Analytics, Estonia, Internet, Markets and Companies, Technology

The share of households with internet connection at home increased two percentage points compared to the previous year. Nearly nine out of ten households with internet connection had a fixed broadband connection (wired or wireless) and eight had mobile internet connection. The share of households with mobile internet connection increased four percentage points in a year. Slightly more than two-thirds of households without internet connection at home cited lack of need or interest as the main reason for not having the connection at home.

While 97% of 16–54-year-olds used the internet in the last three months, the same indicator among 65–74-year-olds was 68%. The share of internet users among 65–74-years-olds increased two percentage points in a year, reaching 53%. Nevertheless, the digital divide between the youngest (16–24-year-olds) and the oldest (65–74-year-olds) age group was 46 percentage points. 90% of internet users used the internet and 85% of them used a computer daily.

While on the move (away from home and work), 73% of internet users used the internet on a smart or mobile phone and 32% on a portable computer in the last three months. Compared to 2016, these indicators had risen seven and three percentage points, respectively. By age groups, the use of internet on the move was the highest among 16–24-year-old internet users.

In the last three months, the most popular internet activities among 16–74-year-old internet users were: using internet banking services (90%), reading media publications (90%) and using e-mail (89%). In the last 12 months, 22% of internet users booked transport service (e.g. on Taxify or Uber) and 17% booked accommodation service (e.g. on Airbnb.com) from a private person by using a website or mobile app.

In the last 12 months, 65% of internet users bought or ordered some product or service online, which is one percentage point more than a year ago. E-commerce users ordered mostly travel and accommodation services (61%) and tickets to concerts, cinema, theatre and other events (57%). Slightly more than one third (35%) of e-commerce users bought or ordered food and staple goods and a quarter bought electronic equipment online.

96% of Estonian enterprises with 10 or more employed persons used computers every day, 95% of them used the internet. Fixed broadband internet connection is used predominantly, but almost three‑quarters of enterprises also used mobile internet for work purposes. The speed of used internet connections has increased year by year. For 80% of enterprises with a fixed broadband internet connection the fastest download speed was over 10 Mbit/s. 97% of enterprises using fixed broadband internet access were satisfied with the connection.

In 2017, 15% of Estonian enterprises employed qualified information and communication technology (ICT) specialists. 8% of companies encountered difficulties recruiting ICT specialists. As the use of ICT tools is indispensable in everyday life, the continuous improvement of ICT skills is inevitable. One tenth of Estonian enterprises trained their employees in information and communication technology, 8% of companies trained ICT professionals working in the enterprise.

In 2017, 18% of Estonian enterprises sold their products or services electronically. E-commerce sales accounted for 21% of the total turnover of enterprises engaging in e-sales. The largest e‑sales users were wholesale and retail trade and accommodation and food service enterprises.

The use of information technology among persons aged 16–74, households and enterprises is studied based on a harmonized methodology in all European Union Member States. Statistics Estonia studies the use of information technology in households and among inhabitants aged 16–74 annually in the 2nd quarter. From 2005 to 2013, this was part of the Labour Force Survey, since 2014 an independent survey. A household is a group of persons who live at the same address and share joint financial resources and whose members consider themselves to be members of one household. It differs from family, which is based on family relationships or kinship.

Statistics Estonia has surveyed the use of information technology in enterprises since 2001. 3,400 enterprises participated in the survey in 2017. The survey covers enterprises with 10 or more persons employed.

For the statistical activity “Information technology in households” and “Information technology in enterprises” the main representative of public interest is the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.