1.1. Contact organisation
Instituto Nacional de Estadística INE
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Dirección General de Productos Estadísticos - Subdirección General de Estadísticas Sociales
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication1.5. Contact mail address
Avenida de Manoteras 50-52 - 28050 Madrid SPAIN
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
13 February 20252.2. Metadata last posted
13 February 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 SPAIN it has been conducted since 2002 as well.
In 2024, the survey collected data on access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and the use of the Internet, e-government, e-commerce, IoT, and Green ICT.
This information is broken down by demographic variables: sex, age, size of the municipality of residence, type of home, and Autonomous Community of residence, and socioeconomic variables: monthly net household income, nationality, level of education, employment, professional situation, and main occupation.
3.1.1. Survey name in national and English languages
National language: Encuesta sobre Equipamiento y Uso de Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación en los Hogares (TIC_H 2024).
English: Survey on the use of ICT in households and by individuals 2024.
The questionnaire (s) in the national language(s) and the translation in English are available in the files attached in the Annexes. See below:
Annexes:
Questionnaire (Engilsh)
Questionnaire (Spanish)
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 ISCO-08 | 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 the optional basis by some Member States;
- the SCL – Geographical code list;
- Information about household income is provided in a lower level of detail.
Additional classifications used in the national questionnaire: NUTS2 and NUTS3.
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
The national scope covers households having at least one member aged 16 or over. Then, in each household, a person aged 16 or over is chosen with equal probability using the Kish random method.
In addition, specific information is collected for all children aged 10 to 15 years.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The survey is collecting data of internet users, individuals who have used the internet in the three months before 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 the internet, e-government, e-commerce, IoT, 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.
The detailed information is available in the file attached in the Annex below (methodology):
Deviations from standard ICT concepts: No deviations.
Annexes:
Methodology
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: 17,179,652
- Number of individuals: 36,663,412
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 | Children aged 10 to 15: a specific module | |
| Individuals older than 74? | X | Individuals older than 74 |
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). | 2,171,644 | 4,818,674 |
| Estimate of the resulting percentage of under-coverage (non-covered population compared to the total country), if applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Comment:
HH: National scope: 2,171.644 (Households with all members over 74 years old)
IND: National scope: 4,818,674 (Individuals older than 74 years old) = 2,906,190 (individuals selected in HH out-of- Eurostat scope) + 1,912,484 (individuals selected in HH with Eurostat scope and older than 74 years old)
3.7. Reference area
The entire territory of the country is covered.
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 module on e-government refer to the 'last year' before the interview.
Deviation from this assertion: No deviations.
5.1. Survey period
From 1st April to 28th 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 2023 in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 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: The collection, treatment, and dissemination of data on statistical operations for state purposes are governed by the provisions of Law 12/1989 of 9 May, on the Public Statistical Function (LFEP), and in the Fourth Additional Provision of the Law 4/1990 of 29 June. The LFEP establishes that the National Statistical Plan is the main ordering instrument of the statistical activity of the State Administration and contains the statistics to be prepared in the four-year period by the services of the State Administration or any other entities dependent on it. All the statistics included in the National Statistical Plan are statistics for state purposes and are mandatory. The National Statistical Plan 2021-2024, approved by Royal Decree 1110/2020 of 15 December, is the plan currently in force. This operation is a statistic for state purposes and is included in the National Statistical Plan 2021-2024. (Statistics in the State Administration).
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Data exchanges between the INE and the other statistical services of the State (ministerial departments, autonomous bodies, and public entities of the State Administration), as well as between these and the statistical services of the Autonomous Communities for the development of statistics for them entrusted are regulated in the LFEP. The LFEP also establishes the mechanisms for statistical coordination between administrations, as well as the celebration of cooperation agreements when deemed appropriate.
It is carried out in collaboration with the Statistical Institute of Catalonia (IDESCAT) in the area of its autonomous community.
