According to a recent study undertaken by the European Commission, around 33 per cent of the Europeans have never accessed the internet and have been deprived of simple pleasures like online banking, blogging, and social networking.
The reason this data is astonishing is because the internet has become a basic need for most of us, and with the advent of mobile broadband networks offering access either on contract, or ease of pay and go mobile broadband options, it can be accessed whenever and wherever a person wants. This makes the thought of people not using it extraordinary.
The report however states that the categories of people not using the internet are those who are old or those who cannot afford it. Until the previous year, forty per cent of the population had never used the internet, but this percentage has decreased now.
The study also showed that the economic slump has had a lesser impact on the Information Technology industry as compared to other industries. Moreover, it said that countries with net-savvy population could generate good revenues for the economy and even help fight economic recession.
EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media, Viviane Reding, said that the Information Technology sector in Europe could play a major role in generating profits for different industries, which would propel long-term growth and employment. The government should act as a catalyst in this regard and formulate synchronized plans that would destroy present hurdles in the path of economic growth.
