30 Million Internet Users in the Philippines
The number of internet users in the Philippines is expected to reach 30 Million by 2012 according to a report by Nielsen.
Currently there are about 24 Million internet users in the Philippines according to the research firm. 81% of the 24 million users are aged between 10 and 39 years old. According to the report, the estimated increase in internet users will bring more customers to service providers given the accessibility, affordability and quality of service.
Internet users spend about 3.8 hours a day online and is not expected to increase but the number of users online will be more.
The research firm also noted that that figure is based on the 21 metro cities of the country and the number of users in rural and remote areas are yet to be included. Users are concentrated in the metro primarily due to the availability of internet infrastructure.
In my own opinion, if the service providers such as PLDT, Globe Telecom and Digital Telecommunications (DigiTel) will expand their services into remote areas, more and more Filipinos will have access to the internet. Currently, internet users in those areas relies in internet cafes or mobile internet through cellular network if it’s available.
One factor to consider also is the affordability of the service. If they continue to offer affordable high-speed internet then there will be more Filipinos who will opt to have internet service installed at their own home rather than paying about ~P40 per hour in internet cafes. Another thing is the quality of service. Even if the price is low but the service is below standard then there won’t be anyone willing to subscribe to that service.
