For some reason, I decided to try and find out just how many Internet users are in the Philippines. And the results are pretty conflicting:
The IDC reported that there were 11 million users—back in 2004.
IT research firm XMG said that the number of users would double in 2008 to 13.5 million. So this means there are currently around 6.5 million this year?
The estimate of an undated article by Janette Toral (probably written in 2005 or 2006) is 12 million. The article also estimates that 41 million Filipinos will use the Internet by 2014.
Internet World Stats‘ 2006 count was 7.82 million, sourced from the Computer Industry Almanac.
An IDC report claims that Filipino gamers would number 6.3 million in 2008.
Of course, figuring out the number of Filipino Internet users is an estimate at best. But with so many different figures and the lack of updated info, which one is the most accurate? It doesn’t help that reports from IT research firms like the IDC cost well over $1000, so it’s not like anyone can analyze the methodology of all the estimates.
One thing’s for sure: Internet usage in the Philippines has increased exponentially. Compare the projected millions of users in 2008, to the 120,000 and 40,000 of 1998 and 1996 respectively. Who knows just how many more opportunities are available online with this relatively massive user base?
4 Responses to “Just How Many Filipinos Use the Internet?”
Well, the NSO is starting its 2007 Philippine census this August. Maybe they should ask about internet usage in their questionnaire.
I agree, since more of us are going online after all. Even if the usage rate is somewhere 5-10% of the population (90 mil), based on all of these estimates.
Hi Rico. Estimates in 2006 is 19.7 million by IDC. Maybe time has come to say 20% of Pinoys use the Internet actively.
Hi Janette. Do you know the local Market Analyst of IDC, a certain Catherine Foronda? Was she responsible for the IDC’s figures? Can she share the methodology she used to reach her results?
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