The Impact of Fibre Connectivity on SMEs : Benefits and Business Opportunities

Drawing on research conducted over the last 3 years in Cornwall, UK, this new book explores the impact of the EU/BT funded introduction of fibre broadband on rural SMEs. Including a qualitative methodology and in depth focus groups with over 200 companies, __The Impact of Fibre Connectivity on__ SMEs provides a detailed, in depth, analysis to challenge conventionally held beliefs in the value of subsidy and policy pressure in the deployment of such projects. With focus on regional development in the UK as well as exploration of the wider EU context, the book presents a genuine insight into the technology adoption and technology provision. The Impact of Fibre Connectivity on SMEs 3 Contents 5 List of Table 8 1 Introduction 9 References 18 2 Defining the Research Context 19 2.1 Policy Context 20 2.2 Research Approach 24 2.3 Developing the Research Approach 26 2.4 Phase 1 – Early Adopters and Those Wishing to Adopt 29 2.4.1 Phase 1 – Research Aims 29 2.4.2 Sample 29 2.5 Phase 2 – Those Who Had SFBB for up to 6 Months 29 2.5.1 Phase 2 – Research Aims 29 2.5.2 Sample 30 2.6 Phase 3 – Long-Term Adoption and Impact (18 Months Use of SFBB) 30 2.6.1 Phase 3 – Aims 30 2.6.2 Sample 31 2.7 Conclusion 31 References 32 3 Moving Up the Information Superhighway 34 3.1 Moving on from ADSL 35 3.2 Problems Associated with Slow Broadband Speed 36 3.2.1 Contention Ratio Problems 37 3.2.2 Adaptation to Accommodate Slow Broadband Speeds 38 3.2.3 Upload versus Download 40 3.3 Aspirations and Expectations Regarding SFBB 41 3.3.1 Reliability and Consistency of Service 41 3.4 Value-Add Services 42 3.4.1 Guaranteed Minimum Speeds 43 3.5 Attitudes and Perceived Barriers to SFBB 43 3.6 Misconceptions, Paranoia and Untruths! 48 Note 53 4 Early impact – Take-Up and the Virtuous Circle of Connectivity 54 4.1 Early Adoption and Impact 55 4.2 Drivers for SFBB Adoption 56 4.3 Overcoming the Problems of Poor Connectivity 56 4.4 Increased Potential for Business Growth 57 4.5 Increased Capacity 58 4.6 Increased Access to Cloud Services 59 4.7 Aspirations and Expectations regarding SFBB 60 4.7.1 Experiencing SFBB 60 4.8 The Virtuous Circle of Connectivity 62 4.9 Speed and Efficiency Benefits of SFBB 63 4.10 Increased Ability to Multitask 64 4.11 Reversing the Shift – Offline to Online 65 4.12 Economic Benefits of SFBB 66 4.12.1 Reducing the Need to Travel 66 4.12.2 Increased Collaboration Opportunities 67 4.12.3 Changing Patterns of Employment 69 4.12.4 Increased Use of Cloud Services 70 4.12.5 Improved Business Agility 71 4.13 Social Benefits of SFBB 73 4.13.1 Overcoming Cornwall’s Peripheral Location 73 4.13.2 Opportunities for Inward Investment 74 4.13.3 Improved Work/Life Balance 76 4.13.4 Increased Flexibility in Working Hours 77 4.14 Environmental Impact 79 4.14.1 Potential for Reduced Carbon Footprint through Less Travel 81 4.15 Issues and Concerns 82 4.15.1 Skills Gap 82 4.15.2 Knowledge Gap 84 4.15.3 Increased Dependency on SFBB Perceived to Increase Vulnerability 86 4.15.4 Communicating with Those Who Do Not Have SFBB 89 4.16 Conclusion 91 5 Always Wanting More 92 5.1 Introduction 93 5.2 SFBB and SME Expectations 93 5.2.1 Reliability of Service 98 5.2.2 Consistency of Service 100 5.2.3 Current Bandwidth Consumption 101 5.3 Future Proofing and Bandwidth Consumption 104 5.4 Benefits Realisation and Innovation 107 5.4.1 Innovation and Operating Differently 108 5.4.2 Speed and Efficiency Gains 110 5.4.3 Better Access to Worldwide Markets 111 5.5 Broadening the Customer Base 113 5.5.1 Increased Use of Cloud Services 113 5.5.2 Business Creation and Retention in Cornwall 119 5.5.3 Business Growth, New Business Opportunities and Diversification 122 5.6 Impact on Carbon Footprint 123 5.6.1 Remote Working and Working from Home 124 5.7 The Ever Expanding Skills Gap 126 6 Conclusions, Recommendations and the Future 130 6.1 Key Benefits Realisation 136 6.2 Maximising Benefits 138 6.3 Recommendations 138 References 141 Appendix – Discussion Guides for Each Project Phase 142 Phase 1 142 Introduction 142 Initial response to, awareness and understanding of SFBB 143 Current experience and expectations 143 Expectations 143 Concerns/issues 144 Future aspirations 145 Wrap up 145 Phase 2 145 Introduction 145 Expectations 146 Business Impact 146 Maximising SFBB benefits 147 Future aspirations 148 Wrap up 148 Phase 3 148 Introduction 148 Expectations 149 Innovation: What has changed: Business Impact/Business practice changes 149 Maximising SFBB benefits 151 Problems/frustrations 151 Future aspirations 152 Wrap up 152 Index 153 Drawing on research conducted over the last 3 years in Cornwall, UK, this new book explores the impact of the EU/BT funded introduction of fibre broadband on rural SMEs. Including a qualitative methodology and in depth focus groups with over 200 companies, The Impact of Fibre Connectivity on SMEs provides a detailed, in depth, analysis to challenge conventionally held beliefs in the value of subsidy and policy pressure in the deployment of such projects. With focus on regional development in the UK as well as exploration of the wider EU context, the book presents a genuine insight into the technology adoption and technology provision. Andy Phippen is Professor of Social Responsibility in IT at Plymouth Plymouth Business School, Plymouth University, UK. He has conducted empirical research into the relationship between technology and public engagement for over 15 years, including work into public trust in online systems, young people and privacy, and the impact of technologies in rural locations. Hazel Lacohée undertakes qualitative research on behalf of BT TSO within the People and Behaviours Research team. She joined BT in 1998 and is responsible for providing insight regarding the commercial, socio-economic and customer impact of ICT applications and systems. Hazel obtained an ESRC funded PhD in Psychology from the University of Bristol in 1996 and her current work concerns the impact of NGA for Businesses and Consumer Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-10 Defining the Research Context....Pages 11-25 Moving Up the Information Superhighway....Pages 27-46 Early impact – Take-Up and the Virtuous Circle of Connectivity....Pages 47-84 Always Wanting More....Pages 85-122 Conclusions, Recommendations and the Future....Pages 123-134 Back Matter....Pages 135-148