Internet is now clearly a small town phenomenon: IMRB and IAMAI study

The survey found that towns with less than a population of two lakh, collectively returned as high a number of internet users as the top four metros put together.

Mumbai, with 8.1 million claimed users, and 6.2 million active internet users, is the top internet-using city in the country, according to a survey conducted by IMRB and IAMAI (Internet and Mobile Association of India). Delhi, including the NCR, has acquired second place with 6.2 million and 5 million claimed and active internet users. Surprisingly, Kolkata is in the third place, and tech-city Bengaluru is pretty low down in the list at No. 6.

But, such as the scenario may be, the survey also found that towns with less than a population of two lakh, collectively returned as high a number of internet users as the top four metros put together.

Commenting on the survey, Subho Ray, president, IAMAI, says, "Two things are absolutely clear from the survey. First, the internet density is very poor in top metros, despite awareness, education, and infrastructure. Delhi and the NCR, for example, have only five million active users, with a population base of 20 million. Secondly, the internet is now clearly and firmly a small town phenomenon."

The findings of the survey also put to rest the myth that the internet is only for rich people. This year, the combined use of SEC C, D and E have been at an all-time high, with a combined usage of 36 per cent, representing more than one-third of total internet users.

The report reaffirms that the internet is still dominated by youth in the age bracket of 18-35 years, which includes college students, young men, and working women collectively as the lead users.

A study published by IAMAI in August had pointed out that 70 per cent of the claimed mobile internet users (urban India) belong to the top two SECs (SEC A and B). Along similar lines, about 55 per cent of the claimed mobile internet users are from the top eight metros, namely Mumbai, Delhi and the NCR, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad. Additionally, about 63 per cent of the active mobile internet users are from the top eight metros.

It also revealed that India lagged behind various countries as far as the latest telecom technologies (in terms of internet speed and bandwidth) are concerned. While quite a few countries have transitioned to 4G technology, people in India are still using 2G technology for internet access, even today.