Research by Carphone Warehouse produced The Connectivity Index, a ranking of the world’s 34 most connected countries.
The index evaluates more than just broadband access and mobile speeds: it also accounts for social, economic, and political factors that shape how connected a country is.
Carphone Warehouse considered the following categories and metrics when compiling the index:
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Information: number of 5G deployments, number of internet hosts, average mobile speeds, and electricity production.
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Movement: passenger numbers at airports, international tourist arrivals, rail infrastructure quality, and road quality.
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Global Connectivity: balance of trade, number of immigrants, passport strength, and GDP per capita share.
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Social Connectivity: access to primary education, ethnic diversity, marriage rates, and number of social media users.
The United States tops the overall connectivity list. The U.S. leads in air passenger numbers and internet hosts, although its average mobile speeds are relatively slow and access to primary education is weaker in comparison to other top-ranked countries.
Switzerland ranks second and is the only European country in the top five. It earns high marks for rail and road infrastructure and leads in 5G deployments. Its ranking is slightly diminished by fewer air passengers and a lower count of internet hosts.
The United Arab Emirates claims third place, driven by a large immigrant population and the highest number of social media users. The UAE’s score is tempered by a relatively low number of internet hosts.
South Korea ranks fourth, boosted by holding the world’s most powerful passport. Its position is limited by a lower number of immigrants and internet hosts.
China completes the top five, scoring well on electricity production and balance of trade. However, it ranks lower for 5G deployment numbers, immigrant totals, and passport strength.
Leading countries by 5G deployments are:
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Switzerland
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South Korea
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United States
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United Arab Emirates
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China
Countries with the most internet hosts are:
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United States
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Italy
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Brazil
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Germany
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Spain
The top five for average mobile speeds are:
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South Korea
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Norway
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Australia
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Netherlands
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Qatar
The full Connectivity Index, including detailed scores and methodology, is available from Carphone Warehouse.
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