BT&P Clarification Statement on monthly mobile data usage Curaçao

The World Bank recently published the Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023 with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. In this report data obtained from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was used to conduct benchmarking across world markets for the previous years on the development of several telecommunication infrastructures and services, the adaption of digital technologies and other ICTs.

One specific indicator that was analyzed, calculated and benchmarked by the World Bank in this report was about the mobile data usage per capita per month. In this benchmarking Curaçao appeared on top of the list with 131 GB of mobile data per capita per month.

It is imperative to clarify that the published data regarding Curaçao is inaccurate. Upon recognizing this discrepancy, the Bureau Telecommunicatie en Post (BT&P), in its capacity as a vigilant regulatory authority, promptly initiated a comprehensive analysis. Each year, the ITU requests data on total mobile-broadband internet traffic within the country, encompassing 3G, 4G, and other advanced mobile networks (5G). In reviewing the data reported for Curaçao’s mobile-broadband internet traffic for the year 2021, BT&P identified an inconsistency in the data and the relevant time period.

As the World Bank used this information for its benchmarking indicator (since ITU itself does not manage a per capita indicator for mobile data usage), this unfortunately led to the presentation of an unrealistic number for Curaçao.

Every year the ITU conducts an in-depth and rigorous analysis of all the information and indicators supplied by the telecommunication regulatory authorities.  Typically, the ITU engages with the regulator to review specific data that may appear irregular. However, this was not the case, in this specific event.

The BT&P is committed to contacting the ITU to correct the data and will also inform the World Bank accordingly about the incorrect information included in the released publication, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data.

(Source: RAC. Publication period BT&P: 2024)