PHILLIP PAULWELL, Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, will launch an Internet market study on Jamaica at the Trafalgar Road, St. Andrew head office of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) tomorrow.
The study, the first of its kind in Jamaica, was commissioned by JAMPRO and conducted by Don Anderson's Market Research Services Limited (MRSL).
The Jamaica Internet market study 2003 will address the lack of available data and related analyses of Internet usage patterns in Jamaica, which has prevented the country from fully maximising investments in information and community technology and related sectors, JAMPRO said in a release.
JAMPRO expects that the study, which contains critical findings on Internet demand and supply levels by Jamaican residents, businesses and Internet service providers, will prove to be an invaluable tool for assessing the local market and capitalising on various investment opportunities.
One of the significant findings emerging from the research is that 42 per cent of business users utilise the Internet to order and pay for goods and services. Another important finding is that among the businesses surveyed that are currently without Internet access, 60 per cent are interested in acquiring subscription within the next three years.
The study also reveals, among other key findings, the following information:
An estimate on the number of Internet users in Jamaica
The proportion of residential versus business subscribers to the Internet
General attitudes toward the Internet among Jamaican businesses and individuals.
The launch of a study of this nature is consistent with JAMPRO's mandate to facilitate investment, and reflects the Government's commitment to developing the information technology sector. Representatives from JAMPRO and Market Research Services Limited will deliver a presentation on the study and field questions at the launch.
