Connectivity is the backbone of digital economies and societies. Consequently, ensuring that everyone everywhere in society can participate equally is essential. Bridging divides in access to high-quality, affordable connectivity is high on the policy agenda both of OECD Member countries and partner economies. However, as this report shows, connectivity divides are persistent and difficult to close. Measurement of divides is key to understanding the state of connectivity to support evidence-based policy making.
This publication contributes to the evidence base and presents harmonised subnational connectivity indicators for OECD Member countries and 23 partner economies beyond the OECD. Broadband performance data from third-party providers Ookla and Opensignal show persistent and substantial territorial gaps to high-quality broadband across and within countries between 2019‑24. These trends are seen across fixed and mobile networks, in terms of download and upload speeds, latency and other quality metrics. This is true for both the OECD and the partner economies in the report. Some of these partner economies may face additional challenges to closing divides, such as the availability and reliability of electricity grids, or significant demand-side challenges. Future work could harmonise subnational indicators across the OECD, for example, through an OECD broadband map. This would facilitate cross-country comparison and a better understanding of broadband availability across regions.
With a strengthened evidence base, policy makers can evaluate their institutional and policy framework to ensure it is well positioned to address challenges. A sound regulatory and institutional framework to support overarching policies to support competition and investment is foundational. Additional policies to help ease infrastructure deployment and manage spectrum resources efficiently can help policy objectives move closer to closing connectivity divides. Tailored policies such as spectrum coverage obligations, PPPs or community-led approaches and public programmes can also play a role. In partner economies, official development assistance from multilateral organisations and bilateral arrangements is important to ensuring low- and middle-income countries are not left behind in the digital transformation. Leveraging data to inform policy, this publication provides countries a framework to close connectivity divides and help everyone, everywhere to have access to high-quality connectivity fit for the digital age.