Connect2Recover:A methodology for identifying connectivity gaps and strengthening resilience in the new norm

“Connect2Reconnect: A methodology for identifying connectivity gaps and strengthening resilience in the new normal” was prepared for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as Phase One of their Connect2Recover initiative. The initiative was created in partnership with the governments of Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study develops a global methodology for identifying gaps and bottlenecks at the country level that hamper the utilization of networks and digital technologies and identify policies to respond to and mitigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (including the recovery following the pandemic, readiness for the new normal and preparedness for any future pandemics). The pandemic shows us that we need to think about resilience more broadly to address the global broadband gap, as well as issues like electricity. In the wake of the pandemic, it is now a good time for all countries to develop or update national broadband plans.