8 things you might not know about the internet in South Africa

The number of internet users in South Africa is growing massively. That’s a good thing. After all, the World Bank reckons that every 10% growth in internet connectivity equates to a one percent growth in the GDP.

In fact, there are now an estimated 8.5-million internet users in the country, nearly 60% more than there were two years ago and around 90% of those access the web using mobile at some point.

Even mobile users are increasingly moving to smart devices. In 2011 there were an estimated 8.5-million smartphones floating around the country and that number is set to grow to 11-million by the end of this year.

Those are among the latest stats from tech research firm World Wide Worx. The company’s CEO Arthur Goldstuck presented the stats via tweenote at Net Prophet, a leading South African tech conference.

1. #Net2012 unveils headline findings of Internet Access in SA 2012 study. World Wide Worx report due June. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

2. #Net2012 uses multiple methodologies: primary research, interviews with providers, market intelligence. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

3. #Net2012 first headline finding: there were 8.5-million Internet users in South Africa at the end of 2012. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

4. #Net2012 found 2011 growth in SA user base was 25%, following 28% in 2010. Internet has awoken in SA. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

5. #Net2012: 6,02-million access Net on computer, laptop, tablet. 90% of these also on cell. 2.48m only cell. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

6. #Net2012: A total of 7,9 million South Africans access the Internet on their cell phones. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

7. #Net2012:Number of 3G users in South Africa: 5,5m. Smartphone base end 2011: 8.5m. Forecast 2012: 11m+. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

8. #Net2012: Undersea cable capacity to SA at end of 2011: 2,69Gbps. End 2012: 11,9Gbps. End 2013: 24,6Gbps. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

9. #Net2012 ADSL lines in use in South Africa: 820 000. 2011 growth: 13% . Limited by Telkom as sole supplier. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012

10. #Net 2012: Internet growth in 2012: expect 20%, taking user base past 10m mark and 20% penetration. #NetProphet

— Arthur Goldstuck (@art2gee) May 8, 2012