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The Evolution of Data

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The Evolution of Data

The Evolution of Data

“Big Data” is a technology buzzword that comes up quite often. Most investors understand that it describes the current ecosystem in which there is exponentially more data, and that the wealth of information can be processed to create insights for companies. However, the evolution of how we got here is a little more fuzzy.

As the above infographic notes, it all started with ZIP codes. Born in 1963, ZIP codes allowed companies and marketers to gather more information on customers in a way that was not possible before. Then by combining computers with transactional data, businesses were able to learn more about the nature of each transaction. Who and where was something bought? What did they buy?

Then it was all about profiling the customer, so that it was possible to find more customers and grow a company. It started with demographics and then moved to psychographics (or “lifestyle data”). This allowed marketers to come up with a profile for their ideal customers, and how they think.

The most recent development in this type of data is in attitudes and behaviours – and this is where Big Data comes in. By analyzing everyone’s Google searches, Facebook posts, emails, tweets, and more, we now have more complex profiles on every consumer. This has led to massive databases, which need complex and fast analysis to provide any sort of useful insight.

The evolution of data is not ending anytime soon. The next data tsunami will come from information stemming from the internet of things (IoT) that will provide even more data points and need for sophisticated analysis.

Original graphic from: ALC

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Mapped: Internet Download Speeds by Region

North America and East Asia have the speediest internet.

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Map illustrating median download speeds in each global region.

Mapped: Internet Download Speeds by Region

This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

In today’s fast-paced world, internet speed isn’t just a convenience—it’s the driving force behind how we work, play, and connect.

In this map, we illustrate median download speeds in each global region, based on data from the World Bank’s Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023.

North America and East Asia Have the Speediest Internet

According to the World Bank, download speeds in high-income countries increased significantly between 2019 and 2023, while speeds in lower-income countries stagnated.

As of 2022, North America and East Asia have the speediest internet.

RegionMedian mobile download speed (Mb/sec)Median fixed broadband download speed (Mb/sec)
East Asia & Pacific90171
Europe & Central Asia4485
Latin America & the Caribbean2674
Middle East & North Africa3636
North America83193
South Asia2743
Sub-Saharan Africa1615

This difference in broadband speeds can mainly be attributed to investment.

In 2020, nearly 90% of global telecommunication investment came from East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, and North America. These regions not only concentrate the highest-income population but also the top technology hubs.

Meanwhile, low- and middle-income regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for less than 10% of total investment.

Most of the investment is directed towards fiber optic and 5G mobile networks. According to the mobile industry association GSMA, mobile operators alone are projected to invest more than $600 billion between 2022 and 2025, with 85% of the total allocated for 5G.

In 2023, broadband speeds in high-income countries were 10x faster for fixed connections, and 5x faster for mobile connections compared to those in low-income countries.

Fixed broadband connections, which provide high-speed internet to residences or businesses, reached 38% of the population in high-income countries. In comparison, fixed broadband penetration was only 4% of the population in lower-middle-income countries and almost zero in low-income countries.

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