Measuring Connectivity: A Call to Measure Internet Development with Open, Timely, and Relevant Data

23 Pages Posted: 24 Sep 2015 Last revised: 12 Nov 2015

See all articles by Breanna Zwart

Breanna Zwart

Google, Inc.

Fred Xue

Google Inc.

Richard S. Whitt

GLIA Foundation

Patrick Spaulding Ryan Ph.D.

Berkeley Law; Stanford University

Hibah Hussain

Google Inc.

Marian Croak

Google Inc.

Vincent Chiu

Google Inc.

Vinton G. Cerf

Google Inc.

Mike Blanche

Google Inc.

Nnamdi Abraham-Igwe

Google Inc.

Date Written: September 28, 2015

Abstract

Open, timely, and relevant data is critical for strategic Internet development. By proposing a framework for collecting, standardizing, and reporting data on key Internet development metrics, we propose a model for a “Connectivity Report” that aims to bring together key stakeholders and provide a 360-degree view of the state of global Internet connectivity. Ultimately, this data can be used by a variety of stakeholders to identify trends, pinpoint challenges, and craft data-driven solutions to connectivity challenges.

Our working paper makes a broad proposal for series of metrics for measuring Internet connectivity. We make three recommendations for next steps to improve the information available on global connectivity: 1) We propose that the private sector hold a series of open conferences in 2016 to establish how each of us can collaborate to provide better metrics on global connectivity; 2) We propose that the process for reaching consensus on metrics should endeavor to develop principles concerning technical, methodological and statistical standards to facilitate openness and information exchange; and 3) We plan, ourselves, to begin to release data to the public as part of this effort and encourage others to do so in the spirit of getting the discussion started.

Keywords: Broadband, ITU, Internet

JEL Classification: K23, L5

Suggested Citation

Zwart, Breanna and Xue, Fred and Whitt, Richard S. and Ryan, Patrick and Hussain, Hibah and Croak, Marian and Chiu, Vincent and Cerf, Vint G. and Blanche, Mike and Abraham-Igwe, Nnamdi, Measuring Connectivity: A Call to Measure Internet Development with Open, Timely, and Relevant Data (September 28, 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2664359 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2664359

Breanna Zwart

Google, Inc. ( email )

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States

Fred Xue

Google Inc. ( email )

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Second Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States

Richard S. Whitt

GLIA Foundation ( email )

573 Upland Road
Emerald Hills, CA CA 94062
United States
650-450-1705 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.glia.net

Patrick Ryan (Contact Author)

Berkeley Law ( email )

United States
303-669-5710 (Phone)

Stanford University ( email )

Hibah Hussain

Google Inc. ( email )

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Second Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States

Marian Croak

Google Inc. ( email )

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Second Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States

Vincent Chiu

Google Inc. ( email )

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Second Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States

Vint G. Cerf

Google Inc. ( email )

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Second Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States

Mike Blanche

Google Inc. ( email )

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Second Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States

Nnamdi Abraham-Igwe

Google Inc. ( email )

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Second Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States

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