[Column] Kevin Muley: How globalization has greatly transformed how we communicate beyond borders

Connecting with people in different spectrums of the world has immensely changed how we communicate with each other. Increased internet connectivity as well as fibre optic cables and at the height of internet connectivity, barriers such as distance are no longer a factor as it was 2 decades ago. The ability to communicate globally has made it effortless to share information with those in different time zones and locations. This has in turn turned the world into a global village and with that comes advantages both from a trade and individual perspective. This has simplified how we communicate. For businesses and for keeping in touch with individuals far away from us to succeed, innovative communication has to be at the centre of it all.

Technology’s role in shifting communication

The Internet has dramatically revolutionized how we communicate. It has become a global means of communication in our everyday lives. While internet connectivity costs still remain slightly high in Kenya, more players are coming in with more competitive rates. Internet penetration in Kenya stood at 40% as of January 2021 according to a report by datareportal with a total of 21.75 million users with access to the internet as of January 2021. 

The Internet has continuously had a revolutionary impact on communication, including the advent of digital communications channels such as emails, instant messaging, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone calls, interactive video calls, blogs, and social media.

The internet has made communication much simpler and faster. It has allowed us to stay connected with people regardless of time and location. It has also accelerated the pace of business and increased the possibilities of international trade across borders. Because of the internet, people are able to find their voice and express themselves through social media, YouTube, Whatsapp among other apps. The internet has connected and divided us like nothing before.

Introduction of cheaper ways of communication

Technology enthusiasts have thus become smarter and more intelligent in devising new ways to communicate beyond borders. With the cost of communicating abroad still high, companies such as BeMobile in Kenya are not only simplifying how we communicate internationally but drastically ensuring the cost of communicating abroad is low. BeMobile now helps one be in control of their global communication simply and affordably. One can get up to 4 international numbers for the U.S.A, U.K or Canada. This in turn seamlessly enables Kenyans to communicate abroad with their loved ones cheaply on an individual level or even while doing business.

COVID-19 Pandemic paving way to instantaneous communication 

Effective communication has always been the key to all healthy human relationships. During the pandemic, many people across the world are now working from home with little to no face-to-face interactions, except with their family members. A positive is that many are becoming better at using communication technologies, which may be more beneficial moving forward. At the initial stages of the pandemic, according to the Kemp 2020 report, digital communications tremendously increased as people spent more time at their homes due to lockdowns. These changes were mostly seen in the use of social media and messaging apps, as well as video conferencing apps and programs.

Getting back to normal is going to be a slow process, but key to remember that what is “normal” has changed over time due to the pandemic. New ways of communicating are sure going to remain important in the foreseeable future.

Adapting to new ways of communicating

The new ways of communication that have been invented during the pandemic have a major implication on how communication will play out in the future. People’s digital communication will increase due to the desire to check in with friends and family more often during this particular health crisis and because in-person means of communication are less possible. People who previously did not rely on digital technology for communication, have had no option but to rely on novel digital methods to stay in touch with friends and family.  Video, VOIP and instant messaging will and are now becoming more mainstream. New innovative apps such as BeMobile will continue to take centre stage and cheaper communication overseas will be a key selling point for consumers wishing to communicate beyond borders. 

These new ways of communicating have opened a world of possibilities across the continent on how we use communications in all aspects of our lives The world has indeed become a one global village with digital communications at the centre of it all.

Kevin Muley is the Founder and CEO, BeMobile.

 

  Follow Africa Business Communities on Twitter

  Follow us on our Africa Business Communities LinkedIn Company Page

ABC LinkedIn Newsletter