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According to figures released by the Internet Government Forum in Hyderabad earlier in the month (via Medianama) –
In 2007, there were about 13.5 million Internet subscribers in India, representing 1.15 per 100 habitants. Broadband subscribers accounted for over 3.1 million of these, or 0.27 per 100 inhabitants. The number of users – those who report that they have online access, but do not themselves subscribe – was far greater: some 81 million, or 6.93 users per 100 inhabitants.
According to IAMAI‘s I-Cube 2007 report there were 46mn Internet users in India with 32mn active users. So, the IGF figures estimate the Internet user base in India at almost twice the figure most of us were working with so far.
Another recent report by LiveMint and Komli estimates that India will have 80 million internet users by 2010 (via Sampad Swain).
It’s sad that we still don’t have a firm number for such basic statistics, but it’s not really surprising, given that most users in India have shared access to the internet, often outside the home, in cybercafes, schools, colleges and offices.
It’s so true that we are still grappling for such basic data but given the spread and usage pattern of Indian users through various means, it makes it more murky.
Also it would be interesting once the internet research arm set up by IMRB international is on its way, we will be more clear on that front. Though, we need more & more research firms like eMarketer, ComScore, Forrester etc in India to track this ever increasing domain.
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Sampad
@Sampad: I’m glad your comment finally got through.
Gaurav, I concur, firm number are not available on the internet. Every report and site states differently. I belive this is because each report or survey has been using a differnt sample population and size, with such a huge Indian population and so genres, only if tackled well will be able to produce accurate statistics. However, I would suggest trying the google ad planner’s statistics for any conclusions