IMF Notes

Internet Adoption Trends during COVID-19

Author/Editor:

David Amaglobeli ; Mengfei Gu ; Mariano Moszoro ; Yue Zhou ; Patricia L Escalante

Publication Date:

March 31, 2023

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

This paper examines the common perception that internet adoption accelerated globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data show little evidence of a faster expansion of access to internet (extensive margin) across all country income groups but strong evidence of acceleration in the improvement in the quality of connectivity (intensive margin). The data also support that, despite a decline in internet prices over the past decade, affordability of digital services remains a concern for low-income developing countries.

Series:

IMF Notes No 2023/001

Subject:

Economic sectors Technology

Frequency:

occasional