United States is Second Among G7 Countries in the New Connectivity Readiness Index

(this will open in a new window)FarrPoint, a leading connectivity consultancy, unveiled its new report on digital connectivity readiness across the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States).

The report, "International Digital Connectivity Readiness Index," measures performance across both digital infrastructure — such as broadband, Gigabit, 4G, and 5G connectivity — and digital adoption, which includes metrics like digital skills, online security, access to public services, affordability, and innovation.

According to FarrPoint’s digital economics team, the UK tops the new index, with the US and Germany sharing 2nd place on the overall readiness score. Canada, Japan and France share 4th place, with Italy coming in last overall. The real differences can be seen by drilling down to compare individual metrics.

While typically scoring in the low teens in global broadband measures, the US comes in second here because the index applies higher weighting to digital adoption instead of merely scoring for broadband infrastructure being in place.

“Broadband infrastructure, fiber as well and other high-speed technologies can’t capitalize on its potential without actual use,” says Dr Andrew Muir, CEO of FarrPoint. “Infrastructure on its own doesn’t derive benefits if no one uses it/adopts it. Measuring and driving adoption is important and this is strong in the US.”

In fact, the US ranks 6th in terms Digital Connectivity Infrastructure despite scoring highly in mobile connectivity (1st in 4G coverage and 1st in 5G coverage). The US’s strong mobile infrastructure rankings is counterbalanced by slightly below-average broadband infrastructure and connectivity. The US has the lowest ranking in Gigabit-capable coverage.

“It’s clear why the US is investing heavily in broadband infrastructure,” says Muir. “With better connectivity alongside education to drive adoption, the US is sure to find itself at the top of our index by decade’s end.”

The US ranks 3rd among G7 nations for Digital Connectivity Adoption, with its technology sector driving high scores in Digital Economy and Innovation, but Affordability remains a real issue.

This annual benchmarking report and framework allows governments and policymakers to better understand and assess their strengths and challenges in digital connectivity and make data-driven decisions to enhance their digital strategies.

This index methodology can be used to further analyse and compare performances on a more granular level i.e. state / region or city level within each country.

"Our International Digital Connectivity Readiness Index report underscores the vital role digital connectivity plays in driving economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability”, says Matthew Izatt-Lowry, FarrPoint’s Head of Economics. “As the global economy increasingly relies on digital infrastructure, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of each country is paramount for policymakers to make informed, evidence-based decisions.”

Download the full report

A summary of the key metrics is summarized below:

Key Findings of the Report per Country

1. The United States and Germany share joint second place overall but differ on key metrics Germany and the US are joint 2nd overall in the International DCRI. On the Infrastructure side, both perform strongly on the mobile side, however, their fixed networks especially those with Gigabit connectivity lag behind some of their advanced comparators. On the adoption side, Germany leads the G7 on digital skills, and affordability, but is facing stagnation in innovation and the digital economy. Whereas the United States excel in the digital economy, innovation, and public services, but struggling with digital skills, security, and affordability. The US is at the forefront of Digital Economy and Innovation.
2. United Kingdom: Current leader in this index but still faces challenges The United Kingdom leads the G7, doing well in digital infrastructure and adoption, with strengths in the digital economy, online household access, and digital skills. However, it faces challenges in online wellbeing, security, and driving broader innovation.
3. Canada, France and Japan: Good advances but with areas for improvement In joint 4th place overall are Canada, France and Japan. Canada leads in online security and wellbeing but faces challenges in business adoption and affordability. France, while making notable progress in infrastructure, continues to face challenges with innovation and affordability challenges. Japan excels in 5G and Gigabit infrastructure, however, lags on digital adoption due to affordability issues, limited digital skills, and online wellbeing concerns.
4. Italy: Opportunities for growth and development Italy ranks last in the G7 for digital connectivity, with notable gaps in infrastructure and adoption. Addressing these areas will be crucial for Italy to fully leverage digital technologies for economic growth and social inclusion.

About FarrPoint

FarrPoint is a connectivity and smart technology consultancy with offices in the UK, Canada and the US. The team comprises technical consultants, economists and data analysts, who provide advice to public and private sector clients, from national governments to telecoms operators and local authorities.

@farrpoint

In the United States, contact:

Doug Adams

Broadband Marketers

720-412-7876 * [email protected]

Notes for editors regarding methodology

The scores contained within this International Digital Connectivity Index report are based on key indicators gathered from a series of data sources, including the OECD, the World Bank, the European Commission, ITU, GSMA, the UN and UNESCO. As detailed within the report, four key indicators have been produced for infrastructure based on metrics around Gigabit, Superfast, 4G and 5G connectivity. On adoption, eight key indicators have been produced covering Online Households, Digital Skills, Security Online, Online Wellbeing, Access to Public Services, Affordability, the Digital Economy and Innovation. A robust approach to weighting has been used to ensure that the indicators take into account the commercial, regulatory and policy prioritisation considerations. This included a larger weight being put on the adoption of digital technologies given the importance this has in delivering real outcomes for households and businesses alike. This delivers a result that delivers real value when it comes to designing digital connectivity infrastructure, adoption and inclusion project