Survey reveals significant differences in relation to Internet connectivity, geography
The results of SME Survey 2005, released earlier this month, confirm that ADSL is becoming the preferred Internet access method for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The findings, based on research conducted among 6 059 South African SME decision-makers, revealed that Pretoria leads the way in ADSL usage with 37% of businesses using this form of connectivity, followed by Cape Town at 33% and Johannesburg at 27%. The lowest level of ADSL usage was found among businesses in the Free State, with only 6% reporting to make use of an ADSL connection. This may be attributed to the low levels of ADSL service availability in the province.
The survey findings furthermore reveal that dial-up connections are used by SMEs in less urbanised areas in provinces such as the Northwest Province (35%), KwaZulu-Natal (35%), the Free State (34%) and the Southern Cape (34%). The national average is 24%. Greater Johannesburg ranks the lowest in terms of dial-up usage at 16%.
Andr'e Joubert, general manager of MWEB Business, says the survey`s results in relation to connectivity confirm the enormous potential that broadband opens up for SMEs. This relates to the finding that 53% of SMEs using ADSL regard themselves as highly competitive.
"An always-on, high-speed Internet connection at a fixed cost provides a much more pleasant user experience, enabling the smaller business to take advantage of the numerous benefits that the Internet and its related applications offers."
There has been a significant leap in ADSL usage among SMEs across all sectors, which confirms this form of connectivity is fast becoming the preferred connectivity option for SMEs. Some of the most dramatic sector results include:
* Advertising and marketing up from 15% to 30%
* Communication and broadcasting up from 5% to 27%
* Construction up from 7% to 27%
* Hotels and accommodation up from 0% to 24%
* IT software and services up from 14% to 36%
For further information regarding SME Survey 2005, visit www.smesurvey.co.za.
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Founded in January 1998 as the business division of MWEB, MWEB Business provides comprehensive solutions in areas of Internet services, application services, content services, Web development, e-commerce, e-procurement and consultancy to businesses.
We are dedicated to helping our business clients leverage the power of the Internet by providing a comprehensive solution for all their Internet needs along with the expertise and skills to successfully implement their ventures online.
MWEB Business has e-commerce enabled more than 220 businesses and provided Internet services to more than 75 000 business clients, including Pick `n Pay, Makro, Netflorist, Incredible Connection, The Pro Shop and many more.
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