Networks battle to keep pace with demand
I RECENTLY received the results of an extensive study into the social changes brought about by Covid-19 and the lockdown from Andrea Rademeyer, the chief executive of Ask Afrika, a market research company that undertakes weekly studies among South Africans.
Although the report contains many interesting findings, I will highlight some of the technology trends that are evident from the research.
The lockdown Week 5 study (April 28 to May 2) was based on 1 627 interviews conducted throughout South Africa. It found that the use of technology has become more pronounced than it was before the lockdown, with 66 percent of the respondents saying the lockdown has helped them to embrace technology. A large number (67 percent) indicated that they were watching more online videos and TV on demand than before.
This is a strong indication of the switch from traditional broadcast television, such as Dstv, to streaming services (for example, Netflix and Showmax). Unlike broadcast television, where you have to subscribe to a bouquet of channels and have to watch programmes at fixed times, streaming services offer you the freedom to choose what you want to watch and when you want to watch it.
Social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have grown in importance (62 percent of interviewees), while 60 percent of interviewees indicated that they were using video calling platforms such as Whatsapp and Skype much more than in the past.
POOR CONNECTIVITY
The research found that people have struggled with network quality and speed since the lockdown.
More than half (56.2 percent) of the respondents have experienced slow internet speeds throughout the day since the lockdown, while 53.6 percent have experienced an inconsistent internet connection, making working from home frustrating.
The situation with regard to voice calls was somewhat better, but was still frustrating to many trying to stay connected or get their work done. A total of 28.6 percent of interviewees indicated that they had difficulties making calls, while 29.4 percent experienced problems with receiving calls. And 29.8 percent were frustrated by calls that dropped frequently.
It is evident that telecommunication and internet providers have been unable to handle the demand due to the higher number of people staying at and working from home. One would have thought that the additional spectrum made available to mobile providers by the government would have alleviated the congestion, but neglected infrastructure and oversold bandwidth contributed to the problem.
Many people complained that conducting webinars from home was not possible, since they require a decent upload speed. When testing was done on one of the mobile networks, it seems that, due to the high demand for video streaming, mobile network operators sacrificed upload bandwidth and speed to improve the download experience.
It is therefore not surprising that, according the study, 29 percent of respondents indicated they would change their cellphone provider and 35 percent indicated they would consider changing their internet provider.
ONLINE SHOPPING GROWS
More than one in two consumers (54 percent) indicated they were considering changing their shopping behaviour after the lockdown.
Online shopping increased significantly throughout South Africa due to the convenience and lower risk. A total of 23 percent of respondents indicated that they buy their groceries online. Although the percentage is still relatively small, it should be remembered that online grocery shopping is mostly limited to some of the larger metros.
E-LEARNING NOT A TOTAL SUCCESS The closing of schools has resulted in parents having to homeschool their children. It seems that many children do not have the resources to learn at home and therefore experience inadequate or no teaching.
After conducting 2 446 interviews regarding the social impact of Covid19 in Week 6 of the lockdown (May 4 to 10), research by Ask Afrika showed that 45 percent of parents indicated that they do not have the necessary resources or skills to assist with their children’s schooling at home. In particular, 43 percent mentioned that their children do not have access to resources such as a printer, stationery, laptop and tablet to study at home.
The efforts by provincial governments and schools to promote online learning seem to be unsuccessful, because 45 percent of children do not have access to online schooling or educational facilities. This is the result of the lack of digital inclusion and the poor economy.
It is clear that government structures are making a false assumption that most children are continuing their education through homeschooling during the lockdown.
Professor Louis CH Fourie is a futurist and technology strategist.