Measuring connectivity beyond access: Capturing the traffic in networks and use of Internet
Across regions, countries continue to strengthen data collection on connectivity. While traditional indicators provide essential information on network availability and access, understanding how connectivity translates into real benefits requires going further in measuring beyond basic measures.
For example, measuring connectivity only through infrastructure or subscriptions is like counting roads without knowing how many vehicles use them. Broadband traffic data provides this missing dimension, revealing how connectivity is actually used, the intensity of network activity, and its role in supporting digital services, economic activity, and everyday interactions.
Overall, 29% of countries reported fixed broadband traffic and 37% reported mobile traffic (see figure below). Continued efforts are needed to improve data availability, reporting practices, and coverage across countries.
Another example is measuring how the internet is used. Indicators such as internet banking, disaggregated by gender, provide a more complete picture of how people use connectivity in practice, offering valuable insights into digital engagement across different groups. However, only 28% of countries currently report this indicator (see figure below), underscoring important data gaps that limit a full understanding of digital participation.
Collecting these data requires dedicated household surveys, robust statistical processes, and sustained effort from countries to produce detailed and comparable information. By investing in the ICT statistics system, countries are helping to build a clearer understanding of the digital transformation and enabling more effective, targeted policies to maximize the impact of connectivity and ensure it delivers real benefits for all.