Why Internet speed is far less important than you think

[Commentary] The digital strategies of countries in the developed world are predicated on the aspiration that all citizens, no matter where they choose to live and work, should be connected at all times to a broadband Internet connection. The fundamental content of these policies has been unchanged since the Internet first became a commercial reality – the only substantive change has been to the definition of a broadband connection. Whereas once a broadband connection was defined as “anything faster than dial-up,” over time it has changed to reflect the current technological frontier and the needs of applications deemed necessary for citizens to fully participate in their respective societies.

Despite grand digital policy aspirations, and substantial investments in programs to connect citizens facing financial and physical impediments to accessing broadband services, most countries see a certain portion of citizens steadfastly refusing to connect to broadband Internet services because they see no benefit in doing so. Furthermore, a significant number of citizens choose to buy slower connections, even though they face neither financial nor physical barriers to purchasing faster ones.

[Bronwyn Howell is a faculty member at the School of Management, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand]