Internet connections to exceed 380 mn by 2017: Study

Total number of Internet connections in the country is expected to surpass 380 million by 2017, growing at about 35 per cent annually, according to a study.

"Growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 35 per cent, total number of Internet connections in India is expected to surpass 380 mn by 2017 from the current level of 168 mn," an Assocham-Yes bank study on Driving Growth in New Media said.

Wireless connections comprise nearly 90 per cent of all connections added over 2012-17, it said.

The number of social media users in urban India reached 62 million by December 2012 and it is estimated to reach 66 million by June 2013, it added.

With over one billion users worldwide on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google+, the study said, "Social media is fast being recognised as a powerful brand management tool for targeted engagements with the consumer."

The chamber said a lot of popular Bollywood songs and scenes are now released first over the Internet medium as a teaser campaign.

"The mobile revolution is being spearheaded by increasing sales of mobile devices and smartphones as well as the rapid adoption of android and 3G services," Assocham President Rajkumar Dhoot said.