Covid-19 impact: fixed broadband rises to the challenge amid unprecedented demand

This report is available to those subscribed to the Fixed, TV and Convergence module.
The acceleration of Covid-19 from a virus localised in China to a global pandemic has been exceptionally rapid. Reported cases have now surpassed 1 million, driven by community transmission that has shifted west to Europe and now the US. The effects on national healthcare systems, economic activity and day-to-day living have been profound.
The resulting widespread shift in working patterns and increased demand for home entertainment have thrust communications and the resiliency of telecoms networks to the fore. In recognition of the vast number of people and organisations that drive or depend on such networks, our latest series of Insight Spotlights examines the implications of Covid-19 across the telecoms, media and technology sector.
In this report, we explore the impact of the pandemic on the fixed broadband and pay TV markets. This includes analysing the short-term rise in network demand, as well as the high-level implications for fixed broadband growth and the mounting challenges faced by the pay-TV market.
Related research
AI opens a new front in the fight against unwanted calls to fixed lines
Although the number of unwanted calls to fixed lines has been decreasing due to efforts from stakeholders (including operators, network and customer-premises equipment vendors and regulators), the emergence of AI, especially generative AI, could reverse this trend while also making consumers more vulnerable to scams. However, AI can also be used to tackle the scourge of unwanted calls. In this report, we examine the approach taken by key stakeholders in various countries, notably the UK and the US, highlighting some of the risks and opportunities in the struggle against unwanted calls.
Five ways fixed broadband operators are using AI
GSMA Intelligence has identified five AI use cases for fixed broadband operators that aim to enhance customer experience while reducing costs: AI for network optimisation, AI for fibre rollout, AI integrated into CPE, AI for sales and marketing, and AI for customer service.
Fixed Broadband and FWA Markets, Q4 2024: developments and outlook
Fixed markets continue to evolve around the world, with technology investments, competition, M&A and shifting consumer behaviour being major drivers. This quarterly series outlines the latest market developments and the key trends to watch, charting the period to 2030. The report also provides comprehensive cross-country comparisons at your fingertips, allowing you to identify which markets or technologies will grow the most.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
AI opens a new front in the fight against unwanted calls to fixed lines
Although the number of unwanted calls to fixed lines has been decreasing due to efforts from stakeholders (including operators, network and customer-premises equipment vendors and regulators), the emergence of AI, especially generative AI, could reverse this trend while also making consumers more vulnerable to scams. However, AI can also be used to tackle the scourge of unwanted calls. In this report, we examine the approach taken by key stakeholders in various countries, notably the UK and the US, highlighting some of the risks and opportunities in the struggle against unwanted calls.
Five ways fixed broadband operators are using AI
GSMA Intelligence has identified five AI use cases for fixed broadband operators that aim to enhance customer experience while reducing costs: AI for network optimisation, AI for fibre rollout, AI integrated into CPE, AI for sales and marketing, and AI for customer service.
Fixed Broadband and FWA Markets, Q4 2024: developments and outlook
Fixed markets continue to evolve around the world, with technology investments, competition, M&A and shifting consumer behaviour being major drivers. This quarterly series outlines the latest market developments and the key trends to watch, charting the period to 2030. The report also provides comprehensive cross-country comparisons at your fingertips, allowing you to identify which markets or technologies will grow the most.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics