Video app downloads, broadband use surge

AUCKLAND: One business thriving in the time of the coronavirus is Zoom, software which facilitates video conferences.

Local broadband provider Chorus said its network was coping well and remained comfortably within available headroom as so much human interaction headed online through apps such as Zoom.

That was even though traffic peaked at 2.6 terrabytes per second on Tuesday night, exceeding the Rugby World Cup 2019 peak traffic for the first time.

Zoom, which is based in San Jose, California, became the top free download from Apple’s app store on Monday and is becoming essential for many businesses to continue functioning while their staff work from home.

But its use ranges far beyond that, from facilitating birthday parties for toddlers in quarantine to socially distanced teen raves to virtual classrooms for schools and universities.

Zoom downloads jumped by 1270% between February 22 and March 22, according to data gathered by Londonbased Learnbonds.com.

Learnbonds said those using the Android and iOS platforms had a total of 17.2 million Zoom downloads, with iOS getting a marginally greater share of downloads.

‘‘An increase in daily downloads is expected as the coronavirus infection rate continues to spike globally, with companies allowing employees to work from home,’’ Learnbonds.com said.

The data showed the largest age group among users, accounting for 24%, was those between 35 and 49 years old.

Other entities, such as museums, theatres, kindergartens and schools, were also using online video meeting apps such as Zoom to connect with people to sustain normal operations, Learnbonds.com said.