Anywhere index

Anywhere is not everywhere, but it will be soon. Yankee Group tracks where the Anywhere revolution is happening using its Anywhere Index, which shows the ratio of broadband connections per capita. Countries are considered to be Anywhere when they reach or exceed the Anywhere Tipping Point: one broadband connection per person.

By 2009, only South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong had achieved Anywhere status, but the trend is picking up speed. By 2015, our analysts believe 32 countries will be Anywhere. People in these regions expect to connect with people, work and services from anywhere. Broadband connectivity is as common as electricity and just as unremarkable. The most important day-to-day information and experiences are available on demand.

Today 30 countries, including the U.S., Australia, Switzerland, the U.K., Taiwan and Estonia, are categorized as Transforming, with one broadband connection for every three people. Daily information and experiences are a mix of the digital and traditional. Network connectivity is frequently available but not universal, and locations with fixed connections--such as the home or the office--become the center of connected society.

Emerging countries, defined as having less than one broadband line per three people, are only getting a glimpse of what Anywhere can offer.  Network connectivity is somewhat rare, and location limits the ability to connect with family, friends, co-workers and services.