Employees and businesses need more portable, reliable and affordable connectivity solutions to the future of how work happens. Since the start of the pandemic, the shift to remote and hybrid work has come at a rapid pace. As many as 36 million Americans could be working remotely by 2025, transforming the way businesses and remote workers connect to the internet.

Instead of downtown office buildings with massive internet infrastructure, modern remote workers need both mobile and on-site connectivity solutions that can help them work flexibly. Due to the high cost and time-consuming nature of constructing new infrastructure in remote regions, traditional telecom firms are hesitant to allocate resources to such projects, failing to meet evolving demands.

With the industry lagging behind these new realities, companies and remote workers need to look to more innovative internet options to meet the rise of an agile workforce.

Traditional connectivity solutions negatively impact remote work in three major ways: lack of portability, reliability and affordability.

Portability. Many companies and remote workers today have on-the-go operations and need the ability to set up a mobile hotspot wherever and whenever they want. Wi-Fi portability for traveling workers has become just as crucial as it is for businesses that operate a fleet of vehicles and require mobile connectivity for vital systems across the U.S. or the globe.

Unfortunately, most businesses and remote workers rely on a single telecom provider for their internet services. Since these providers usually only provide coverage for certain areas, disruptive dead zones when moving between regions are inevitable. However, the Federal Communications Commission is focused on increasing competition and encouraging the development of alternative connectivity options. Their Connect America Fund supports the deployment of broadband networks in rural and underserved areas by providing funding to multiple service providers, including local and regional carriers.

Reliability. In addition to portability, seamless and consistent connectivity is crucial for remaining productive and ensuring uninterrupted business operations in the remote-first era. However, many restaurants, hotels and other businesses operate in rural regions with poor or limited internet. Although urbanites might enjoy better connectivity, they also face reliability challenges in the event of a natural disaster, severe weather or other disruptions.

Article from U.S.News

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