Broadband connectivity enables the modern world. It powers hybrid work, supports communities, and underpins how people connect.
It’s the key to driving business success, economic growth, and societal opportunities across the globe.
It all starts with a single connection.
The impact of one connection
One broadband connection is so much more than just the ability to access the internet. It powers an individual’s access to basic needs, including healthcare and education, as well as empowers them to participate in the global economy.
As more users and devices gain access to the internet, what will the implications of those connections mean for the future?
Compare a global perspective
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use internet at home for 4 or more hours each day
say that three or more people use the internet at the same time of the day
agree that everyone should be able to securely connect to fast and reliable internet regardless of location
believe access to affordable and reliable broadband will become a major issue
state that they were unable to access critical services during lockdown due to unreliable internet
Participating in hybrid work
Internet access will be foundational to the hybrid work future as companies expand talent pools and workers demand remote or hybrid work arrangements. Even as 88% of global respondents depend on reliable internet access to make a living1, many think connections need to improve to support this new way of working.
of workers think broadband services need to dramatically improve to enable them to work from anywhere successfully
anticipate that their company will expand hiring criteria for job candidates over the next 2 years, including being more open to off-site candidates1
agree that the ability to work from anywhere instead of coming into the office every day directly affects whether they stay at or leave a job1
Powering hybrid work through connection
Working away from the office holds value for workers, but what does that mean for business infrastructures?
In short, the success of hybrid work hinges on the quality and availability of the internet.
Organizations that can sustainably connect and empower more diverse hybrid teams will tap into new talent, enable business expansion, and drive innovation in the hybrid work world.
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of workers think broadband services need to dramatically improve to continue to work from anywhere
of workers rely on home internet to work from home or run their own business
of workers believe their company should start to pay for broadband services while working from home
In 2021, just over half of global respondents (51%) said their company has had trouble keeping employees connected over the last 18 months1. Hybrid work depends on quality internet.
This is especially critical for small and medium-sized businesses that do not have the same resources of larger companies. As hybrid workers continue to connect from anywhere, the internet must support the enterprise economy and create a landscape where entrepreneurs and start-ups can prosper.
As work-from-anywhere becomes the norm, safety and security will be crucial for hybrid work success. Many workers are aware of the need for a safe connection, and have security top of mind.
Over half of those who work remotely full-time (60%) and hybrid workers (56%) would pay more to ensure they have a safe broadband connection.
Digital Futures
As digital transformation evolves, governments and service providers have a vital role to play in meeting demands for the availability, reliability and affordability of broadband.
Broadband is critical to meeting basic needs and helping global citizens thrive. It is also key to economic growth, and its importance should not be underestimated. Governments can establish broadband policies and programs that encourage competition, drive internet investments, and expand its reach.
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would like to see governments accelerate plans to ensure internet is available to everyone
say government investment in access to broadband is as important as investing in basic services
say education is the top critical service priority for broadband use
Enabling the world’s growth through connections
Beyond the business world, improving the quality of access to internet has a far broader impact on the economy and society. Broadband access is a universal necessity that drives an inclusive recovery and transformation for all global citizens.
Connecting the world also has powerful economic impact: providing internet access to unconnected parts of the world has the potential to lift 500 million people out of poverty2.
Compare a global perspective
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believe having fast and reliable internet is critical to developing and maintaining a well-educated population
say having access to fast and reliable internet is critical to future economic growth
of global respondents agree that access to broadband is critical to ensuring everyone has equal access to job, education, and healthcare opportunities1 in the post-pandemic world.
Making access to broadband universally available is the key to empowering a thriving global community.
Country Spotlights for North and South America
85% of respondents in Mexico state that having access to fast and reliable internet is critical to developing and maintaining a well-educated and informed population
74% of respondents in Canada state that having access to fast and reliable internet is critical to future economic growth
84% of respondents in Brazil state that everyone should be able to securely connect to fast and reliable internet when in public places or while on the move regardless of location
Country Spotlights for Europe
71% of respondents in the United Kingdom state that having access to fast and reliable internet is critical to future economic growth
67% of respondents in France state that having access to fast and reliable internet is critical to developing and maintaining a well-educated and informed population
66% of respondents in Germany state that everyone should be able to securely connect to fast and reliable internet when in public places or while on the move regardless of location
Country Spotlights for Middle East & Africa
82% of respondents in Saudi Arabia state that having access to fast, reliable internet is critical to the Kingdom’s future economic growth
73% or respondents in the UAE state that having access to fast and reliable Internet Services is critical for maintaining a well-educated population
90% or respondents in South Africa state that everyone should be able to securely connect to fast and reliable internet when in public places or while on the move regardless of location
Country Spotlights for Asia-Pacific
61% of respondents in Japan state that having access to fast and reliable internet is critical to future economic growth
71% of respondents in Australia state that having access to fast and reliable internet is critical to developing and maintaining a well-educated and informed population
81% of respondents in India state that everyone should be able to securely connect to fast and reliable internet when in public places or while on the move regardless of location
When we connect one…
…we create a ripple effect that makes a world of impact.
Methodology
Connection Is Key was fueled by three data sources:
- Cisco Global Broadband Index 2022: Cisco Broadband Index is based on a survey of 59,796 workers across 30 markets:
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APJC
- It was completed in December 2021. The sample included respondents based in every region of each market, who either work full-time remotely; full-time in an office; hybrid, between home and the office; or on the frontline. The poll was conducted by independent research consultancy Censuswide, who abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society - which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
- 1 Cisco Future of Technology 2021: The Future of Technology survey is a global survey of 39,880 CIOs, IT Decision Makers, and corporate workforce respondents in 34 global markets, commissioned by Cisco and deployed by Censuswide in August 2021 to uncover evolving perceptions around the future of work, connectivity, and the secure modern enterprise.
- 2 Cisco’s 2020 Inclusive Future Report: This report curates additional data sources while building upon previously mentioned proprietary research reports. Its goal is to better understand how technology impacts inclusiveness – the extent by which everyone is equally able to participate in all the advantages that our societies offer – on a global scale.