New Delhi:21 January,2009: In spite of unfavorable regulation and many disincentives, Cyber Cafes continue to be the single largest access point for internet users, accounting being preferred by 36% of all internet users in India. This was found by the ongoing I-Cube 2008 survey conducted jointly by IMRB International and Internet and Mobile Association of India.

In fact, access from cyber cafes recoded an increase of 1% over last year. However, it was far below the peak of 52% in 2003. Commenting on the findings of the survey, IAMAI president Dr Subho Ray mentioned, “This is an area where government and other stakeholders keep running in the opposite direction to the users. Since 2000 cyber cafes have been the most important source of internet cafes, but there have been no recognition and absolutely no encouragement of this access point”. “It is time that the important of shared access through cyber cafes is recognized by the stakeholders” he added.

I-Cube survey also reveled that for the first time access through office had overtaken access from homes. In fact access from home declined to 26% compared to 30% last year. Another positive aspect revealed by the survey was that access from schools had increased this year following a secular trend in increase since 2003.

Commenting on the study Mr. Mohan Krishnan, Senior Vice President BIRD, a specialized unit of IMRB International said “Customers will plump for access modes that are convenient, affordable or free; Cyber cafes, offices and schools/colleges fit these description and hence are helping grow internet user base. Benign policy environment of govt. towards cybber cafes, mature IT admin policies in offices and colleges which allow happy hours to surf instead of imposing severe restriction are the need of the hour. In the medium term we have to think up ways to reach the information highway into homes”.

The decline is access from home has been attributed by the survey to lesser PC penetration in SEC D & E homes, need for privacy and the growth of online gaming market in India.

Interestingly and perhaps predictably, the survey found that while access from cyber caf? was most popular among school going kids, college going students and non-working women; office was the most preferred access point for young men, older men and working women.

The survey concludes that access is a function of 3Cs: Cost, convenience and the content sought.

About IAMAI
www.iamai.in

The Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body registered under the Societies Act, 1896.  Its mandate is to expand and enhance the online and mobile value added services sectors.  It is dedicated to presenting a unified voice of the businesses it represents to the government, investors, consumers and other stakeholders. The association addresses the issues, concerns and challenges of the Internet and Mobile economy and takes a leading role in its development.

For further queries please contact: Mr. Mehul Gupta AVP, Tel: +91-11-4657 0328 /9810375413 or write to mehul@iamai.in

About IMRB International
www.imrbint.com

Established in 1971, IMRB International is a pioneer in market research. A member of the Kantar Group, WPP's information, insight and consulting division. IMRB's footprint extends across 11 countries - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and London.

With over 1200 full time staff, IMRB provides high quality conceptualization, strategic thinking, execution and interpretation skills. IMRB International is the only research company in India that offers such a wide range of research based services to its clients. IMRB International's specialized areas includes consumer market research both quantitative and qualitative, industrial market research, business to business market research, social and rural market research, media research, retail research, and consumer panels.

For further queries please contact: Ms. Seema Saini Head-Corporate Communications Tel: +91-22-2423 35 26 /9820626170 Fax: +91-22-2432 48 70 or write to seema.saini@imrbint.com