The average adult spends 30 hours a month connecting with loved ones – sending an average of 262 messages, and making 152 phone calls, according to research. A typical 992 connections are made in a month, including the exchange of 149 emails.
WhatsApp is the most popular way of communicating, for 58% of Brits – while 48% would choose to make a phone call, and 28% prefer SMS.
And when it comes to who they connect with most, the poll of 2,000 adults found that best friends top the list, for 36% – followed by partners (33%), and parents (22%).
The research was commissioned by Vodafone, to explore the importance of connectivity across the UK – as the mobile phone provider has been crowned “London's Best Network”, by European testing company, NET CHECK.
And to celebrate the achievement, Vodafone has unveiled “The Connected Skyline” – a replica model of London's iconic skyline, on display for one day only today (Thursday), on London's South Bank.
The piece was created by Brixton-based artist and sculptor, Alex Wright (AKA “Wreckage”), who has been making art from waste materials for more than 35 years.
He said: “Having lived in London for 17 years, I feel very connected to the city, so getting to work on this project for Vodafone with my talented team, and re-imagine some of the city’s most iconic landmarks using recycled tech, has been a lot of fun.
“To re-create this iconic skyline, celebrating connectivity, I got to handpick recycled materials of all shapes and sizes, from network equipment to SIMs and devices, taking influence from the original designs, and breathing new life into them as the skyline took shape.”
Alex and his team carefully crafted the structure over 19 days, from nearly a tonne of recycled tech, network equipment, and SIMs.
The 20ft long, 10ft high, and 4ft deep construction features London’s most iconic landmarks, including The Shard, Big Ben, and the recently renovated Battersea Power Station.
Max Taylor, chief commercial officer at Vodafone, said: “We know how important it is to stay connected to those closest to us, and we are committed to providing our customers with the very best service across the capital and beyond.
“We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as London’s Best Network, and we’re excited to unveil this unique installation in London to celebrate.”
The study also found the top reasons for Brits getting in touch with one another include “checking in to say hi” (45%), sharing life updates (30%), and arranging meet-ups (28%) – and the most popular time for having these conversations is between 6pm and 7pm.
Looking beyond a strong mobile connection, the study also found 54% of those polled, via OnePoll.com, want to feel connected to their hometown.
Access to local restaurants or cafes (31%), events (30%), independent shops (25%), and cultural happenings (20%), are among the things that make Brits feel most connected to their local area.
London was considered the most connected city, followed closely by Manchester and Liverpool.
“The Connected Skyline” will be available to view at the Observation Point on London’s South Bank, for one day only, on August 24.
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