Sept. 8 – The number of active internet users in rural India is expected to rise to 5.4 million people by the end of the year, an increase of 30 percent over 2009 figures, according to research jointly conducted by the Internet and Mobile Association of India and the Indian Market Research Bureau.
While 5.4 million is miniscule compared to the estimated 568 million people living in rural India as of 2006, the 30 percent year-on-year growth rate is an extremely promising sign for the future of India’s internet market.
Using data collected in 2009, the report shows that while online, 85 percent of rural users access their email, 67 percent listen to music or watch videos, and 48 percent search for educational information.
Illustrating the importance of farming in rural India, the report also shows that 13 percent check out the latest farming techniques while surfing the web and 8 percent look up information relating to fertilizers and pesticides. Roughly 70 percent of India’s rural users access the Internet through public service centers like cyber cafés.
Related Reading
Internet Users in India Could Triple by 2015
