Why is mobile broadband not included in the OECD subscriber statistics?
Internet access via mobile networks has become an increasingly important way for people to access content and services. This growth in mobile broadband is an area which the OECD follows closely and OECD countries have expressed interest in measuring Internet access via mobile networks. There are significant methodological challenges to address before the OECD can publish a comparable mobile broadband indicator across countries. One of these is how to separate connections used for Internet access from standard 3G mobile subscriptions where subscribers have the capability to access the Internet but choose not to. The OECD is in discussions with member countries to develop a common methodology which will be comparable across countries. If there is agreement, a new mobile broadband indicator could be available in 2009.
