1.1. Contact organisation
Statistics Estonia
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Economic and Environmental Statistics Department
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication1.5. Contact mail address
Tatari 51, Tallinn, Estonia 10134
1.6. Contact email address
Restricted from publication1.7. Contact phone number
Restricted from publication1.8. Contact fax number
Restricted from publication2.1. Metadata last certified
7 August 20242.2. Metadata last posted
2 January 20252.3. Metadata last update
13 February 20253.1. Data description
The EU survey on the use of ICT in households and by individuals is an annual survey conducted since 2002. In Estonia, it has been conducted since 2014.
In 2024, the survey collects data on the access to information and communication technologies (ICT), on the use of the internet, e-government and e-commerce, internet of things, as well as green ICT.
3.1.1. Survey name in national and English languages
National language:
English: EU survey on the use of ICT in households and by individuals
Estonian:Infotehnoloogia leibkonnas
Questionnaire in Estonian and the translation in English are available in the Annexes below.
Annexes:
Questionnaire (in Estonian)
Questionnaire (in English)
3.2. Classification system
The following common concepts and definitions apply under the Integrated European Social Statistics (IESS):
- the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) 2011 published in the following breakdowns: low (ISCED levels 0-2: no formal education, primary education or lower secondary education), medium (ISCED levels 3-4: upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education) and high (ISCED levels 5-6: tertiary programmes which normally need a successful completion of ISCED 3 or 4, or second-stage tertiary education leading to an advanced research qualification);
- the International Standard Classification for Occupation ISCO-08 at the 2-digit level;
- the Classification of Economic Activities (NACE Rev.2-2008), at section level;
- the Common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS 1) – finer granularity of NUTS 2 is provided on optional basis by some Member States;
- the SCL – Geographical code list;
- information about household income is provided at lower level of detail.
Additional classifications used in the national questionnaire:
- The Estonian Classification of Economic Activities (EMTAK) is the national version of the international harmonised NACE classification.
- Estonian Administrative and Settlement Classification (EHAK)is meant for identifying territorial units.
- Each classification object has a unique four-digit code.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The ICT survey in households and by individuals covers those households having at least one member in the age group 16 to 74 years old. Internet access of households refers to the percentage of households that have an internet access, so that anyone in the household could use the internet.
3.3.1. Differences in scope at national level
Deviations are not observed
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The survey is collecting data of internet users, individuals who have used the internet in the three months prior to the survey.
This annual survey is used to benchmark ICT-driven developments, both by following developments for core variables over time and by looking in greater depth at other aspects at a specific point in time. While the survey initially concentrated on access and connectivity issues, its scope has subsequently been extended to cover a variety of subjects (for example, the use of internet, e-government, e-commerce, internet of things and green ICT) and socio-economic analysis (such as regional diversity, gender specificity, differences in age, education and the employment situation). The scope of the survey with respect to different technologies is also adapted to cover new product groups and means of delivering communication technologies to end-users.
For more details on the methodology applicable in each survey year, please consult the Compiler's Manual for the respective year.
Deviations from standard ICT concepts: No observed deviations
3.5. Statistical unit
Households and Individuals
3.6. Statistical population
In the ICT usage survey, the target population for the different statistical units is:
- individuals: all individuals aged 16 to 74;
- households: all (private) households with at least one member aged 16 to 74.
Target population composed of households and/or individuals:
- Number of households: Not applicable
- Number of individuals: 1008538
3.6.1. Non-compulsory age groups
Non-compulsory age groups also included in the target population:
| No | Yes | Age scope | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals younger than 16? | X | ||
| Individuals older than 74? | X |
3.6.2. Population not covered by the data collection
| Non-target population (the difference between the total population and the target population) | Households | Individuals |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate number of units outside the general scope of the survey (for example individuals younger than 16 or older than 74; households with all members over 74 years old). | not applicable | 366149 |
| Estimate of the resulting percentage of under-coverage (non-covered population compared to the total country), if applicable | not applicable | not applicable |
3.7. Reference area
Entire territory of Estonia
3.8. Coverage - Time
Year 2024
3.9. Base period
Not applicable
Percentages of ‘Households’ and Percentages of ‘Individuals’
For most questions the reference period is the last three months before the interview. Questions in the modules on e-government and eID refer to the 'last year' before the interview.
