New Cisco study shows workers demanding universal access to high-performance broadband can thrive with hybrid work |

SAN JOSE, California., February 23, 2022 /CNW/ —

Summary of the news

• 75% of workers believe broadband services need to be drastically improved to enable them to work from anywhere
• Three out of four respondents believe that access to fast and reliable internet is crucial for future economic growth and a well-educated population.
• More than half (58%) said they were unable to access essential services like online doctor appointments or online education during the lockdown due to unreliable internet
• Almost half (48%) of the workforce today relies on their home internet to work from home or run their own business.

Cisco’s Broadband Index, released today, shows that people value having access to the Internet more than ever. According to the global survey of nearly 60,000 workers in 30 countries on their home broadband access, quality and usage, economic and social growth will not happen without universal access to fast and reliable Internet.

Hybrid The work depends on the quality of the Internet

The success of hybrid work depends on the quality and availability of the internet. 75% of workers say broadband services need to be drastically improved to support this new way of working. Almost eight in ten workers surveyed (78%) say the reliability and quality of broadband connections is important to them. Dependence on high-performance Internet access is underscored by the fact that eight in ten respondents (84%) actively use their home broadband for four hours or more a day. In the meantime, three or more people use the Internet at the same time in 60% of households.

Many remote workers require more than basic connectivity to make a living. To meet the demands of their broadband connection, almost half of the respondents (43%) plan to upgrade their Internet service in the next 12 months.

“A secure, high-quality, and reliable internet is critical to the success of hybrid work,” he said Jonathan DavidsonExecutive Vice President and General Manager, Mass-Scale Infrastructure Group, Cisco. “We work closely with our global service provider customers to transform the economics of the internet and help them redesign internet infrastructure to make it better and more accessible to connect more of the people and businesses that rely on it. “

Crucial for small and medium-sized businesses

Almost half (48%) of workers now rely on their home internet to work from home or run their own business. This is particularly critical for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which do not have the same resources and IT infrastructure as larger companies. A new digital business environment has emerged where ambitious entrepreneurs and start-ups can thrive and foster innovation across all industries.

According to the World Bank*, SMEs account for around 90% of businesses and more than 50% of jobs worldwide. SMEs create seven out of ten jobs in emerging markets. Broadband will therefore play a key role in the growth and development of this core business category.

Security is vital

To be able to work from anywhere, employees need to connect to their company’s networks and applications from outside the office and access private data in multiple locations, on multiple devices, and across public and private networks. Workers are becoming increasingly aware that safety, as well as speed and reliability, are critical to the success of hybrid working. More than half of people working full-time or hybrid would pay more to ensure they have secure broadband connection.

Bridging the digital divide

Beyond the business world, improving the quality of access to the Internet has broader economic and social implications. Three out of four respondents believe that access to fast and reliable internet is crucial for future economic growth and a well-educated population. A similar proportion (78%) say everyone should be able to securely connect to fast and reliable internet, regardless of location.

“As of today, more than 40% of the world is still not connected. The inability to connect these roughly 3.4 billion people over the next 10 years risks widening the digital divide even further,” he said Guy Diedrich, SVP & Global Innovation Officer. “As business leaders and technologists, we must help the rising tide of the digital age to raise all ships; time is of the essence.”

Data from the Cisco Broadband Index survey underscores concerns about the digital divide: 65% of respondents say access to affordable and reliable broadband will become a major concern for people, as connectivity to access employment and education opportunities becomes even more important. More than half (58%) said they were unable to access essential services such as online doctor appointments, online education, social care and utility services during the lockdown due to unreliable broadband.

Partnerships for digital inclusion

The critical need for universal broadband presents a major opportunity for governments and industries to work together and take action. 75% of respondents would like governments to accelerate plans to ensure fast and reliable internet is available to everyone. Governments can set broadband policies and programs that encourage competition, drive Internet investment and expand their reach. Employers can support their workforce by using the right technology for their specific hybrid work model. Service providers can work with governments to develop programs that address the needs of the unserved or underserved, and explore new ways of connecting to power the “Internet of the Future” that meets demand.

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About the Cisco Broadband Index

The Cisco Broadband Index is based on a survey of 59,796 workers in 30 countries: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, New ZealandSouth Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, China, United States of America, Spain, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, SwedenUnited Arab Emirates and Netherlands. It was completed in December 2021. The sample included respondents from all regions of each country who either work remotely full-time; full-time in an office; hybrid, between home and office; or at the front. The survey was conducted by independent research consultancy Censuswide, which adheres to the Market Research Society rules and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

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*Finance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), World Bank

SOURCE Cisco Systems, Inc.