Orange has launched an interactive map that aims to show how universal access to fast and reliable mobile and fixed broadband may impact future working populations across the UK…

The map, supported by data garnered from Orange‘s Connected Britain report, predicts which cities and areas are likely to see their populations grow – or decrease – depending on the quality of broadband available.

According to the research it is the South West of England that will see the biggest population growth, rising over 150% by 2015 as the region’s broadband infrastructure improves. London will see its population grow by 40% by 2015 and Scotland will see a 58% rise in population in the same time period.

The areas that Orange predicts will suffer include the West Midlands (down 81%), the East Midlands (down 70%) and Yorkshire and Humber (down 35%).

“Our research found that a digitally connected workforce could change the face of Britain as we know it. Not only could the population itself shift, but the way we work could also fundamentally change,” says Robert Ainger, director of corporate marketing at Orange UK. “The interactive map means that visitors to the site can quickly check out their current location or somewhere else that takes their fancy, to see how things are likely to pan out there in future.”

The survey also claims that UK businesses could potentially save £31.7bn by letting employees work more flexibly.

You can see the map here.

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