Increased connection options thanks to social networking

Filed in archive Wi-Fi on July 11, 2010

© Wesley Fryer

The increase in social networking has spurred the wireless industry to come up with fast solutions for what I call a 'continual connectedness'. It doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing, the wireless industry has made it easy to always stay in touch.

As a frequent business traveller I, for one, am glad. The ability to easily and affordably stay connected to the internet while traveling on business wasn't that great until a couple of years ago. While I could always get connected to the internet at most hotels, I had to use broadband connections in my hotel room. Sometimes the broadband cable was missing, other times the connection wasn't free. I could rarely find a hotel with a wireless connection that wasn't restricted to the lobby area.

I remember frequently being at conferences where there was no wireless connection in the conference centre, and, one had to line up to use the four or five computers that had been set up with an internet connection. And with 600-800 people in attendance you were lucky to get connected, even if you went during the time a major invited speaker was presenting.

However, now, I can find a wireless connection almost anywhere I go. And if I can't find a connection, I can use a very affordable USB wireless device. I only want to check and send email, but I am glad there are millions of people who want to access their Facebook page or twitter to their fans. I doubt the developments would have happened so quickly and the hapless business traveller would still be paying high fees just to stay in touch.