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The Present and Future of the Internet of Things

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The Present and Future of the Internet of Things

The Present and Future of the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology macrotrend that we have covered previously both here and here. This particular infographic shows how we got to where we are today, and what it means for the future.

The most important factors that have made the IoT possible is the decreases in cost for the technology that makes it possible. The average cost of sensors, bandwidth, and processing have all dropped down substantially since the birth of the internet. Combined with smart phones and ubiquitous wifi, this creates an environment where everything can be linked and optimized through big data. Thousands or millions of seemingly insignificant data points can be very relevant to decision-making and optimization once they are processed and analyzed.

The future of the Internet of Things starts with a mega expansion of connectivity as every new electronic device, car, home appliance, and industrial item gets connected to the web. Personal lives, cities, workplace productivity, and consumption will all change. The growth and maturity of the wearable market is one such area that will change the workplace alone.

Growth of the Internet of Things is expected to peak in 2015:

IoT Growth

Original graphic from: Goldman Sachs

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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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