The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on Internet Speed : An Empirical Analysis of 18 Countries in Africa
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the related lockdown measures to prevent the virus’ spread have highlighted how important it is for everyone to have access to reliable and resilient digital infrastructure. Restrictions on movement have generated higher...
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| Format: | Brief |
| Language: | English |
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World Bank, Washington, DC
2021
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| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/665221606980065377/The-Effect-of-COVID-19-Lockdown-Measures-on-Internet-Speed-An-Empirical-Analysis-of-Eighteen-Countries-in-Africa http://hdl.handle.net/10986/35148 |
| Summary: | Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the related
lockdown measures to prevent the virus’ spread have
highlighted how important it is for everyone to have access
to reliable and resilient digital infrastructure.
Restrictions on movement have generated higher Internet
usage and increased traffic on networks, reflecting an
increase in remote working and learning, as well as other
activities that have shifted online. This article provides
insight into the effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19) related
lockdown measures on internet speed in a sample of
developing countries in Africa. The findings of this study
demonstrate the resiliency of digital infrastructure in
Africa and also highlight and reflect the benefits of
partnership between public and private stakeholders to
manage traffic surges. The development community should
encourage and leverage these partnerships to not only ensure
continued network resilience during times of crisis, but
also to minimize the digital divide between countries and
within countries as the new global digital transformation
takes shape. |
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