Internet and Society: Russia’s Internet audience increased by 5.4% in 2011

Russia’s Internet audience has reached 70 million people – 5.4% increase - while 55 million are regular Internet surfers, announced the Minister of Communications and Mass Media of Russia Igor Shchegolev. In 2013 this figure is expected to reach 90 million people.

“As compared to 2010, the rate has slowed down but the audience keeps growing”, the Minister said. He recalled that in 2011 Russia managed to surpass Germany in the “digital race” and take the lead among European countries as a market with largest online audience. In September in Russia there were 50.8 million unique Internet users over 15 vs. 50.1 million users in Germany - the former leader. According to the Minister of Communications and Mass Media, Russia has been recognized as the world’s most rapidly developing country in respect of Internet users increase.

“In the outgoing year our country entered Top 10 countries with developed broadband Internet”, - the Minister added. Growth rate of the broadband Internet market in Russia is said to keep on increasing – by the end of 2011 this figure totaled 40 lines per 100 people, while by 2015 it is expected to increase to 60 lines per 100 people. “Of course, most people are interested in a quality broadband access, as they understand the advantages of such communications, broadband Internet – is an opportunity to receive the latest information and communications services”, Igor Shchegolev mentioned. The cable broadband has the largest market share, however in the next few years satellite broadband is expected to win the popularity.