Mumbai tops internet usage in India

New Delhi, October 24, 2010: Mumbai with 8.1 million claimed and 6.2 million active internet usr is the top internet using city in the country according to a survey conducted by IMRB and IAMAI [Internet and Mobile Association of India]. Delhi including NCR is second with 6.2 and 5.0 millon claimed and active internet users. Surprisingly, Kolkata is in the third place and tech city Bangalore is low at number six.

The Survey also found that towns with less than 2 lakh population collectively returned a much higher number of internet users that the top four metros put together.

Commenting on the Survey Dr. Subho Ray , president IAMAI, said, “two things are absoutely clear from the survery. First, the internet density is very poor in top metros in spite of awareness, education and infrastructure. Delhi and NCR for example has only 5 million active users with a population base of 20 million. Secondly, internet is now clearly and firmly a small town phenomenon.

                               
                  (Figure 1:City-wise break up of Internet users)

 The findings of the survey also put to rest the myth that internet is only for rich people. This year the the combined use of SEC C, D and E have been all time high at a combined usage of 36%, representing more than one third of total internet users. (Refer figure 2)

                                         

 (Figure 2: Usage across Socio-Economic classifications )

 The report reaffirms that internet is still dominated by youth [18-35 years]: with college students, young men and working women being the lead users.(Refer figure 3)

   
              (Figure 3: Usage across Demographic Groups)

About IAMAI The Internet and Mobile Association of India [IAMAI] is a young and vibrant association with ambitions of representing the entire gamut of digital businesses in India. It was established in 2004 by the leading online publishers, but in the last seven years has come to effectively address the challenges facing the digital and online industry including mobile content and services, online publishing, mobile advertising, online advertising, ecommerce and mobile & digital payments among others.

 Seven years after its establishment, the association is still the only professional industry body representing the online and mobile VAS industry in India.

 The association is registered under the Societies Act and is a recognised charity in Maharashtra. With a membership of 120 odd Indian and MNC companies, offices in Delhi and Mumbai and a permanent and professional staff of 11, the association is well placed to work towards charting a growth path for the digital industry in India.