Communication
The social and economic significance of information and communication technologies (ICT) is growing rapidly. In Switzerland approximately 77% of households are equipped with computers. The high degree of dissemination of information and communication technologies in Swiss households is a good foundation for further development of private e-commerce.
In 2006 Switzerland recorded the highest ICT expenditures – EUR 2,763 per inhabitant – followed by Sweden, Denmark and Japan. Information technologies accounted for 56% of total ICT expenditures in Switzerland, while communication technologies accounted for 44%. In 2006 ICT expenditures totaled about 6.64% of the gross domestic product (GDP). This puts Switzerland in third place behind Japan and Sweden.
31 out of every 100 Swiss residents access the Internet through broadband connections (as of December 2007). Switzerland therefore ranks above average for OECD countries and is among the leading countries in this regard. The expansion of the “Fiber to the Home” (FTTH) communication network, which is being connected to every business establishment and multi-family or single-family residence by fiber-optic cable, is currently underway throughout Switzerland.
Internet subscribers, 2007
Subscribers to high-speed Internet connections per 100 inhabitants
Source: OECD