By Ayanna Kirton, Staff ReporterMORE THAN 95,000 Jamaicans in six parishes now subscribe to Internet service providers, according to a market study commissioned by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).
With an average of seven users per Internet subscription, this means that about 674,000 Jamaicans, aged 15 and over, use the Internet in those areas, the study said.
The results of the study were presented at the launch of the Local Internet Market Study, commissioned by JAMPRO and conducted by Don Anderson's Market Research Services, at the investment agency's Trafalgar Road head office in St. Andrew yesterday.
The study reveals the levels of Internet use as well as awareness and attitudes towards its use among persons 15 years and over in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. James, St. Ann, Westmoreland, Clarendon, and Manchester.
According to Kishka-Kaye O'Connor of Market Research Services, the six parishes were chosen based on past data that indicated the high incidence of Internet usage in those areas.
HIGH INTEREST LEVELS
Although the level of Internet penetration in Jamaica is still relatively low, the study revealed high interest levels. About 91 per cent of households surveyed said they were aware of the Internet. O'Connor added that there was also strong potential to convert non-users of the Internet to users, with 82 per cent of those surveyed demonstrating an interest in purchasing the service in the near future.
The study also revealed that among 140 businesses surveyed in the six parishes, 70 per cent used the Internet on a daily basis. However, the Internet was used primarily for e-mail and research and was used for e-commerce in very few instances.
Noticeably absent from the study was the potential impact of the recent taxation imposed on computer equipment and telephone calls, which may affect the level of Internet use due to increased costs.
Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, said the number of voice calls had increased since the additional taxes but said he suspected the level of Internet use may be affected negatively because of the new tax measures.
Paulwell said the study as one of the most critical pieces of research for Jamaica in recent times. The Minister said the objective of increased communication, particularly through a facility like the Internet, would enable Jamaicans to access important information and become part of the knowledge-based society.
TAKING ADVANTAGE
OF LIBERALISATION
The minister said Internet service providers needed to be more competitive in their marketing of the service and to take advantage of the deregulated telecom sector in the same way that voice service providers had managed to capitalise on the liberalised environment.
Paulwell said the ultimate goal was to create universal access to the Internet, comparable to the high number of mobile service subscribers in the island.
Julian Robinson, Investment Promotion Manager at JAMPRO, said the study was commissioned as part of JAMPRO's initiative to attract investment to Jamaica and was driven by demands of potential investors interested in setting up web-based activities.
Pat Francis, President of JAMPRO, pointed out that the study would help to alleviate the guesswork associated with the level of Internet use in Jamaica. She said the results would ensure a better understanding of Jamaica's technological position and facilitate proper planning to help the country move up in the ranks from its low position in the global competitive index. Francis added that the market survey would serve to inform potential investors of the opportunities available locally as well as provide valuable information for local businesses in their assessment of the market.
