High-speed broadband exponentially increases opportunities for higher-paid work.
Seven out of 10 people living in rural Ireland believe that high-speed broadband access could increase their opportunity to secure higher-paid work, while over half would consider seeking new employment opportunities as a result of having high-speed broadband.
The research, carried out by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) which surveyed 298 people in 38 towns spread across Ireland from Donegal to Kerry, showed how 85% believe that high-speed broadband can help their local economy and expand job opportunities.
“This research is showing the importance of broadband to the rural economy and the potential it has to improve earning power, employment opportunities and quality of life for Ireland’s regional dwellers”
80% believe high-speed broadband will help local people to start their own businesses and a similar proportion (83%) said they would avail of high-speed broadband if it was available in their area.
Closing the digital divide
“This research is showing the importance of broadband to the rural economy and the potential it has to improve earning power, employment opportunities and quality of life for Ireland’s regional dwellers,” said Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland, the company that is delivering the Irish Government’s National Broadband Plan.
“The survey also showed that a large majority (90%) believe there is a rural/urban divide on broadband access. The National Broadband Plan is all about closing that digital divide by bringing future-proofed, high-speed broadband to every home, farm and business so that all parts of the country can reap the economic and social benefits, and no one is left behind.
“Overall, 1.1m people living and working in almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms, are set to benefit from access to the broadband network being rolled out by NBI under the National Broadband Plan.”
