Internet Use in Macedonia

Macedonians mainly missed out on the high tech boom at the end of the 20^th century, but have done their best to make up for lost time in the first decade of the 21^st.

Market Development Success Story

In 2000, only, 1.5% of Macedonians, about 30,000 people, used the internet.  The country had very little high tech infrastructure, computer and networking equipment was expensive, and it was difficult for service providers to compete against the government utility company.  Today is an entirely different story.  Ten years of market development have led to explosive growth in internet usage in Macedonia.

Figures for 2010 show 51% of the population, over 1,000,000 people, are now regular internet users.  This large shift is a singular triumph for the Macedonian people.  The government regularly touts its commitment to developing a knowledge society, and in this case they seem to be following up on the talk.

Government Efforts

Several government initiatives have fueled the growth of internet use in Macedonia:

• Privatization and competition.  In 2004, the country had only one broadband internet provider – a government owned utility company charging $150 USD  per month.  New telecommunications laws opened up the market and by 2010 competition drove the price down to $10 USD per month.
• The Macedonia Connect program.  Jointly funded by USAID and the Macedonian government, Macedonia connect has brought broadband access within reach about 95% of the Macedonian population.  Originally envisioned as an educational program, it was later expanded to become a wireless backbone for the entire country.
• A Computer for Every Child.  The Macedonian government placed virtual computers in every school.  As a result, children are growing up comfortable with computers and ready to acquire important skills.
• Computer Vouchers.  Government issued vouchers help university seniors purchase laptop computers, increasing the number of individuals with home access to the internet.  Studies show that computer owners spend a lot more time online than shared computer users.

All of these efforts seem to be paying off, preparing the young generation for life in the online world.  Software development programs and public incentives will further advance internet use in the country.

Rapid Growth Will Continue

Two additional factors portend continued high growth.  Very high mobile phone penetration, now over 95%, opens a separate gateway to the internet.  As smart phones proliferate, the installed base of broadband access devices should double or even triple again in very short order.

Tablet computers such as the Apple ipad also make for interesting internet platforms.  Relatively low prices, user friendly interfaces, and new kinds of applications will almost certainly lead to another huge leap in internet usage.

There are only good and exciting things ahead for technology fans in Macedonia.