This global mobile insights report examines the Coverage-Quality of Experience, a location based metric as measured by M2Catalyst’s proprietary coverage accessibility algorithm, in juxtaposition to the percentage of mobile traffic carried by each network technology in 70+ countries. The Coverage-QoE algorithm provides a novel new approach to calculating the estimated throughput for each location based on RF conditions, and provides an important step forward in bridging the Digital Divide. In rural, remote, and disadvantaged urban markets, consumers should not be expected to pay the heavy price of data for running speed tests to prove they have poor connectivity. The Coverage-QoE algorithm eliminates the need for running speed tests in regions where consumers can't afford the incremental data charges. The Coverage-QoE analysis provides a new take on the state of the Digital Divide. We calculate the number of locations (800m x 800m bins) countrywide, on an MNO-by-MNO basis, where people have no connectivity or they’re under-connected, and therefore unable to perform remote work, access educational opportunities, or avail themselves of the convenience of telemedicine. 

Charts #1 through #3 show, on a country-by-country basis, the percentage of 800m x 800m bins that are Connected, Under-Connected, and Unconnected, all as defined at the top of this report. Charts #4 through #6 show, on a country-by-country basis, the percentage of mobile traffic that travels over 2G/3G, 4G/5G, or reports No Signal. The global report includes totals for Coverage-QoE and Mobile Traffic across each country’s MNOs. For an MNO-by-MNO analysis, please refer to the individual country reports completed in the Americas, APAC, European, and Middle East & African Regions. 

Chart #1 shows 23 countries with 90% of locations reporting a Connected Coverage-QoE (the percentage of locations with 4G/5G availability that were able to attain average throughput of 9 Mbps or faster) while Chart #4 shows 34 countries with 90% of its users on 4G/5G mobile traffic. While more countries have mobile traffic on the 4G/5G networks, not all provide the throughput speeds to be able to effectively complete tasks such as remote work or telemedicine. 

From Charts #1 through #6, we can see that countries within the European Region are currently more successful at bridging the Digital Divide than those in the other regions. Europe has the most countries with 90% of locations reporting a Connected Coverage-QOE followed by the APAC, Middle East & African, and Americas Regions. Within the Americas Region, countries located in South America appear to have the most room for improvements. 

For access to the complete report in PDF format, please click below.