The television is getting lonelier by the day. In an average family, the television will be not attended even when it is on because people now have visuals on their hands. It seems like the flexibility to get to specifics with a handheld gadget is superior to waiting for a scheduled programme on television and playing the relevant channel. I write this to unveil and encourage you to stick to your handheld gadget and reduce your television moments because of the benefits on the former.
Today, data covers us even on entertainment, which has all along been delivered by the television. On the data side, all that gets us entertained is an average speed connection to the internet and a smart gadget. Beyond just entertainment, the internet is also a channel to multiple opportunities for studying, connecting with friends, making money, transacting, and many more.
The subject on the usefulness of data is vast and ranges from simple to complicated applications. Needless to say, an average citizen can afford to live without the television for a much longer period that they can without getting connected to the internet.
Before I give you the justification for sticking to your handheld gadget, I will make a household high level comparison of the DStv (your TV channel service provider) and data (your connection to the internet).
- Packaging of service
- TV – I’m not sure if in other parts of the world television channels are billed based on the load a consumer used it but here in Africa, if you miss your time in front of your television, you have lost it. DStv is hardly repackageable and if you can’t afford their lowest offer the only option is to stay in at your neighbours place when your desired show is aired. You cannot pick and choose the channels that matter to you.
- Data – This has a wide choice of packages that suit your environment, pocket, time frame and location. If you want to get it in volume, time frame and speed for your specific need, data will sort you out. Data is shareable in the smallest bits that the units can allow. It can be shared from B2B, C2C, B2C and C2B with very limited restrictions. One can be afforded data just to get an update on WhatsApp for example, and then the deal is over.
- Choice of service providers
- TV – Similar to the point above, DStv in the context of most parts of Africa is more of a monopoly and if whatever they offer is not your choice, you have no other options. Surely in other parts of the world this might differ slightly.
- Data – Every GSM network provider sells data, which in most countries, even in Africa, are more than one. Landline telecommunication and satellite connection service providers also offer data services. The choice is wider and the rates vary according to a number of variable. Switching is easy and access to multiple providers is not prohibited neither is it difficult.
- Contents
- TV – The content is limited to what is offered.
- Data – Data is not only useful for accessing unlimited resources but also getting things done. Strangely, TV content and streaming video services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Showmax, Apple TV+, and Britbox offer alternatives what DStv could be boasting about. Hardly any content is exclusive to DStv anymore.
- Scalability
- TV – It runs on connected televisions only. I believe it is the reason MultiChoice decided to go online to ensure that their service remain relevant. It is also a good move for MultiChoice to have started selling data to remote households. This is according to their ‘MultiChoice’ website.
- Data – Access to data can be on a number of gadget, including smart televisions. The list of gadgets, appliances and equipment that work on data to make our lives better is endless. Data support our lives in many ways and lately is a key facilitator in the health industry.
- Mobility
- TV – Television is obviously stationed at one location and that is it. Once it moves with you on your gadget, then it is stealing the credit of data. When the power goes off, you immediately get disconnected with most TV connections.
- On the surface of the earth, in the skies and underground, live data can be made available. The invent of mobile networks make it possible for people to remain connected 24 hours a day, switching between networks.
- Control
- TV – It is easier to control with children.
- It is a challenge to control.
There are a lot more pros on data including ease of initial connection, sharing the data and facilitation of people’s networking. With all these advantages from having data at our disposal, it is not surprising that MultiChoice reported that, between April 2020 and March 2021, it saw an 8% decline in subscribers to its high-end DStv Premium and Compact Plus packages.
Recommended Data use for personal growth
Data is a good resource that does not discriminate whether by region or race. This resource can be used in self-development in as much as one is willing to make attempts on a number of other things but the two; money making and self-development.
Money making opportunities
Money comes to you when you are positioned to deliver your services efficiently. If you are a freelancer for example, you will be on standby to assist the person who needs your services. I know some people will not believe me about the recent experience where a customer sent me a request to translate four words into English. I did that in less than five minutes and got paid US $ 5.00. The connected gadget gave me notice and I responded and earned myself some money.
On a sad note, a few days ago I lost an order due to being in the wrong place with the wrong gadget. The customer wanted responses and document reviews quickly. Unfortunately, I was only able to get the notices and respond but my phone could not access the files so I could make a quote at the time. I requested for a 2 hour time lag but the customer was not happy about that and therefore I lost the order.
Self-development
The internet is full of personal resources that can empower you in your field of choice. Some worthwhile resources are free, some credited and some even have job attachments connected to them.
I do want to recommend Google Grow’s free, yet certified courses and their entire programme that includes help with getting employment.
