Connecting the unconnected with solutions such as Vivada small cells delivers huge benefits. But, we rarely consider one important aspect of this – the human capacity for fun. Data connectivity creates untold opportunities to explore playtime.
Usually, when we comment on how our Vivada small cells bring connectivity to the unconnected, we point to the economic benefits that will come from such deployments. These are undeniable – and become even more compelling when we consider other elements in the Vivada ecosystem, such as agricultural information, e-health, power generation and more. However, we rarely consider the human aspect.
And, as a recent article (1) in The Economist makes clear, we really should. That’s because, whatever else new internet access brings to people, it also unlocks fun! The article notes that, while newly enabled internet access may well bring new applications and services to people, in fact, “play dominates work, and leisure overtakes labour”, according to a source quoted.
In other words, when people get connected, they seek out diversions, games, music, videos and social interaction, in just the same way as they do in any other country. And, because a mobile phone provides an increasingly affordable means of accessing fun things, at least in comparison with other devices, it “outperforms all other options”. In fact, mobiles offer “an unsurpassable opportunity for turning otherwise empty time into something enjoyable”.
And why not? One of the things about the internet is the range of possibilities it unlocks. From serious to trivial, from practical to playful, the internet is the means of accessing a beguiling and rewarding world. And, this is perfectly encapsulated in the wonderful Indian-English word “timepass”, which neatly explains the “essence of the internet”.
So, while we can calculate economic benefits, determine ROI based on productivity and access to information and new services, we must not forget that the internet revolutionises leisure time. And, this has clear benefits too. According to research cited, the majority of the top 25 apps by revenue in the Google and Apple app stores are games. Similarly, give people access to sports, music and more, and they will devour it, generating new revenue for service and content providers.
The interesting thing, of course, is that there will be an increasingly fragmented experience – with local language content, localised games, local sports and so on, likely creating regional and national ecosystems which, in turn, will build economic value. This wider impact is, of course, yet another reason for ensuring that connectivity solutions offer adequate data capabilities. In this respect, offering data to the most remote creates something of a virtuous circle, as consumption will fuel demand for suitable data-based treats.
There’s no doubt about it. The internet offers a unique combination of productivity and entertainment benefits. We must acknowledge this. Connecting the unconnected is laudable at so many levels. It’s a global imperative – but it’s one that will not only empower people, it will also educate them, it will inform them – and, happily, it will provide uncalculated opportunities to entertain them.
(1) “How the pursuit of leisure drives internet use – a global timepass economy”, The Economist, 08/06/19.
