Spanish Net Use to Quadruple

Internet access in Spain is predicted to quadruple across the entire population within the next four years. This is according to the results of the new in-depth study "Information Society in Spain, 2001-2005 perspective" carried out by Telefonica.

The research found that two factors in particular are encouraging this rapid growth. Firstly, the ongoing development of wide band, and especially wide band at affordable prices, is stimulating greater use. Secondly, the overall reduction of interactive terminal prices in Spain is proving to be a positive influence. It is thought that prices have recently fallen by between 30% and 50%, but this has been restricted to certain areas of the country.

Telefonica's study also shows that, geographically speaking, while Madrid is enjoying the highest level of development within Spain (annual growth of 80% above the national average), other regions are witnessing less dramatic change. Net usage growth in Cataluña, for example, is significantly lower at 34%, whilst use in the Basque country ranks at some 18%. Usage growth in other regions also varies, with the more rural areas, Extremadura for example, growing at around 52% below the national average.

The study results were based on an initial desk research stage conducted in early 2001. This was followed by a phase of national fieldwork carried out in Spain by Inner Strategic Research during the summer 2001.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.