Worldwide interconnected computer network. It provides access to a number of communication services including the World Wide Web and carries e-mail, news, entertainment and data files, irrespective of the device used (i.e. not assumed to be only via a computer) and thus can also be accessed by mobile telephone, tablet, PDA, gaming machine, digital TV etc.). Access can be via a fixed or mobile network and include the following:
- Fixed narrowband Internet includes analogue modem (dial-up via standard phone line), ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) at advertised download speeds below 256kbit/s (kilobits per second), and other forms of access with an advertised download speed of less than 256 Kbit/s;
- Fixed broadband Internet refers to technologies at advertised download speeds of at least 256 Kbit/s such as DSL, cable modem, high speed leased lines, fibre-to-the-home/ building, powerline and other fixed broadband including terrestrial fixed broadband network such as WiMAX and fixed CDMA, and satellite broadband network (via a satellite connection); and
- Mobile broadband Internet includes technologies at least 3G, e.g. UMTS via a handset or via a card (e.g. integrated SIM card in a computer) or USB modem; mobile broadband via privately-owned mobile phone networks is excluded.
Statistical unit of the Ministry of Education or, alternatively, national statistical office.
UIS Guide to measuring information and communication technologies (ICT) in education.