We millennials are connected. We use the internet and social media (SM) platforms to share experiences, keep in touch with friends around the world, discover new cultures and places to travel, find our next favorite band, and do life with others. Instagram (which is by far my personal favorite SM) is where many millennials share life, with 73 percent of users being of my generation (Iconsquare). Another source reported 60 percent of American millennials upload online content (Barkley American Millennial).

1. Nielsen Study on millennials born between 1980 and 1996
2. Merchant Warehouse and RetailPro study
3. 2014 Deloitte report “Leading Millennials Aged 25-30, Trailing Aged 14-24”
4. Global Web Index study

To put millennials’ use of network devices into perspective, Table 1 shows relative statistics for millennials versus Baby Boomers.

Impact on Networks

While hiking to a summit with friends in Colorado, we completed our ascent and I wanted to share my “mountaintop experience” with other friends. So, I pulled out my phone and proceeded to send a short video through Snapchat to a small list of friends. Only, the video couldn’t send until I got down the mountain to better service. Although I hate to admit it, this was a minor frustration to me! Because I expect to be connected everywhere, wherever in the world I happen to be - with speed and reliability. 

Millennials also appreciate learning from prior generations about value. We expect the best services at the best prices, and will give our business to whomever can give that to us. We’re slightly less brand-loyal in some areas. We certainly have unprecedented service level expectations. To manage that, my advice to service providers is:

• Offer services everywhere. Providers must continue to build out wireless and wireline networks to reach more locations – there are plenty of gaps where fiber or reliable cell phone service still exist.

(My mountain…)

• Invest in higher-capacity and mobile networks. Providers must quickly adopt new technologies that increase capacity such as wireless hotspots, LTE, 5G and fiber to the home (FTTH).

It’s pretty clear, we have an unending broadband appetite.