Deviation from this statement: No observed deviations.
5.1. Survey period
CAWI: 1 April 2024 – 30 April 2024
CATI: 1 April 2024 – 30 June 2024
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
The legal basis for the 2024 EU survey on the use of ICT in households and by individuals is the Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 October 2019 establishing a common framework for European statistics relating to persons and households, based on data at individual level collected from samples (OJ L 261 I, 14 October 2019, p. 1), as implemented by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1484 of 18 July 2023 specifying the technical items of the data set, establishing the technical formats for transmission of information and specifying the detailed arrangements and content of the quality reports on the organisation of a sample survey in the use of information and communication technologies domain for reference year 2024 in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 213, 182, 19 July 2023, pp. 100-149) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1797 of 7 July 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying the number and titles of the variables for the use of information and communication technologies statistics domain for the reference year 2024 (OJ L 233, 21 September 2023).
Complementary national legislation constituting the legal basis for the survey on the use of ICT in households and by individuals: Official Statistics Act
Annexes:
Official Statistics Act
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided in § 34 and § 35 of the Official Statistics Act.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
The treatment of confidential data is regulated by the Procedure for Protection of Data Collected and Processed by Statistics Estonia.
8.1. Release calendar
Notifications about the dissemination of statistics are published in the release calendar, which is available on the website.
On 1 October each year, the release times of the Statistical Database, news releases, main indicators by IMF SDDS and publications are announced in the release calendar (in case of publications – the release month).
8.2. Release calendar access
8.3. Release policy - user access
All users have been granted an equal access to official statistics: this means that the dissemination dates of official statistics have to be announced in advance and no user category (including Eurostat, state authorities and mass
media) can have access to the official statistics (results of official statistical surveys) before other users. Statistical information is first published in the Statistical Database. In case a news release is published based on the same data,
the information provided in the relevant news release is simultaneously published in the Statistical Database. Official statistics are available on the website at 8.00 a.m. on the date announced in the release calendar
Annual
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
There was one press release regarding the survey conducted in 2024.
News at this website.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
No additional publications were made
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
The data was published in the statistical database: Statistical database.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not available
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
No microdata was made available to public
10.5. Dissemination format - other
After the official data dissemination in the online databases the data is afterwards used for social media posts.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not available.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Information about the ICT survey is available on the website
Annexes:
ESMS Metadata
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not available
10.7. Quality management - documentation
The Principles for the quality management are documented in the Official Statistics Act §7 on "Principles and quality criteria of producing official statistics"
11.1. Quality assurance
To assure the quality of processes and products, Statistics Estonia applies the EFQM Excellence Model, EU Statistics Code of Practice and the ESS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF). Statistics Estonia is also guided by the requirements provided for in § 7. "Principles and quality criteria of producing official statistics" of the Official Statistics Act.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Statistics Estonia performs all statistical activities according to an international model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process; this information can take many forms, including feedback from users, process metadata, system metrics and suggestions from employees. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report which outlines all the quality problems related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.
Main strengths:
- The data is comparable from 2014 and onwards;
- The data is used by the media, several organisations (e.g. Information System Authority, Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Economic Affairs)
Comparability: The methodology has changed and several questions were previously asked about the last 12 months of digital activities and now about the last 3 months
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Ministry of Education and Research
Information System Authority
Users needs for the following information: cyber security, awareness of security risks, digital skills development.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Since 1996 Statistics Estonia conducts reputation surveys and user surveys.
Annexes:
User survey results
12.3. Completeness
All of the variables required for transmission have been included in the microdata.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
100%
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The type of survey and the data collection methods ensure sufficient coverage and timeliness.
13.2. Sampling error
The estimation method for the sampling error used is the Taylor linearization. The equation for the sampling error is described in the document available in the annexes below.
No specific tool is used and no specific effects are taken into account when estimating the sampling error.
The sampling method used for the ICT survey is the Model Assisted Survey Sampling (Särndal, Swensson, Wretman,1991).
The estimates that are based on less than 20 persons in the sample are considered as not sufficiently reliable. All indicators in annex table 13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators are based on more than 20 persons, therefore are reliable.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Precision estimates for the question "Individuals having ordered goods or services for private use over the internet in the last 12 months" (individuals who ticked 'Within the last 3 months' or 'Between 3 months and a year ago' in in the question “When did you last buy or order goods or services for private use over the internet?”):
Number of respondents (absolute value for ‘Yes’ answers): 2972
Estimated proportion (in %): 73.1%
Standard error (in percentage points): 0.71
Details of the breakdowns are available in document "Standard errors_Mandatory_Optional questions_EE_2024" in the Annexes.
