age. The consumerization of IT has created a population that is better connected than ever. Tools like smartphones and the cloud have eliminated many restrictions to productivity. With the ability to do an increasing number of things from a growing variety of locations, people are becoming more self-sufficient in their daily lives.

This has changed the rules for connectivity. While personal computing devices used to be restricted to desktop PCs with wired connections, the explosive growth of Wi-Fi​ enabled mobile devices has fundamentally changed the way that businesses view Internet access. Not only are their employees dependent on these connections to do their jobs, but many visitors, guests and customers that come in and out of an office on a daily basis are reliant on them, as well.

The number and size in scope of devices that require Internet access is only going to grow in the near future. With developments like the Internet of Things and wearable technology on the not-too-distant horizon, businesses should start to consider building a wireless network now that will assist them in the near future.

Increase in mobile data traffic illustrates need for connectivity
People are constantly using their smartphones, both in their jobs and at home. According to a recent study, a great deal of mobile users could even be considered addicted! But solid Internet connections are not always available, leading many to spend a good deal of time using their mobile data plans.

According to Gartner, mobile data traffic experienced a growth of 71 percent in 2014. In 2015, it is likely to see another boost of 59 percent. By 2018, 60 percent of mobile data traffic will be driven by mobile video streaming.

“Although network speed and reliability are priorities for many mobile customers, it is really apps and content that are driving traffic volumes as people increasingly chat to friends and family, watch videos on the move, and listen to streamed music,” Gartner stated.

Making strong Wi-Fi available increases satisfaction
So if a large percentage of employees and customers are using a growing number of devices to regularly connect to the Internet, why aren’t more organizations offering Wi-Fi? The excuses for lacking free Wi-Fi are starting to dwindle as security efforts increase and successful deployments are experienced. Clients need to stay connected with their other obligations and employees need to have access to the resources essential to their jobs, albeit from their own wireless devices.

One of the benefits of offering this amenity comes from the need for mobile engagement. People will be more likely to use the Internet if they are provided with a free connection and don’t have to use their data plans. This increases the chance that a customer will interact with a business while they are using that wireless connection – specialized apps and mobile Web sites can often be used to improve a consumer’s experience while they are visiting a business in a physical location.

The presence of a wireless Internet connection can also help to attract new business. Many public transportation organizations, for example, have made it a point to get consistent Wi-Fi into subway cars and buses, which can be very important for attracting business commuters. A professional being able to get some work done on the way into the office is a huge perk, and one that could help them choose to take a train instead of driving in every day.

This is the kind of possibility that businesses have to consider when addressing their existing Wi-Fi capabilities. When you’re ready to upgrade your network, get in touch with Firetide.


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