A survey on Information and Communication Technology usage by Maltese and Gozitan households in 2008 revealed that internet access stood at 59.0 per cent.

The objective of this survey was to obtain relevant indicators on information communication technology usage by households and individuals in Malta and Gozo. The target population comprised persons who live in Maltese households and who are aged between 16 and 74. A sample of 1,500 from the target population was taken by selecting a random number of individuals.

The first section of this survey was directed towards obtaining information on availability of ICT items within the interviewee’s household. The second section was aimed directly at the interviewee, thus enabling the NSO to obtain information on the personal use and preferences of the individual in this sector.

This data is comparable to the data of other EU countries who participated in this exercise.

ICT availability in households

Computer access in households was estimated at 62.6 per cent. Internet access in households was estimated at 59.0 per cent. The results from the survey indicate that more than half of Maltese households with internet access have the facility of a broadband connection.

Computer and internet use by individuals

Over half of all individuals aged 16-74 in Malta and Gozo made use of a computer in the three months prior to the carrying out of the survey. Persons having post-secondary and tertiary levels of education emerged as the biggest user group. With regard to the internet, the proportion of the population who used this medium within three months from the survey was estimated at 48.8 per cent. Furthermore, the use of internet for sending/receiving e-mails emerged as widespread, with an estimated 87.6 per cent of the population. E-government services are made use of by nearly half the 16+ population.

E-Commerce and advanced communication services

The results of the survey indicate that 50.0 per cent of the population aged 16-74 ordered or purchased goods and services by means of the internet in the twelve months prior to the survey. The majority of individuals practising e-commerce opted to purchase from retailers in other EU countries.

Persons who made use of advanced communication services favoured instant messaging and online chat and newsgroup sites, amongst others.

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