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The Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab is a unit at the BER that focuses on generating policy-relevant work and building capacity to achieve economic success in South Africa. Impumelelo means success.
High internet coverage does not tell us how people use their connections or what they can afford to do online. This research note compares connected households in neighbouring parts of Motherwell with varying levels of access to affordable, uncapped fibre. Households in the fibre area report lower mobile-data spending, more internet use at home and at night, and a different mix of online activities and perceived benefits. Mobile data remains important in both areas. The findings show why measuring digital inclusion requires looking beyond access to understand patterns of use, affordability and people’s experiences online.
