The first-ever Information Communication Technology sector data released by the Department of Statistics shows a decline in the number of landline phones on the Island as cell phones take over.

In 2004, according to statistics, 91 percent of households had a landline ? a four percent decrease on the figure for 1993.

With the ability to use a mobile phone anywhere on the Island, 73 percent of households reported owning one of more of these as of last year.

Household demand for colour televisions has also increased, with 96 percent of homes having a set in 2004 compared with 92 percent in 1988.

Computer ownership has rocketed in the past decade with 67 percent of homes owning one last year compared to just 17 percent in 1993.

"Almost 85 percent of those households owning a computer reported having Internet access ? an incredible adoption rate for a relatively new technology," says the department's report.

In total, 57 percent of Bermuda's households have access to the Internet.

The department also reports that the ICT sector contributed $187.4 million to Bermuda's Gross Domestic Product in 2003. In that year, imports of ICT merchandise totalled $90 million, representing ten percent of total merchandise imports.