In 2009 the Internet users in Lithuania represented slightly more than half of the population. According to the Ministry's proposal, Lithuania should reach the European Union Member States' average of 75 % of Internet users. Another objective is to have 79 % of the Lithuanians trained to work on a computer, against 57 % in 2009.
Such ambitious plans have been drawn up by the Ministry of Transports and Communications, in a strategic document covering the 2010-2015 period. The Government will soon approve the document and concrete plans will be developed for reaching the set targets.
"Many among urban populations use computers, and the Internet has become a daily phenomenon, whereas there are still people who are unfamiliar with information technology. These are predominantly part of the rural population, pensioners, people with disabilities and/or low income." said the Minister of Transports and Communications, Eligijus Masiulis.
In Lithuanian cities, Internet users are more than 60 % of the population. This proportion drops to about 40 % of the rural households.
"The number of Internet users would rise if the state could cover the subscription fees of people living in difficult conditions. However, the Government has very limited options currently." the Minister explained.
Minister Masiulis further said he believes that the share of Internet users will grow faster if the eServices provided by public authorities and the online shopping opportunities increase. This is why he proposes to require other public authorities to make 90 % of the basic public services available on the Internet (vs. 60 % currently) by 2015.
Approx. 80 % of the Lithuanian population has broadband Internet access. The state intends to continue funding the development of broadband networks in rural areas for the next four years, thus targeting high-speed access for 98 % of the population.
At the moment 300 000 Lithuanian citizens hold an electronic identity card enabling them to authenticate in cyberspace and to sign documents by electronic means. The Ministry of Transport and Communications expects that one out six citizens should have access to this facility in a few years.
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Quelle/Source: epractice, 13.10.2010
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