Broadband internet and OTT providers across the globe are being forced to make changes to their operations to handle massive, pandemic-induced increases in bandwidth demand. Sharp rises in teleworking, video streaming, and gaming due to full or partial lockdowns have put an unprecedented burden on networks in many countries. While in many markets there has been a surge in fixed traffic, in countries where mobile networks carry the bulk of data, infrastructure is straining, leading to urgent requests from cellcos for additional spectrum allocations to help them cope.
In a TeleGeography blog (see link below), research analyst Pete Bell takes a closer look at the response of ISPs to the COVID-19 crisis.