- Nearly two fifths (38%) of adults in Scotland want to be more sustainable, and choose utilities providers that are also environmentally conscious.
- 13% of adults in Scotland plan to switch broadband provider in the next 18 months or more, 13% intend on swapping energy providers, and 9% want to switch entertainment platform services.
- One in nine adults in Scotland (11%) believe they could get a better and more reliable broadband service by switching.
Research from Zen Internet has found that almost two fifths of Scottish adults (38%) want to be more sustainable and choose more eco-friendly service providers, with almost one in seven (13%) having already switched to a more sustainable energy firm.
Amidst this renewed enthusiasm to go green, Zen found that almost one in seven (13%) Scottish adults are ready to make the move and switch broadband providers in the next 18 months, whilst 13% and 9% are ready to switch energy and entertainment providers respectively.
Switching it up
Almost a third of Scottish adults (30%) reported the need for connecting an increased number of devices since the pandemic, thus requiring more bandwidth from their broadband service. A quarter (25%) also experienced more issues, including outages, than previously. As a result, over a third (36%) used time over ongoing lockdowns to explore alternative broadband options.
Of those who did take the leap and switched broadband provider in 2021, two thirds of Scottish adults (66%) revealed that switching was easier than they thought it would be. With the 2020s deemed the decade of full fibre, 12% of Scottish broadband users also switched to access better technologies such as full fibre, a reflection of growing demand across the country.
The best of both worlds
Scottish adults stating they have never switched broadband provider was at 21% versus 18% UK-wide. This may decrease in 2022 as many Scottish adults recognise the benefits of switching. One in ten (11%) already believe they could get a better and more reliable service by switching.
The need for speed comes amidst Zen’s recent announcement to follow the CityFibre rollout of gigabit-speed broadband to 285 towns, cities and villages across the UK. Still the UK’s only Which? Recommended Provider for Broadband, Zen aims to transform the digital capabilities of cities across the UK. CityFibre has invested £183 million collectively into Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness’ infrastructure as part of its nationwide Gigabit City Investment Programme.
Thanks to the full fibre rollout, Zen customers will get the best of both worlds. Residents in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness not only have access to a reliable service with award-winning support, but as a certified B Corporation, Zen is part of a community of organisations around the world balancing profit with people and the planet.
Paul Stobart, CEO at Zen, said: “Little changes that people can easily action can make a real difference in both their lives and for the planet. This includes switching providers, whether it’s across energy, broadband or entertainment platforms.
“With all things digital increasingly taking a front seat in day to day life, the appetite for increased bandwidth is ever-present. That’s why ensuring you’re with a broadband provider that provides fast, reliable connectivity is essential. Consumers don’t want to compromise on that as they become increasingly keen to go green – and they don’t have to.
“Thanks to Zen’s B Corp status – which means our organisation balances profit with people and the planet – as well as our CityFibre rollout in Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow, many Scottish households can get the best of both worlds: an eco-conscious provider with unparalleled connectivity.”
Delivering on its determination to be a force for good, Zen is Carbon Neutral and is now on a path to Net Zero.
With a strong ethos to not be constrained by short-term financial targets, Zen has long-term goals to strive to make a positive impact on people and the planet.
For more information, please visit: www.zen.co.uk.