The results of independent studies covering all regions of the country very clearly showed that the global trend towards universal computerization and increasing the number of users of the World Wide Web has not spared Uzbekistan. Thus, over the course of a year and a half, the number of Internet users increased by an average of 10.6% (from 19% in May 2017 to over 29.6% in November 2018). (see Charts 3 and 4)
It is symptomatic that, like throughout the world, with the development of information technology, the popularity and accessibility of the mobile Internet is steadily growing in Uzbekistan. During the same period, the number of its users grew from almost 17% to over 28% of all respondents. (see Chart 2). This is primarily due to the greater accessibility and convenience of smartphones for the population.
At the same time, relatively few people use computers (desktops and laptops) directly to access the World Wide Web (7.6% of respondents in May 2017 and 7.5% in November 2018). (see Chart 1).
At the same time, the most popular social networks among Uzbek citizens are VKontakte, Facebook, Odnoklassniki, etc.). Growth from 5.4% to 10.3% of the country's population. (see Chart 3).
The popularity of chat groups and messaging programs, mainly Telegram and partly WhatsApp, is increasing at an even greater pace among Uzbek citizens (in 2017 - 10.6% and already 22% in 2017). (see Chart 4).
The study covered urban and rural populations. The survey included men and women aged 18 years and older. The sample corresponds to the general population.
Graph 1. Frequency of accessing the Internet via computer over the past 6 months
Graph 2. Frequency of Internet access via mobile phone over the past 6 months
Graph 3. They use the Internet to access social networks (VKontakte, Facebook, Odnoklassniki, etc.)
Graph 4. They use the Internet to access chat groups, messaging programs such as: Telegram, WhatsApp
The study covered urban and rural populations. The survey included men and women aged 18 years and older. The sample corresponds to the general population.