Internet today has come up as a transformation force that has revolutionised the manner people live, communicate and work. The importance of the internet is profound, as through this powerful tool you can connect with others located in any corner of the world, thereby bridging geographical barriers. Note that digitalisation owing to the rise of the internet has brought substantial opportunities for social progress, individual empowerment, and economic development.
Reasons for the rising growth of the internet
Government initiatives
The Digital India campaign has played an essential part in promoting the need for using the internet across the country and even in remote locations.
Mobile internet boom
Owing to the introduction of 4 G and now 5 G networks, usage of mobile internet also has enhanced, making access to the internet faster and more convenient.
Technological advancements
Advancements in internet infrastructure and the widespread availability of affordable smartphones have contributed significantly to the growth of internet usage.
E-commerce boom
The growth of e-commerce such as Flipkart, Myntra, Amazon, Ajio, etc. has led to a rise in the usage of the internet for online shopping.
Digital payments
The Indian government’s push for adopting cashless transactions has encouraged most to adopt digital apps such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, WhatsApp Pay, Amazon Pay and others.
Social media
Platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and others have become very popular, driving the adoption of the internet as people look to connect, chat, and share their happy and sad experiences online.
Online education or e-learning
The internet has facilitated you to access education on a wide range of topics and subjects and information to upscale your knowledge through platforms such as Khan Academy, Udemy and Coursera. These platforms, besides teaching also offer certifications.
Video streaming
The rise in popularity of streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube and others has led to enhanced usage of the internet for entertainment purposes.
Internet and mobile banking
Online banking in the form of internet or mobile banking has made financial products and banking services more accessible. This has driven the need for internet adoption among the population residing in both urban and rural India.
IoT (Internet of Things) devices
The rise of IoT devices such as wearables, smart home appliances and others has enhanced the need and demand for quick internet connection.
Travel booking on online platforms
Platforms like MakeMyTrip and OYO have made it easier to plan and book travel arrangements online, fostering internet adoption.
Online gaming
The gaming industry’s exponential growth, with popular games like PUBG and Free Fire, has led to an increase in internet consumption among the youth.
Government services
The availability of government services online, such as filing taxes and applying for documents, has encouraged internet usage.
Types of internet connections
Broadband
Broadband is an important internet connection known for its high-speed and faster transmission of data as compared to its conventional counterpart i.e., dial-up network. This connection is delivered via technologies like fibre optics, cable and DSL or Digital Subscriber Lines. For example, a cable broadband connection offers higher speeds suitable for heavy internet usage like streaming and gaming.
Wi-Fi (Wireless fidelity)
What is Wi-Fi is a common question, many of you may have. However, ensure never to confuse it with broadband. This is because, this Wi-Fi, as its full form suggest is a wireless internet connection permitting electronic devices to get connected to the internet with zero need for any physical cables or lines. This technology commonly is utilised in public spaces, cafes, offices, and homes. For example, home Wi-Fi permits multiple electronic devices such as laptops, smart television sets and smartphones to access the internet connection simultaneously.
Dial-up connection
Dial-up is an older and slower internet connection method that uses a telephone line to establish a connection. It is now less common due to its limited speed compared to other modern options.
Mobile hotspots
Mobile hotspots utilise cellular data networks to create a Wi-Fi network that allows multiple devices to connect to the internet. These are portable and can be carried around wherever there is cellular coverage.
Satellite internet
Satellite internet provides connectivity through satellites in space. It is particularly useful in remote and rural areas where traditional wired connections may be challenging to install.
Leased lines
Leased lines are dedicated high-speed connections used by businesses and organisations that require consistent and reliable internet access. It offers symmetrical bandwidth, meaning the upload and download speeds are the same.
FTTH or Fibre to the home
This is an advanced broadband connection delivering internet access to your home directly utilising fibre-optic cables. This offers low latency and ultra-fast speeds.
Worldwide interoperability for microwave access or WiMAX
This is a wireless connection offering high-speed internet over a wide area. It is especially useful in areas with limited wired infrastructure.
Digital subscriber line or DSL
This is a popular broadband technology utilising existing lines of telephone to transmit data. DSL offers higher internet speeds as compared to dial-up and widely is available in semi-urban and urban regions.
Cable internet
Cable internet utilises the same coaxial cable infrastructure as cable television to deliver high-speed internet access. It is a popular option in urban areas and offers faster speeds than DSL.
4G & 5G networks
This is the latest generation network available on mobile offering high-speed internet access. Note that as compared to 4 G, the 5 G network offers lower latency and faster speeds, providing new services and applications.
Multiprotocol label switching or MPLS
MPLS is a technology used in corporate networks to establish private and secure connections between multiple locations. This technology ensures reliable transmission of data and is adopted widely by enterprises for their needs linked with an intranet.
Tethering
This technology permits users to simply share their phone’s internet with other electronic devices such as tablets or laptops using Bluetooth or USB. It is a convenient technology for accessing the internet temporarily.
Fixed wireless internet
Fixed wireless internet uses wireless signals to deliver high-speed internet access to a fixed location, such as homes or offices. It is an excellent alternative in areas with limited wired infrastructure.
Ending note
Today, the internet is looked upon as a crucial socio-economic fabric, encouraging India to rapidly adopt it and move toward digitalisation. Growth in the e-commerce sector, technological advancements, digital initiatives by the Indian government and the rising growth and acceptance of various social media podiums have played a very important role and increasing the demand for the Internet.
Selecting a preferred internet type among distinct types of internet connections can help you to leverage the full power of the internet to considerably grow in your field and unlock new opportunities.