The Internet is now mobile

I can categorically admit that I am an Internet addict. Not a surfing addict; although I do my fair share. But, more specifically, I get a wee panic when I don't have access to it. I find it's like an extension of the basic commodities of life. Food, Water, Shelter, Clothing and an Internet connection!

OK, OK. It's not a basic commodity of life. In Western Europe, we almost all expect electricity, lights, running water and some form of heating. Connectivity to the Internet is slowly taking on that form of expectation. It's an amazing time to live in, as it is fundamentally changing and shaping the way that society acts, its abilities, and the way we think.

The concept of the Internet itself was revolutionary, and step by step that revolution is evolving. Not long ago, for a lot of us, cyber cafes, or places of work were the only places we could get 'online'. Now, most Internet access comes in the form of a computer at home. Wireless Ethernet (802.11x) has enabled us to put devices in the far corners of our houses, or use laptops wherever we want.

The true power of the Internet comes alive with mobility - Internet Anywhere. A large section of users are finding new places to work, surf, socially network, shop or whatever. Wireless Ethernet access is creeping into hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, service stations and even some modes and places of public transport.

Better yet, packet switched networks over mobile carriers are not only getting better, but they are extending their reach. It's these mobile networks that will become our common data carriers. We've evolved from GSM, GPRS, EDGE, now 3G and HSDPA. HSDPA has already been hitting 7.2mbps over some networks. Further evolution is just down the road, with technologies such as WiMax, iBurst and 4G. These new technologies have amazing potential, being either really high speed, or really long distance. Imagine being 10 miles from your nearest cellular mast, but still getting 10mbps!

For the past 2 year I've been using 3G through T-Mobile Web 'n Walk shared through a Bluetooth connection with my phone. And I'm now currently using '3' and one of their USB data devices. At £15/month, it represents really good value. You can get it for £10/month, but I needed the 3GB/month policy, instead of 1GB/month. I've been fairly impressed with it. The only time it can be a little problematic, is when on the move on the train, but even then it works fairly well - helped by frigging the software a little - more on that in another post. When I'm not on the move, the device really does work like mobile broadband. Obviously it's not my home ADSL2 connection with 24mbps down and 2mbps up, but none the less it does everything I need of it.

Mobile data will become the norm. It's inevitable. Dell already produces a line of laptops that you can pop a SIM card into. The term 'hot spot' will soon be forgotten, to be replaced with 'cold spot' or similar. And there won't be many cold spots either; they'll be like a freak of nature.

For me personally, it's exciting. For some, it will be a little scary or daunting. It is difficult to perceive the effect that new technology will have on our lives and the rest of society - and I have plenty of thoughts around it, but not for now. It is hugely empowering. Never in any age, has society been able to have access to the world, its knowledge, and be able to collaborate and communicate in such a capacity.

Time for that beer from coach 'C' on the 17:45 Pendolino from London Euston...