Number of Internet users doubled in 2006

The total number of Internet access connections doubled in 2006 amounting to 459.9 thousand, compared with 223.2 thousand in 2005. The rate of Internet connection per 100 capita increased from 6.59% in 2005 to 13.55% in 2006, a preliminary report by the National Regulatory Agency in Telecommunications and Informatics (NRATI) shows. It was worked out on the basis of the statistics reported by data transport companies and Internet providers. The report specifies that the total number of connections includes the Internet connections through the mobile phone networks (GPRS/EDGE). They increased by 126% compared with 2005 and reached 366.3 thousand. The Broadband Internet Connections (128 Kbps or more) increased more than twofold and reached 21.7 thousand. The great majority of Internet users choose the ADSL technology (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), which offers quick access via telephone landline and allows performing phone calls through the same line. The number of persons using this access method increased by 165%, constituting 16.6 thousand. On the narrowband connections, the number of Internet users increased by 105.9% and reached 438.2 thousand. The number of persons who connected to the Internet through dial-up has increased by 41.8%, from 50.7 thousand to 71.9 thousand. This increase was determined by the expansion of dial-up services in villages and providing accessible prices for these services. According to the report, of the total number of Internet connections in 2006, the share of narrowband connections constituted 95.3% and broadband – 4.7%. NRATI says that the broadband connections in 2007 will register significant development paces in light of the fact that the demand for quicker Internet is steadily increasing. In 2006, the value of the internet data transport and internet access services increased by 50.3% and amounted to MDL 196.22 mln. The investments operated in this field increased by 16.8% and constituted MDL 80.5 mln, all the money being spent for purchasing and installing network equipment. On January 1, NRATI had 760 companies registered, that are authorised to provide services in informatics, including 234 – data transport through land networks and VSAT, of which 41 are providers of Internet access services. The number of licence holders offering Internet access services in public facilities reached 459, of which 107 operate in raion centres and villages.