Irish enterprise continues online trend

Figures published today by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that more and more Irish businesses are getting online, with consecutive yearly increases in enterprise internet subscriptions, and an increase in online commerce with regard to both the selling and purchasing of goods and services.

The number of businesses in Ireland with an internet connection has risen to 93% in 2011, up from 92% and 90% the previous two years.

Slow dial-up connections have again witnessed a sharp decrease in usage, falling 6% between 2010 and 2011 to 17%.

All forms of broadband subscriptions have seen increases in usage, particularly DSL and mobile broadband. DSL broadband is used by 79% of Irish businesses, up 8% on the previous year. Mobile broadband is used by 46% of Irish businesses, up 10% on the previous year. This overlap of figures suggests that a significant number of Irish enterprises are using mobile broadband in conjunction with regular fixed-line broadband, each serving different requirements.

Overall, 91% of Irish business have a broadband internet connection in 2011, up from 87% in 2010.

The use of online commerce has increased in 2011. Some 49% of businesses purchase goods and services online, up from 44% in 2010, while 23% of businesses are selling goods and services online, up from 21% in 2010.

70% of Irish businesses now have some form of a website in place, undoubtedly helped out by national initiatives like Getting Irish Business Online.