Highest Current Scores on the 2017 Digital Connectivity Index
- South Korea
- Australia
- Denmark
- Singapore
- Sweden
- Japan
- Norway
- Netherlands
- France
- Switzerland
Internet emerged in last decade as a technology for the masses
The internet has been one of the most transformative innovations of the modern era. This infrastructure of the digital era ushered in new scale and speed to real-time communication for consumers and businesses. In terms of consumers specifically, this connectivity forever changed the way they live, work, shop and play.
Despite its reach and impact on society, it is important to note that the internet has only emerged as a technology for the masses within the last decade. During that time, the number of internet users has more than doubled, buoyed by expansion of internet access to emerging markets.
Developed nations lead in terms of internet access, with many establishing this connectivity two decades ago through fixed-broadband connections in the home followed later by mobile connectivity. Smartphones and the mobile internet the devices enabled democratised the internet as the cheaper handsets and less costly mobile networks put internet access into the hands of emerging market consumers for the first time.
These trends are reflected in the Digital Connectivity Index. Of the top 10 markets with the highest current scores on the Digital Connectivity Index, all are developed markets with their strength on the home component rather than mobile. The highest ranked emerging market is the United Arab Emirates (number 14), which is well known for its high standard of living and tech adoption.
South Korea is the current digital connectivity leader, with some of the fastest and most extensive network enabled by a competitive landscape, proactive regulations and robust infrastructure investments. While South Korea is strong in both fixed and mobile connectivity, it is the strength of its home connectivity propelling it to the top spot in the Digital Connectivity Index based on current scores.
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