A survey conducted by research firm IDC and sponsored by Nortel Networks asked 2,367 people what item would they choose to take with them if they had to be absent from their homes for 24 hours. More than 38% chose their mobile phone over things like keys, a laptop or music player. Less than 30% thought their wallet was the most important item. It looks as though many of us have bought into the mobile lifestyle and fear withdrawal symptoms if separated from our cell phones.
Nortel paid for the survey to determine how many people around the world can be defined as “hyperconnected.” Someone hyperconnected uses at least seven devices for work and personal access, in addition to at least nine applications like instant messaging, text messaging or web conferencing. Cell phones and laptops are examples of devices, while things like e-mail or Facebook count as applications.
I fell short in both categories to be considered hyperconnected, but 16% of those surveyed made the cut. China led the world with the highest percentage of those hyperconnected, followed by the United States. Canada and the United Arab Emirates had the fewest number among the 17 countries surveyed.
The survey had a subset of people it called “increasingly connected.” These are people who use a minimum of four devices and six applications. The survey found that 36% of those questioned fell into this category.
Within five years the survey predicts that those categorized as hyperconnected will rise to 40%. If the trend continues as predicted, it is good news for companies like Nortel. There will be an increased need for network technologies and other mobile gear to get the hyperconnected out the door and into the world, without them worrying about where they put their wallets.
If you are curious about this phenomenon, see Nortel’s Hyperconnectivity site.