Superfast broadband just about promotes economic growth

A Plymouth University study suggests that businesses create jobs and grow faster as a result of broadband improvements. However, the findings suggest that access to high speed internet connections may simply be the price of staying in business, rather than delivering a fundamental transformation of a local economy.

The study, which surveyed 88 SMEs using BT's superfast broadband in Cornwall (UK), found that 83 percent of businesses that have been using the technology for over 12 months are saving time and money. Meanwhile, nearly half of those surveyed said that fiber broadband has helped their business generate new sales, with a quarter pointing to new overseas trade deals. While the initial signs seem positive, only seven of the 88 businesses surveyed said that superfast broadband has helped to boost their staff numbers, with 18 new jobs created and 25 safeguarded across those firms. However, the sample of 88 businesses reflects just 11.6 percent of the total number of businesses in Cornwall that have been connected to superfast broadband for over 12 months. Lead researcher Adrian Dawson said the true number of jobs created and safeguarded in Cornwall as a result of superfast broadband is likely to be around 767 and 1390 respectively, when all businesses in the area are taken into account.