Out-of-home internet use

In this study for the Broadband Stakeholders Group, we considered patterns of out-of-home use of the internet. Rather than focusing on mobile device usage (which includes much in-home traffic) or mobile network traffic (which excludes other forms of out-of-home use, such as wifi hotspot usage), this study seeks to quantify out-of-home use.

We also look at drivers and limits to growth, and the relative importance of bandwidth growth and unit price declines.

Report: Out of home use of the Internet

BSG Press release

Patterns of fixed traffic growth, 2023

In the 2023 edition of our annual survey of fixed broadband traffic around the world, we find that growth has continued low, with average rates of around 10%. While there was a possibility that slower rates immediately following the pandemic were the result of growth having been pulled forward, there is growing evidence that such low rates are in fact the 'new normal'.

Patterns of fixed traffic growth, 2024

In our latest report on fixed traffic growth around the world, we find that traffic growth remains modest, at an average of around 11% around the world. This is extremely simlar to the figures in last year's report, suggesting a new normal at this level.

Patterns of internet traffic

This paper examines how fixed broadband traffic has grown in different countries around the world, bringing together data from multiple regulators. It also considers the drivers of traffic growth, and the weak correlation with bandwidth growth.

Patterns of internet traffic growth, 2021

This paper updates our previous analysis of how fixed broadband traffic has grown in different countries around the world, bringing together data from multiple regulators. It also considers the drivers of traffic growth, and discusses why (pandemic aside) traffic growth appears to be slowing.

(The 2018 paper is available here).