Bermuda’s residents are becoming more knowledgeable about technology and interested in learning more about new developments, according to Government’s latest report on the state of information communications technology (ICT) in Bermuda, released today.

The benchmark 2009 survey was commissioned by the Department of E-Commerce and conducted by Research.bm to assess the prevalence of ICT on the Island on an annual basis.

Key findings include:

* Ninety percent of Bermuda households own a computer

* Approximately 89 percent of households have internet access

* Consistent with the 2008 survey, residents spent approximately 11 hours a week using a computer at home, with 74 percent of residents using the internet more than half the time they are using their computers at home, versus 59 percent in 2008.

* The most regularly used computer activities include emailing, using internet search engines, using the internet to look for travel information, researching products or services on the internet, overseas online shopping, searching the internet for information on a hobby or interest, using the internet to get news and online banking.

* Consistent with 2008, 94 percent of households own a cell phone. However, this year residents owned a larger proportion of mobile devices, 55 percent in 2009 compared to 32 percent in 2008.

* There was a 22 point increase in the proportion of residents who said they would purchase a mobile device in the next six months from 12 percent in 2008 to 34 percent in 2009.

* Overall, three-quarters of residents communicate via text messaging. More than half text daily. Multiple daily usage is higher than average among younger residents. Sixty-eight percent of 18 to 24 year olds text daily as do 45 percent of 25 to 34 year olds.

* Compared to 2007 and 2008, residents were more knowledgeable about technology products and were more interested in learning about new technology. Residents were also more likely to agree that to be successful it is important to have a strong knowledge of technology.

For the full story see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette business section.