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January 30, 2013

Telecommuting and Staying Connected

By Robbie Pleasant, TMCnet Contributor

This morning, my Internet connection decided it didn’t want to keep working. I spent some time trying to fix it, but for the work I have to do, time is of the essence.

Now, I’m one of the millions of employees across the world who telecommutes – that is to say, I can and will work from anywhere with an Internet connection. Normally that means my home, but today was different.

One of the good things about telecommuting is that all it takes to get to work is a computer and access to the Internet. Of course, with laptops, tablets and smartphones, the computer part is simple. Being able to use my own device allowed for more freedom in where and how I worked, and I’m not the only one who sees it that way.



As it stands, around 75 percent of all companies allow BYOD, so employees can access the data they need to work from whatever device they feel comfortable with.

In this case, it was my trusted laptop.

 Access to the Internet is also easier in a world of Wi-Fi and 4G. I found myself going to the local bookstore’s café, where Wi-Fi was available to all customers. I admit, I felt a little stereotypical, typing away on my computer while sitting in a coffee shop, but it is one of the most common Wi-Fi hotspots.

In 2011, there were approximately 1.3 million hotspots worldwide, and that number is expected to more than triple in size by 2015. Most operators believe that Wi-Fi hotspots are important to the customer experience, and in this case, I can safely say I’m thankful Barnes & Noble offered it.

Bringing it back to BYOD for a second, laptops computers such as my own only account for slightly less than half of the devices accessing Wi-Fi hotspots these days. Smartphones are steadily catching up, with tablets growing in usage as well. Of course, many smartphones and tablets are also offered 4G connections, providing an Internet connection from one of many locations, although it is more expensive than just using a friendly neighborhood hotspot.

It is thanks to personal devices, telecommunication and the wide availability of Wi-Fi hotspots that I’m able to get this article to you today. The ability to work from anywhere allows me and many other workers worldwide to remain productive whether we’re at home, waiting at the airport, or sitting in a bookstore’s coffee shop. As such, people and businesses alike have the ability to become more productive and more connected than ever before.

From a single handheld device in one’s pocket, an entire business can continue to thrive. 

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, happening now in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.




Edited by Braden Becker
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