This is an important and topical issue. There is considerable interest in measuring the extent to which computer and Internet usage are growing. We asked similar questions in Q3/1998. Using the information we will collect in this quarter, the CSO will prepare a report early next year on trends in home computer usage between 1998 and 2000.
The number of questions to be asked is small and they are all of a yes/no format, which should make them easier to answer. Within this section the flow of questions is as follows:
INTTEL – does the household have an Internet connection via the television?. In some parts of the country digital television is now being provided and it is possible to connect to the internet with some of these packages (using a keyboard and/or special remote control). Again we want to know if the television is being used to connect to the Internet, not if it just has the capability to do so.
INTMOB – does the household have an Internet connection via a mobile phone?. WAP-type mobile phones give this ability (even if it is restricted access). These phones aren’t very common yet so we should be sure that, if the householder answers yes to this, they aren’t confusing the ordinary mobiles, which are widely available but have no internet access, with these newer mobile phones. We want to know if the phones are being used to connect to the Internet, not if it just has the capability to do so.
In some rare cases, a person may connect to the internet from a computer, via a mobile phone rather than a landline. This situation, if it applies to a home computer, is covered by the INTCOM question rather than by INTMOB.
INTGAME – does the household have an Internet connection via a games console? Some game packages such as dreamcast etc, have the capability to connect to the Internet. Again we are interested if the game console is being used to connect to the Internet, not if it just has the capability to do so.
Is there a home computer/PC permanently in the dwelling?
1. Yes
2. No
NOTE: Laptops brought home temporarily are not to be included. By home computer/PC we do not mean any form of game console or children’s educational toy.
Is the computer used for work purposes?
1. Yes
2. No
Is the computer used for educational purposes?
1. Yes
2. No
Is the computer used for leisure purposes?
1. Yes
2. No
Is the computer used for practical tasks other than work, education or leisure?
(Letter writing, bills etc.)
1. Yes
2. No
Is the computer used to connect to the internet?
1. Yes
2. No
Does the household have an internet connection via the television?
1. Yes
2. No
Does the household have an internet connection via a mobile phone?
1. Yes
2. No
Note: These are mobile phones with WAP (wireless application protocol) ability. Only mobile phones in the home or permanently with occupants of the household are to be considered.
Does the household have an internet connection via a games console?
1. Yes
2. No