News
Parents in the U.S. are more likely to relocate if they lose access to reliable internet versus affordable childcare according to a new study.
This story was originally released by our sister publication Broadband Communities
A recent study has ranked reliable internet as more important than affordable childcare for American parents.
The study, conducted on behalf of internet exchange operator DE-CIX this spring, surveyed over 2,000 respondents.
A quarter of parents surveyed said access to reliable internet is a priority when deciding where to live. By comparison, only 16 percent of parents surveyed responded that access to affordable childcare was a priority.
The survey, conducted by Censuswide, also reported residents in San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles “showed a high propensity to relocate if remote work options were available.”
A summary of the survey reported over half of respondents in those cities expressed a desire to move.
“These survey findings are a wake-up call for businesses and urban planners alike to invest in robust internet infrastructure to retain and attract a vibrant, innovative workforce,” said Ivo Ivanov, the CEO of DE-CIX.
Ivanov, through comments provided to the media, said internet infrastructure will be key for competitive advantage and community resilience.
“Strengthening internet exchanges across America is no longer just about business continuity,” he said.
Also revealed by the survey were findings that nearly two thirds of respondents between the age of 18 and 24, value remote working arrangements. Conversely, only 31 percent of respondents over age 55 prioritized remote work and workplace flexibility.
“Our study indicates that the younger generations in the workforce—particularly Gen Zs — place a high value on flexibility and mobility, elements that will shape future workplace policies and urban planning of digital infrastructure,” Ivanov said.
In total, 44 percent of those surveyed said they’d consider relocating to maintain remote work jobs, according to the research made public by DE-CIX.
To get content like this delivered to your inbox, subscribe to the Broadband Communities newsletter
Also in the news:
Digi set to buy OTE’s Telekom Romania
Billionaire Xavier Neil ponders Millicom acquisition
EU-funded Global Gateways projects on show at Submarine Networks EMEA 2024