Since ITU first published this Manual in 2009, the digital technology sector has evolved almost beyond recognition. The Internet is now accessed through a multitude of devices, including mobile phones, tablets and similar handheld computers. The impressive spread of mobile broadband networks has brought online access to people in areas where fixed infrastructure is limited – for example, outside major urban areas, especially in developing countries. And the world over, more and more young people are growing up using digital technologies.
The second edition of the Manual, published in 2014, extended the list of ICT indicators and added a full on coordination of the national statistical system in the area of ICT statistics. However, the continued rapid growth and evolution of the global information society demands continuous review of our current ICT indicators and their definitions. A key component of ITU’s statistical work therefore involves the development and revision of the international standards used to monitor the progress of countries’ transformation into information societies.
In this third edition, we continue the trend of expanding the list of ICT indicators, while taking stock of the experiences of developed and developing countries alike in the implementation of ICT surveys. In addition, we have also introduced new measurement topics, reflecting the evolving nature of digital access and use.