The way we communicate is changing rapidly – not just the “how” but also the “why”.  New technologies mean it is easier than ever to communicate with one another regardless of where we are – at home, at work or on the move.

Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that older communication technologies are struggling. In the last year, calls from landlines fell by 10.7% from 103 billion minutes in 2012 to 93 billion minutes in 2013, whereas calls from mobile increased by only 1.5% during the same period from 132 billion minutes in 2012 to 134 billion in 2013. 

This modest increase is not enough to offset the fall in calls from landlines, meaning a total decline of 9 billion minutes across mobile and landline combined.  This isn’t an isolated incident – it follows the trend of the last few years.   Mobile use is increasing at a relatively gentle pace, while landline usage plummets dramatically.

I predict that by 2020, traditional voice communication will be the least popular channel.   Does this mean we aren’t talking to each other anymore?  Not quite.  We’re just using different technologies.