Bermudians are some of the most technology-savvy people in the world, according to a new survey conducted by Government.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Minister of E-Commerce Terry Lister explained Bermuda was ranked one of the top 20 e-ready countries in the world for the third year in a row, in a global e-readiness ranking survey by 'The Economist' magazine.

The e-commerce Benchmark Survey, first conducted in 2007, shows that Information Communication Technology (ICT) has helped Bermuda become one of the wealthiest and most sophisticated countries in the world.

"In an effort to understand the distribution and use of technology in residential and corporate communities in Bermuda, the Department of E-Commerce contracted a local research company to conduct a three-year study on technology in Bermuda.

"The study also measures attitudes toward and competencies in ICT."

Mr. Lister said the survey, conducted by Research.bm, sampled 404 Bermudian households with respondents age 18 and over, along with 201 business professionals age 18 and over.

He added: "The survey results show that overall use of telecommunications devices continues to be extremely high.

"With respect to technology literacy or the e-literacy of the population, based on the ability to use certain software and applications, the figures are encouraging."

According to the survey, 90 percent of Bermuda households own a computer, up from 87 percent last year. Eighty-four percent have Internet access, and 81 percent have high-speed Internet.

Ninety-four percent of Bermuda households own a cell phone with 32 percent owning a mobile device such as a BlackBerry – twice the amount as last year.

Residents said their online activities included using search engines, looking for travel information, researching projects or services and shopping.

On the corporate side, nearly all companies have computers with an increase of laptops from 71 percent to 81 percent.

Almost all companies – 95 percent – have Internet access with a high-speed connection.

Corporate cell phone use has increased as has the number of companies issuing mobile devices like the BlackBerry – up to 85 percent from 75 percent last year. Companies also tend to own more mobile devices – 63 percent this year compared with 49 percent in 2007.

Said Minister Lister: "The study shows that in some areas, such as computer or cell phone ownership, we remain among the highest in the world and there has also been an improvement in the uptake of technology skills.

"However, the learning curve regarding technology is constant and therefore a strong focus on the technology agenda must be maintained in order for Bermuda to continue to emulate global best practices and remain competitive.

He concluded: "Technology is a powerful instrument for personal, professional and economic empowerment. We must continue to ensure that no one in Bermuda is left behind as technology increasingly affects the lives of everyone, everywhere, everyday."