Household Use of Information Technology
CONTACT
Assistant Director
Small Business & Science and Technology
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Telephone (02) 6252 5189
Facsimile (02) 6252 7009
DESCRIPTION
This survey provides information on the ownership and use of selected information technology by people and households. Topics covered include use of computers, expenditure on computer technology, use of the Internet and use of other communication technologies, such as pay TV. The most recent survey also presents data on the electronic commerce activities of adults.
Some information on the family composition of households and the use of computers by children aged 5-17 are available. This data can be used to gain insights about the ways families are using information technology and to monitor changes over time.
SCOPE
All persons in private dwellings except certain diplomatic personnel of overseas governments, members of non-Australian defence forces (and their dependants) stationed in Australia and overseas residents visiting Australia. The survey is conducted in both urban and rural areas in all States and Territories, but since 1997 excludes persons living in some remote and sparsely settled parts of Australia.
DISSEMINATION
Publications
Household Use of Information Technology, Australia ,1999 (cat no. 8146.0)
Use of Internet by Householders, Australia, (Quarterly) (cat. no. 8147.0).
Data Service
Customised unpublished data are available in a variety of formats.
Data Details
Data are primarily available at person level. Extensive data are also available at household level.
Demographic and family information
Age (including children aged 5-17)
Sex (including children aged 5-17)
Social marital status
Birthplace
Family type
Area of usual residence
Use of information technology
Use and ownership of computers and use of peripheral information technologies
Frequency of computer use
Main use of home computer equipment
Ownership of selected communication technologies
- facsimile machines
- mobile phones
- pagers
- voice mail
- pay TV
Access to Internet
Expenditure on selected information technologies including Internet costs
Time spent using computer equipment
Source of computer training
Computer competency
Intentions to acquire computers or Internet access
Barriers to the use of computers and the Internet
Electronic transactions undertaken
Willingness to access on-line services
Other selected topics
Employment
Occupation
Major activity of those people not in the labour force
Income
Highest educational qualification
Dwelling structure
Tenure type
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
Australia, States and Territories.
FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION
Quarterly.
METHOD OF COLLECTION
Population Survey Monitor.
HISTORICAL DATA
Conducted since 1996. Some comparisons among the surveys are possible, especially for the latest surveys.