Jordan’s Internet Penetration Rate Grows To 21%
According to official numbers released by the Jordanian Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, the number of internet users in the kingdom reached 1.2 millions users at the end of the first half of 2008, which represents a penetration rate of more than 20.5% of the Jordanian population which currently stands at around 6 million.
The numbers show a growth of more than 1.5% happening in the second quarter of this year in comparison to the first quarter, as the rate back at the end of the first quarter was just under 19%. The penetration stood at 17% at the end of 2007.
According to the reported numbers, 16% of Jordanian households have internet access; with differences in the percentage between urban and rural areas, which is explained by the still relatively high cost of computers and internet services.
The national strategy for the telecommunications sector aims to reach an internet penetration rate of 50% by end of 2011. The government has actually lowered the sales tax on internet related services from 16% to 8% to help spread internet services and grow the internet user base in the kingdom.
# Source: Arabian Business
3 Responses to “Jordan’s Internet Penetration Rate Grows To 21%”
George on Sep 29, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the information, do you have any information about broadband penetration? mainly 512 and above?
Mohamed Marwen Meddah on Sep 29, 2008 | Reply
Well the only information I currently have about broadband penetration in Jordan are the numbers released by Arab Advisors Group that put Jordan at a 1.6% broadband penetration rate.
http://www.startuparabia.com/2008/05/broadband-penetration-in-the-arab-world/
Mohamed Marwen Meddah on Sep 29, 2008 | Reply
Companies and Markets says Jordan’s broadband penetration grew by almost 62% in 2007, reaching 1.7% at the end of the year.
http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Market-Report/Jordan-Telecommunications-Report-Q3-2008-49515.asp
So pretty much the same as AAG’s numbers.