How networks stayed the course as everyone stayed at home

Around March 2020, when the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic had hit home for most of the world, there were significant concerns that the internet might struggle under the pressure of increased use. Mobile networks had to deal with more consumers using devices for online calls, conferencing and education, not to mention watching streaming services to pass the time while at home. How did the networks hold up? And what are the implications if the pandemic drives a permanent shift in working and online consumption patterns, especially for operators and policymakers? Having explored such topics in previous research, we are now able to draw on more data and longer-term trends in network quality.