Alternately, the information has also been graphed to show countries and the respective percentages for the population of each that is online.³³   To view larger version of the graph, click here.

   The ability to access the internet is based on a variety of factors.  The first of these would be access to a computer since without one it is impossible to connect to the web.  Secondly, the individual must have access to a telephone line from which to connect to an ISP. Thirdly, the individual must be signed up for access with a local ISP, with competitive pricing for ISP service necessary to allow access to the highest number of individuals.  Lastly, the individual must be educated on how to use the internet or feel at enough ease with computers to try to "surf the web" on his or her own. 
   These are all important factors which will have a definite impact on Puerto Rico's continued diffusion of the internet and internet based technologies.  Access to a telephone line has been determined above.  The educational factor can only be accessed in so far as education in technology areas is available, which in this case includes  The following table summarizes our findings in respect to each of the other two important factors⁵³:

   As recently as 1999, the island of Puerto Rico counted with only one ISP.  Access to the internet under this ISP was set at a rather high rate of USD 29.00, although at that time it was a good rate compared to those offered by other Latin American countries, such as that of Trinidad and Tobago at an average cost of access of USD 81.71.²³ 
   Based on the information gathered⁵³, the landscape has changed considerably.  Puerto Rico should continue to show a high penetration rate for computers and increased internet diffusion fostered by the availability of education on IT, competitive ISP pricing/service options, and increased use of computers overall.

   As compared to other Latin American countries, Puerto Rico ranked 11^th (going from countries with the highest number of hosts to those with the lowest number of internet hosts) in terms of the number of internet hosts available.  This number serves as another indicator of the level of internet diffusion that exists in a country since without increased use there is no need for increased numbers of hosts.³⁴

   To view information concerning the distribution of top-level domains in Puerto Rico (.pr), click here.

To contact us:  INITEB Puerto Rico     To view the class country reports menu, click here.