Broadband and society

Few technologies in human history have had such a profound and immediate impact on society as broadband Internet. The extent to which our lives are now determined by this technology underscores the significance of the questions put to experts and consumers in this chapter on the way it is used. Key concerns were identified as being ease of access, user-friendly information processing, and the security – i.e. privacy – of all parties involved.

In this context, the “Deutschland Online” report will now examine two of the most fundamental social trends associated with broadband Internet: its impact on the broadband Internet generation in Germany and its impact on citizens’ interactions with the state (e-citizenship).

Core statements

• A high-performance broadband infrastructure will boost Germany’s status as a competitive business location.
• Mobile broadband Internet will be immensely important for the evolution into an information society.
• Social changes driven by broadband Internet will increasingly impact all aspects of our lives: work, education/continuing education, and leisure.
• Virtual services form an integral part of everyday life. Internet users see broadband Internet applications as an ideal way to make their lives easier.
• Broadband Internet promises further user benefits in the delivery of public administrative services.
• Security is a top priority. Meeting security concerns will be a key requirement in an increasingly virtual world.