Cisco forecasts that video will represent over half of all internet traffic by the close of next year, reaching 62% by 2015’s end. This surge in video consumption, driven by streaming and downloads, necessitates that both providers and consumers adapt to the escalating demand for bandwidth.

Netflix’s emergence as a cable and satellite TV competitor is accelerating the dominance of video data on the internet. Consumers are experiencing a transformation in how they consume “TV,” now utilizing computers, tablets, and smartphones. These devices, lacking traditional TV tuners or set-top box connections, render such accessories obsolete.

Televisions themselves are evolving into digital media hubs, equipped with internet connectivity alongside HDMI and coaxial ports. Certain models offer built-in access to Netflix and other online services, blurring the line between TVs and large-format tablets.

Satellite and cable providers are responding to this shift by making their content accessible online, supplementing their traditional delivery methods. This internet-based delivery broadens their reach to mobile devices and various internet-enabled screens, while simultaneously intensifying the strain on internet infrastructure, including core networks, content delivery networks, and last-mile access.

While businesses outside of video production or distribution might find this trend amusing, its impact will be unavoidable. The internet’s role as a platform for simple tasks like sending emails or conducting web searches is diminishing. Video has become the predominant format for valuable online content, encompassing training materials, news, demonstrations, marketing collateral, tutorials, and even press releases.

To stay competitive, modern companies require their personnel to access a full range of vendor resources, stay informed about industry developments, and actively participate in conferences. These conferences are progressively shifting to online video formats, particularly webinars, influenced by rising travel costs. Business trips will be reserved for critical meetings, limiting in-person attendance at seminars and conventions. However, this doesn’t signify a reliance on email or Twitter for communication. Desktop video conferencing, webinars, and telepresence offer viable alternatives to many in-person interactions.

Moreover, keeping pace with competitors might necessitate producing video content. A lack of presence on platforms like YouTube, where competitors are establishing themselves, can result in missed opportunities to engage potential customers.

This surge in video usage can lead to bandwidth constraints for numerous companies. Rapid technological advancements and the costliness of upgrading traditional telecom services pose challenges. However, innovative and budget-friendly solutions can alleviate these bottlenecks. For instance, high-speed internet access, such as 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, is attainable over existing copper or coaxial cables at a fraction of the cost of fiber optic services. Even fiber optic technology has become more affordable, particularly for Gigabit and even 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections, suitable for demanding applications.

If your business is nearing the limits of outdated T1 or DS3 connections, now is an opportune time to explore competitive bandwidth pricing tailored to your location(s). Higher-speed internet services might be more attainable than you perceive.