Two out of three households in Bermuda now have Internet access, according to a new survey.

This represents a 50 percent growth in demand for the Internet in the last two years, according to findings in the Bermuda Omnibus, a quarterly survey conducted by Total Marketing & Communications and its Canadian affiliate Corporate Research Associates.

It shows that 64 percent of Bermudians surveyed in March now have Internet access through a home computer, which compares to 56 percent recorded in 2000 and 43 percent in 1999.

And the survey shows that more people are now buying goods on-line than ever before.

A release from Total Marketing said: "Findings confirm that the Internet has experienced consistent growth on-Island and that consumers' usage of the Internet is becoming more sophisticated, specifically as it relates to purchase behaviour.

"Access to Internet continues to increase steadily, with close to two-thirds of all households now reporting to have Internet access.'' Internet access is more common among those in the under 55 age bracket, and access increases dramatically with household income.

The report states: "For example, less than half (46 percent) of residents from lower income households (less than $50,000) have Internet access, while the vast majority (88 percent) of residents from higher income households ($100,000 plus) have access. Results also reveal that non-Bermudians are more likely than Bermudians to have Internet access at home.'' The survey reveals that the predominant uses of the Internet continue to be for information searches which come in at 59 percent of usage, and e-mail, which is second highest, at 55 percent.

But the survey adds: "It is important to note that there has been a notable increase in consumer online purchase behaviour. More specifically, the increasing role of e-commerce among consumers is reflected by the fact that more than one quarter of those with Internet access now make purchases on-line.'' The report, released yesterday, went on to say that this figure represents well over double the amount of on-line purchasing that was reported a year ago. The figure in March 2000 stood at 11 percent.

Other common uses for the Internet include work-related activities (15 percent) and surfing the net (12 percent).

Across the population, use of the Internet for information searches is more likely among females and residents of Sandy's or Southampton parishes, while e-mail is more common among females, non-Bermudians and those aged between 35 and 54.

On-line shopping happens more often among residents of Pembroke or Devonshire and this activity increases with household income.

The results are based on a representative sample of 400 Bermuda residents. The survey was conducted between March 14-19, and Total Marketing said the results are accurate to within more or less 4.9 percentage points in 95 out of 100 samples.