13.3. Non-sampling error
See more details on non-sampling error below.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Not available
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not available
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested in the ICT survey.
13.3.2. Measurement error
- Measurement errors: The specific IT terminology can be difficult for older respondents to understand.
- Questionnaire design and testing: Cognitive interviews are conducted before designing new questions.
- Interviewer training: All interviewers receive both substantive and technical training.
- Proxy interview rates: 0%.
13.3.3. Non response error
Information about non-respondents: All interviewers receive both substantive and technical training.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
The unit non-response rate is the ratio of the number of in-scope non-respondents (= number of rejected interviews) to the number of eligible elements selected from the sampling frame.
Unit non-response rate for
- Households: 34.8
- Individuals (aged 16-74): 34.8
13.3.3.1.1. Unit non-response – sample sizes
| Number of households | Number of individuals (aged 16-74) |
Number of individuals (< 16) |
Number of individuals (> 74) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross sample [A]The number of households/individuals initially selected from the sampling frame (if not applicable, indicate why below the table) | 6500 | 6500 | ||
| Ineligible: out-of-scope [B] For example, when a selected household is not in the target population because all members are over 75 years old or when no dwelling exists at the selected address, or a selected individual has died between the reference data of the sampling frame at the moment of the interview. | 168 | 168 | ||
| Number of eligible elements [C]Gross sample size corrected of the ineligible cases | 6332 | 6332 | ||
| Net sample size or final sample [D]The net sample size (or final sample) corresponds to the number of households/individuals that can be used in the final database. | 4128 | 4128 | ||
| Unit response rate [E] = [D] / [C]The unit response rate is the ratio of the number of in-scope respondents (= the number of achieved interviews or the net sample size) to the number of eligible elements selected from the sampling frame. | 65.2 | 65.2 |
Comments, if any:
CATI:59.2%
CAWI:36.4%
13.3.3.1.2. Unit non-response – methods, minimization and substitution
- Methods used for dealing with unit non-response: Non-response correction weights are applied to compensate different response probabilities.
- Methods used for minimizing unit non-response: The improvements of our contact databases and registers, effective interviewers’ trainings and gifts for respondents are used to reduce the unit non-response. To respond, each respondent will receive an email (if an e-mail is available) and a paper notification letter. If the respondent does not answer the questionnaire, up to 7 reminder letters will be sent. If the telephone call is not answered, the CATI interviewer will call the respondent's different telephone numbers up to 5 times.
- Substitution permitted: No.
- Substitution rate (in %): 0%.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Items with low response rates (observed rates in %): Not available.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not available
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable
14.1. Timeliness
Date of data dissemination at national level:16 September 2024
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Restricted from publication14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Restricted from publication14.2. Punctuality
The data has been published at the time announced in the release calendar.
The data was sent to Eurostat before the deadline.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
The data has been published at the time announced in the release calendar. The data was sent to Eurostat before the deadline.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
There is no problem of comparability across the country’s regions.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not relevant
15.2. Comparability - over time
Possible limitations in the use of data for comparisons over time:
The data is comparable over time. The differences in data from 2013 and 2014 can be caused by changes in methodology due to transition from survey conducted as part of the Labour Force Survey to a separate survey. In 2021, the way of collecting economic activity of the local unit for the main job changed. Previously, the questionnaire asked about the economic activity of the job, in 2021 this data was taken from the register.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
The length of comparable time series depends on the module and variable considered within each of the modules of the survey.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Not applicable
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable
15.4. Coherence - internal
All statistics are coherent within the dataset provided by the country.
15.4.1. Survey questionnaire – mandatory questions
MANDATORY questions in the Eurostat model questionnaire 2024:
Table 15.4.1. of document "Standard errors_mandatory_optional questions_EE_2024"in the Annexes lists the questions for which the coverage of subjects and characteristics reflected in the national questionnaire differs from Annex 2 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1797 of 7 July 2023.
