A Look at the Portuguese Online Scene

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The Internet is arguably the bond that connects nations, organizations and individuals together along an information, communication and entertainment highway. Websites including social networking sites are at the forefront of virtually every activity of human society.

This statement is al too true in the Portuguese Republic where 55.3% of the population is online through various forms. It must be noted that the worldwide average for Internet usage is 32.5%, based on the State of the Broadband 2012 report. In contrast, Iceland has the highest percentage of netizens with 95% of its population having access to the Internet.

The State of the Broadband 2012: Achieving Digital Inclusion for All report was commissioned by the United Nations in line with its efforts into identifying trends in information and communication technology across the world. The study was conducted and its results were released by the Broadband Commission for Digital Development, a body organized by ITU and UNESCO in response to the UN’s efforts to achieve its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The 55.3% Internet usage for 2012 was a positive development from two years ago. In 2010, Portugal’s netizens were just 48.1% of the total population – or an increase of 7.2% in two years.

This can be attributed to improved Internet access in Portugal. The country boasts a reliable, fast and affordable Internet access system. Internet cafes scattered all across the country are the more popular public venues for accessing the web.

Portugal also boasts its own government-funded public service for Netizens, the Espaco Internet. It allows free Internet access for everybody interested while its staff of trained personnel provides expert assistance for users especially in remote communities. Most of the Espaco Internet has at least one handicap-friendly working station while other stations are tailored to meet the needs of specific groups of citizens.

Mobile broadband connection is also the hottest trend in the country today – a smart choice for Portuguese and non-Portuguese people on the move.

Portugal also has a wide network of Wi-Fi hotspots especially in the urban centers like Lisbon. The most common places are in hotels, service stations, trains stations, and airports while an increasing number of football stadiums are also providing the service.

Indeed, the commitment of the Portuguese government toward increasing online access to its citizens is commendable.


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Published in: Business / Guide to Portugal / News and Updates / Portuguese Life