Kolkata ranks third in survey on Internet users

: In a recent survey conducted in cities by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Kolkata has ranked third in the country in terms of the number of Internet users. Kolkata has 6.27 million people who have access to the internet.

IAMAI is an industry association that conducts research on digital business.

Mumbai with 16.4 million Internet users has topped the rankings whereas Delhi with 12.15 million Internet users has come second.

In terms of the numbers of Internet users, Kolkata has climbed two spots compared to last year when it was ranked fifth in the IAMAI research with 4.4 million Internet users.

Speaking to The Hindu here on Monday, the associate vice president of IAMAI Nilotpal Chakravarti identified the spurt in the sale of smart phones in Kolkata as a significant factor leading to the rise in the number of Internet users in the city.

“Now those who cannot afford smart phones can access the internet with low-end cell phones as most of them are equipped for the purpose,” said Mr. Chakravarti. He also said that the rise in the number of college students and housewives using the social media has also resulted in the increase.

In terms of annual growth of Internet users, Kolkata jointly holds the fifth place along with Ahmedabad with 33 per cent growth. Delhi has registered the highest annual growth of 50 per cent, followed by Mumbai (37 per cent) and Bangalore (36 per cent).