Broadband revolution would change UK population map by 2015
A new research report from Orange UK shows that Digital Britain’s plans of universal broadband access could change the population map of the UK. If high-speed broadband access to everyone becomes a reality in UK by 2015, as planned by the government, more people would be able to work in a place of their choosing, according to the report.
As a result, the population in the South West of England would increase by 150% while it would increase by 50% in Scotland after five years. The study predicts that the local businesses in these regions would get new opportunities, scope and demand for their services that will lead to rise in demand for commercial and residential areas.
The study also reveals that East and West Midlands and parts of North would see a fall in population due to the large scale of migration. Major cities like Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester will become less congested as 80% of the population might head towards their preferred areas such as mountains or coasts.
The cities and regions in UK that would see their population impacted by universal broadband access are as follows:
| Region/city in UK | Population change by 2015 |
| Scotland | up 58% |
| North East | down 35% |
| North West | down 9.5% |
| Yorkshire & Humber | down 35% |
| West Midlands | down 81% |
| East Midlands | down 70% |
| Wales | up 5% |
| South West | up 158% |
| South East | down 3% |
| London | up 40% |
Orange UK also conducted a survey of 3,281 office workers from the UK to hear their opinions on mobile working. Nearly one in five (16%) would accept a pay cut (on average £6,900) and more than one-third would not mind giving up perks if they get option to work more flexibly. The research also found that UK businesses can save up to £31.7 billion if they offer flexible working option to their employees.
Robert Ainger, Director of Corporate Marketing, Orange UK said:
“Much like the industrial revolution, the digital revolution we are currently going through will forever change the way we all lead our lives. Not just from a social perspective, but the way we work and the places we can work from.”
Regarding mobile working, futurologist James Bellini said:
“Our research shows that already 39% of people are able to work some or all of the time from a location of their choice and employees are increasingly realising that they can be just as productive working from home or on the move.”
“As connectivity across Britain increases, so too will mobile working, making the traditional office almost obsolete. In fact, by 2020, a successful and forward-looking business will have no HQ, probably no CEO and only a fraction of the fixed assets it has today.”
