The report goes on to examine the work force that will be dependent on mobile devices. Currently it is estimated that 50 million out of 119 million workers are mobile at times and in positions that could use wireless. By 2005 these workers increase to 61 million - a surprisingly high figure, which indicates how conservative current market analysis growth rates are. With this level of usage projected for mobile communications, the report goes on to examine what the impact will be on individuals, organizations and society. There is evidence for increased productivity at the personal level.
People feel safer with wireless communication devices.
At present, an average of eight calls are made for every highway accident. For some, there is a stress increase when they realize that they may be contacted at any place and at any time. Organizationally, the average time to locate a doctor or nurse in a hospital went from 159 minutes to about two minutes - a major improvement in responsiveness. Tracking of individuals in a local environment now becomes possible which is not welcomed by some. This technology also facilitates geographic dispersal of organizations and increases the range and the productivity of technicians in services organizations.