Could the rise of public WiFi damage the future of street performance?

Guilty. Yep, many of us are guilty of being addicted and actively sourcing WiFi hotspots. Although relatively scarce outside of major UK cities, there has been a noticeable rise in free, public WiFi connections. Across eateries, shopping districts, squares and transport stops: town and city centres are beginning to provide free wireless internet access for their leisurely guests.

WiFi has become a magnet for public spaces to attract those with limited mobile data and desperate to be connected - whilst also giving easy contact details to marketers during the sign up process. Providing and delivering top speed internet access is costly, but has been noted as a trend which seems to have a positive influence on the relationship between cities and towns and the presence of digitally engaged consumers according to the 2015 Digital High Street 2020 Report. Even on public transport, there's no denying of both expecting and relying on internet access for the journey. According to YouGov research, nearly 43% of Britons are increasingly frustrated by the lack of free, public WiFi networks available as they commute, shop or browse in towns and cities. Which isn't surprising as the UK 'has never been more addicted to smartphones' according to Deloitte's research report.

Fuelling social media 'check-ins', promoting company 'likes' and encouraging a more connected space, there are positives to WiFi hotspots - but it's important to consider the negatives too. Street performers rely on the engagement and interaction of those in public spaces which is being negotiated by the persistent desire for WiFi connectivity. Alongside the decline of cash payments and introduction to contactless and digital, the attention span of possible audiences distracted by devices could be damaging to the busking trade the more it develops. As street performance occupies our streets, it's important to recognise the obstacles these acts are facing as high-streets boost virtual connectivity. With buskers providing entertainment, is this being dismissed by those preoccupied by their mobile phones? What could this mean for the future of street performance if unlimited, free, WiFi access becomes integrated into towns, cities and even villages?