Information Society in Pirkanmaa Region 2004

The survey studied ICT access and use, and attitudes to the Information Society in the Tampere region, Finland. The role of information and communications technology in social life and at work were also investigated. One question explored the number of mobile phones and computers the household uses. Respondents were asked whether they themselves owned or used at work ICT equipment like palmtop, laptop, digital camera, analog or digital television, PC etc. Access to the Internet, and type of connection at home (phone line modem, ISDN, ADSL, leased line) were examined. Other questions covered the frequency of Internet and computer use, location of use, and frequency of using line telephone, mobile phone, analog TV, bank or credit cards, smart cards or digital television. Respondents' possibilities to access and use communications technology were examined. Respondents indicated to what extent they agreed with statements relating to the impact of Internet and e-mail on everyday life and social relations. Views on Internet connection costs were surveyed. The survey also carried a set of statements pertaining to the use of mobile phones and SMS messages, and the role of mobile phones in social life and at work. Respondents were asked to what extent they agree with statements relating to the usefulness, price and technical features of mobile phones. Frequency of using the Internet for certain activities (e.g. finding timetables, on-line shopping, job searching, chatting, studying, following news, playing, accessing public services) was studied. Views on the usability of Web sites and ease of finding information on the Web were charted. General attitudes towards the Information Society were surveyed with a set of statements relating to the impact of ICT on the Finnish society, rural development, migration, job security, and equality. Background variables included respondent's gender, year of birth, basic and vocational education, household size, number of children under 18, housing tenure, type of accommodation, economic activity, employer type, and type of neighbourhood.