15.4.2. Survey questionnaire – optional questions
Adoption of OPTIONAL questions and items in the Eurostat model questionnaire 2024:
Table 15.4.2. of document "Standard errors_Mandatory_Optional questions_EE_2024" in the Annexes lists the optional questions from the annual Eurostat model questionnaire 2024 included in the national questionnaire and their coverage for age groups beyond the standard scope.
15.4.3. Survey questionnaire – additional questions at national level
Additional questions introduced in the national questionnaire in 2024:
Details of the questions are in document "Standard errors_Mandatory_Optional questions_EE_2024" available in the Annexes below.
15.4.4. Survey questionnaire – deviations
Effects of deviations from the routing used in the Eurostat model questionnaire
All statistics is coherent within the datasets.
"Standard errors_Mandatory_Optional questions_EE_2024"
17.1. Data revision - policy
The data revision policy and notification of corrections are described in the section Principles of dissemination of official statistics of the website of Statistics Estonia.
17.2. Data revision - practice
The published data is modified after changes in the methodology take place, in case errors are discovered in the published datasets the errors will be corrected.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not relevant
18.1. Source data
The source of the raw data is described with more details in the paragraphs below.
18.1.1. Sampling frame
The sampling frame is based on the population and housing census and the population register of Estonia. The individuals under 16 or over 74, individuals with addresses abroad or institutionalized individuals are excluded from the sample.
The sample from the population register is taken as of 1st January of the survey year.
The objects in the sample are divided into four strata. The strata are based on the population size of the 15 counties of Estonia and Tallinn (I – Tallinn, II – four bigger counties, III – ten smaller counties, IV – Hiiu county) and different
inclusion probabilities are used in stratas, the highest being for Hiiu county.
The survey is voluntary for the individual.
Since the year 2014 the survey has been a stand-alone survey. Prior to that the survey was included as a module in the Labour Force Survey.
18.1.2. Sampling design
The sampling design for the survey is a stratified systematic sampling of individuals, whose households are included in the sample.
The stratification of the sample is based on the population size and different inclusion probabilities of the counties in Estonia and of Tallinn. The 15 counties of Estonia and Tallinn are divided into four strata according to the population
size (I – Tallinn, II – four bigger counties, III – ten smaller counties, IV – Hiiu county) and different inclusion probabilities are used in stratas, the highest being for Hiiu county.
Every sampled individual will answer the questions regarding the household and the individual themselves. Only one member of the household is interviewed.
The individuals in sample taken from the population register of Estonia that were included in the sample of the ICT survey of the previous year will be excluded from the sample.
18.1.3. Net effective sample size
Restricted from publication18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual
18.3. Data collection
1) Methods used to gather data: CAWI and CATI
2) Short description of the survey method:
Overall 4127 questionnaires were successfully filled out.
CATI method - The majority of the questionnaires were completed in the CATI method - 59,2% of the questionnaires
CAWI method - 36,4% of the questionnaires
3) Variables completed from an external source: The following variables were gathered using administrative registers.
The data on loss of capacity for work and on degree of disability are received from the Social Insurance Board.
The data on a person’s highest level of education completed according to ISCED 2011 (International Standard
Classification of Education) are received from Statistics Estonia’s population base (which is based on educational data of different national registers).
The data on a person’s ethnic nationality, citizenship and country of birth are received from the statistical person’s register of Statistics Estonia (which is based on data of different national registers).
18.4. Data validation
Arithmetic and qualitative controls are used in the validation process, including comparison with other data. Before data dissemination, the internal coherence of the data is checked.
18.5. Data compilation
In the case of missing or unreliable data, estimate imputation based on established regulations will be used.
Variables and statistical units which were not collected but which are necessary for producing the output are calculated or linked with the help of statistical register of persons. New variables are calculated by applying arithmetic conversion to already existing variables. This may be done repeatedly, the derived variable may, in turn, be based on previously derived new variables.
Weights are calculated for statistical units and the data collected by a sample survey are expanded to the whole population.
Microdata are aggregated to the level necessary for analysis. This includes aggregation of the data according to the classification and calculating various statistical measures, e.g. average, median, dispersion, etc. Only estimates which are based on 20 or more respondents are published.
