ICT usage in households, 2013, 2nd quarter

Figures from the second quarter of 2013 show that 84, 85 and 81 per cent of users of websites of public authorities and public services are mainly satisfied with the ease of finding information, usefulness of the information available and with the ease of using services on the website. The remainder are divided into two groups of the same size; one consists of the mainly dissatisfied, and the other does not find the question applicable. Another question regarding the information provided on the websites on the progress or follow-up of a request is considered to be not applicable by almost half of the population. Among the other half, more than 80 per cent are mainly satisfied with the information provided or follow-up.

A majority of 59 per cent report no specific problem with the use of public authorities’ websites. Twenty-six per cent report technical failures of websites, 20 per cent find insufficient, unclear or outdated information and 13 per cent needed support, but found none.

Extensive use of public authorities’ websites

Eight in ten persons aged 16-74 have interacted with public authorities over the Internet during the last 12 months. Seventy-two per cent have obtained information from their website. Fifty-two per cent downloaded official forms and just as many sent completed forms to public authorities.

One in two have sent their income declaration over the Internet. Thirteen per cent claimed social security benefits but among the unemployed the figure is 48 per cent. The Internet was used in enrolment in higher education or university by 11 per cent of the total population and by 31 per cent of students.

Access to ICT at home

Mobile broadband has increased rapidly in the last four years. In total, 54 per cent of households have access to mobile broadband in the 2nd quarter of 2013, an increase from 48 per cent in 2012. Most of these people also have access to a fixed broadband connection at home. The percentage of households with only mobile broadband is 7 per cent.

Almost all households with children and households with incomes above NOK 600 000 have access to a computer and the Internet via a broadband connection at home. Ten per cent of households without children and 18 per cent of households with an income below NOK 200 000 are still without an Internet connection at home.

In total, 4 per cent of the Norwegian population aged 16-74 years have no access to the Internet as of the 2nd quarter of 2013. This group mainly consists of people aged over 64 years. Twenty per cent of people aged between 65 and 74 have no access to the Internet.

If Internet connections are sorted by quality of technology, we find that 23 per cent have a fibre connection in the 2nd quarter of 2013, an increase from 17 per cent last year. An additional 25 per cent have access via a cable TV connection. Twenty-eight per cent have a DSL line as the best connection, a reduction from 34 per cent last year.

Use of computers and the Internet

A total of 95 per cent of the population have used a computer during the last three months, the same as last year. While almost everyone under 55 years has used a computer during the last three months, the corresponding figure for people aged between 65 and 74 years was 73 per cent, a reduction from 74 per cent in 2012.

The figures for Internet use in the last three months show the same trend. Almost everyone in the age groups younger than 65 years is using the Internet and the increase in the older age groups has stopped.

Activities over the Internet

Many people used the Internet to read online newspapers and to search for information on, for example, goods, services, travel, accommodation etc. in the last 3 months. Internet banking is among the most important activities over the Internet, which is utilised by 87 per cent of the population as of the 2nd quarter of 2013.

Use of e-commerce

Buying and ordering goods or services for private use over the Internet is still very popular although the total share of the population that has made an e-commerce transaction during the last 12 months has decreased to 73 per cent. About 7 in 10 Internet shoppers have bought or booked travel or holiday accommodation.

The percentage of men buying films, music, computer software and hardware, electronic equipment and telecommunication services is generally higher than the percentage of women; while women prefer to order books, magazines, clothes and sports goods over the Internet. E-commerce carried out by women was higher than for men for the first time ever in 2013.