Globally, there are more than 1.57 billion Internet users. Macao’s Internet Utility report says that as at the end of 2008 Macao’s Internet usage achieved 66% penetration of the population, which translates into 330,000 subscribers, 95% of whom use broadband connection facilities. According to an expert, the Internet coverage rate of Macao ranks number one in the world.

The report also summarises the features of Macao’s Internet use. The most popular activities among Internet users are reading online news, searching for information and checking emails. Less time is spent on downloading or watching films. Most non-users of the Internet said that they do not use it because they do not know how, have no time, do not have a computer or related facilities, or are not interested. Internet users spend an average 138 minutes on a daily basis on browsing websites, thus it is evident that the Internet has become an integral part of everyday human life.

Online Property Search in Vogue
According to statistics from the website vproperty.mo, a rise of 40% in the number of online property searches has been recorded in February 2009 showing an increase in the number of people re entering the property market. 70% of which target apartments below MOP 2.5 million and between 3-15 years old. Due to the fall in rental prices, renting has become more attractive, a proposition supported by the 20% increase in searches on vproperty.mo.

A local resident Mr. Wong said that he prefers to search for apartments online, pointing out that property prices fluctuate and that deals are closed relatively quickly: as information on the Internet is more timely and current, he can source the latest news immediately. Another Internet user, Mr. Lei, said that online information about property sales is more complete and searchers may browse several properties for sale or rent at the same time. With the images provided, they can save a lot of time compared with making personal visits via an agent as in the past.