The collected data is converted into a statistical output. This includes calculating additional indicators.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
For the target indicator "Individuals having ordered goods or services for private use over the internet in the last 12 months" (individuals who ticked 'Within the last 3 months' or 'Between 3 months and a year ago' in the question “When did you last buy or order goods or services for private use over the internet?”:
- Imputation rate (% of observations): 0%.
- Imputation rate (share of estimate): 0%.
18.5.2. Use of imputation methods
Methods used to impute item non-response: Deductive imputation (regression with IVEware) for household income range and Hot-deck for household income total sum.
18.5.3. Grossing-up procedures
Grossing up procedures have been applied to Individuals and/or Households: The weights are formed in a sequence of steps. A weight resulting from the previous step is multiplied by the correction factor calculated at the current step. The correction factors are scaled in such a way that their sample average is unity at each step. As a result, the final weight is a product of the initial weight and correction factors. Also the calibration of the corrected weights is done. The three steps of calculating the weights are: 1. Calculating design weights. Design weight depends on the different inclusion probability due to stratification and due to household size. Design weight is inverse of the inclusion probability. 2.Non-response correction. Design weights are corrected according to different response probabilities according to place of residence (county and urban/rural), sex and 5-year age group.3. Calibration of non-response corrected weights according to demographic data. Variables for calibration are sex and 5-year age group, place of residence (county and urban/rural).
For individuals: The grossing up procedure for individuals is similar to households. Inclusion probability of household depends on the size of the household. Individual non-response corrected weight is calculated by multiplying weight of respective household by household size.
18.6. Adjustment
Not relevant
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not relevant
No further comments.
The EU survey on the use of ICT in households and by individuals is an annual survey conducted since 2002. In Estonia, it has been conducted since 2014.
In 2024, the survey collects data on the access to information and communication technologies (ICT), on the use of the internet, e-government and e-commerce, internet of things, as well as green ICT.
The survey is collecting data of internet users, individuals who have used the internet in the three months prior to the survey.
This annual survey is used to benchmark ICT-driven developments, both by following developments for core variables over time and by looking in greater depth at other aspects at a specific point in time. While the survey initially concentrated on access and connectivity issues, its scope has subsequently been extended to cover a variety of subjects (for example, the use of internet, e-government, e-commerce, internet of things and green ICT) and socio-economic analysis (such as regional diversity, gender specificity, differences in age, education and the employment situation). The scope of the survey with respect to different technologies is also adapted to cover new product groups and means of delivering communication technologies to end-users.
For more details on the methodology applicable in each survey year, please consult the Compiler's Manual for the respective year.
Deviations from standard ICT concepts: No observed deviations
Households and Individuals
In the ICT usage survey, the target population for the different statistical units is:
- individuals: all individuals aged 16 to 74;
- households: all (private) households with at least one member aged 16 to 74.
Target population composed of households and/or individuals:
- Number of households: Not applicable
- Number of individuals: 1008538
Entire territory of Estonia
For most questions the reference period is the last three months before the interview. Questions in the modules on e-government and eID refer to the 'last year' before the interview.
Deviation from this statement: No observed deviations.
The type of survey and the data collection methods ensure sufficient coverage and timeliness.
Percentages of ‘Households’ and Percentages of ‘Individuals’
In the case of missing or unreliable data, estimate imputation based on established regulations will be used.
Variables and statistical units which were not collected but which are necessary for producing the output are calculated or linked with the help of statistical register of persons. New variables are calculated by applying arithmetic conversion to already existing variables. This may be done repeatedly, the derived variable may, in turn, be based on previously derived new variables.
Weights are calculated for statistical units and the data collected by a sample survey are expanded to the whole population.
Microdata are aggregated to the level necessary for analysis. This includes aggregation of the data according to the classification and calculating various statistical measures, e.g. average, median, dispersion, etc. Only estimates which are based on 20 or more respondents are published.
The collected data is converted into a statistical output. This includes calculating additional indicators.
The source of the raw data is described with more details in the paragraphs below.
Annual
Date of data dissemination at national level:16 September 2024
There is no problem of comparability across the country’s regions.
Possible limitations in the use of data for comparisons over time:
The data is comparable over time. The differences in data from 2013 and 2014 can be caused by changes in methodology due to transition from survey conducted as part of the Labour Force Survey to a separate survey. In 2021, the way of collecting economic activity of the local unit for the main job changed. Previously, the questionnaire asked about the economic activity of the job, in 2021 this data was taken from the register.