Internet in India

Here are some of the facts and figures about internet consumers in India, the numbers have been compiled from different sources and research papers. For all those people who want to aim e-shoppers for their business, these statistics would give you a launching point.

Total online “Active users” (as of September 2006): 37 million. Source

Total online “Active users” estimate: 100 million by 2007-08. Source

Total market potential: Expected at Rs 2300 Cr by 2006-2007

Age group:

18-25 : 25%

26-35 : 46%

36-45 : 18%

What is selling?

Books, Electronic goods, Railway tickets, Apparel, Gifts, Computers and peripherals, Airline tickets, Music and Movies, Hotel rooms, Magazines, Home tool and Products, Home, Appliances, Jewelry, Movie Tickets, Beauty Products, Health and fitness products, Gift Certificates, Sporting goods.

How much are they spending?

Rs 500-1000 – 25%

Rs 1000 – 5000 – 39%

Rs 5000 – 10000 – 13%

Rs >10000 - 11%

Apart from that the total investment in 2006 is likely to be $6.3 billion, a number that is more than five times the amount invested in 2000. Source

While India rides the VC wave, it’s the best time to innovate, raise a VC investment and execute. Like most other good things even this will come to an end, so even before the “Bubble 2.0” is pricked lets just make some good use of it.

There’s a very inspiring google video on “Leveraging India as India stands up” where Prof. Ashok JhunJhunwala talks about the different opportunities India has to offer.

Note: I would publish more of these statistics on a day to day basis, you can also get the research paper from IAMAI website