There are also collaboration agreements with the Andalusian Institute of Statistics and Cartography (IECA) and the Government of Aragon for the harmonization of their respective surveys with the one prepared by the INE, by which they are provided with the microdata of the survey in the field of their respective communities. A collaboration agreement has also been signed with the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council for the transfer of disaggregated information by area of competence.
In addition to these three autonomous communities, eleven other autonomous community statistical offices receive the microdata file of the survey in their respective field.
There is also a collaboration agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Business through the public business entity RED.ES for the investigation of certain indicators of the information society included in the Spanish Digital Agenda.
Finally, the complete survey file is transmitted to Eurostat for aggregating results at the European level and for the preparation of the EU survey on the use of ICT in households.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Law 12/1989, of 9 May, on the Public Statistical Function, obliges the INE not to disseminate in any case personal data whatever their origin. It is understood that personal data are those referring to natural or legal persons that either allow the immediate identification of the interested parties or lead by their structure, content, or degree of disaggregation to the indirect identification of the same. On the other hand, Regulation (EC) No. 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 11 March 2009, relative to European statistics establishes the need to establish common principles and guidelines that guarantee the confidentiality of the data used for compile European statistics and access to such confidential data, taking into account technical progress and the needs of users in a democratic society.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
The INE adopts the logical, physical, and administrative measures necessary for the protection of confidential data to be effective, from data collection to publication.
The survey questionnaires include a legal clause that informs about the protection that protects the data collected.
In the information processing phases, the data that allow direct identification are only kept as long as they are strictly necessary to guarantee the quality of the processes.
In the publication of the tables of results, the detail of the information is analyzed to avoid confidential data can be deduced from the statistical units. In cases where microdata files are disseminated, they are always anonymized.
Variables that may allow direct or indirect identification of the informant are eliminated in the microdata files. Furthermore, personal and contact details are only available during the collection of the information
8.1. Release calendar
The advance publication of the calendar is carried out in the last quarter of each year and shows the exact dates of the publication of the short-term statistics and the month of publication of the structural statistics; subsequently, on the last Friday of each month (t) the exact day of publication of the structural statistics scheduled for the month (t + 2) is announced.
8.2. Release calendar access
The publication calendar is published on the INE website INEbase / Calendario de disponibilidad de estadísticas del INE
8.3. Release policy - user access
The data is disseminated simultaneously according to the publication schedule to all interested parties, in most cases accompanied by a press release. At the same time, the data is published on the INE website Spanish Statistical Office (ine.es)
Custom requests are also sent to registered users. Some users may receive information on request as specified in the INE / European Statistical System / Commitment to quality. Code of Good Practice
Annual
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
The results of statistical operations are generally disseminated with press releases in English that can be consulted both in the menu corresponding to the operation Press Release: Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Households. Year 2024. and in the Press Section. Main menu
The detailed information (press release) is available in the file attached in the Annex. See below:
Annexes:
Press Release
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
All the information related to the ICT_H survey is published in: INEbase / Science and technology /New Communication and Information Technologies /Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Households / Latest data and INEbase / Science and technology /New Communication and Information Technologies /Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Households / Results
In addition, other INE publications, such as Spain in Figures or the Statistical Yearbook of Spain, contain information on the ICT_H. Monographs from INE Figures have also been published with information from the survey.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
INEbase is the system used by the INE to store and disseminate all statistical information on the Web. It contains all the information produced by the INE in electronic format. It is basically organized following the thematic classification of the INE / Statistical Organisation in Spain / Inventory of Statistical Operations / Current inventory The basic unit is the statistical operation, defined as the set of activities, including preparatory ones that lead to obtaining statistical results for a specific sector or topic or territory.
The databases with the information from the survey can be accessed through INEbase, in the "Sciences and Technologies" section or directly with the following link INEbase / Science and technology /New Communication and Information Technologies /Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Households / Latest data
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
AC1 (number of queries to data tables) = 447,257 (in 2023)
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Many statistical operations disseminate anonymized files for public use, which are freely available for download on the INE website, Products and services / Information / Microdata files (ine.es)
There are INEbase / Science and technology /New Communication and Information Technologies /Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Households / Results/ Microdata for public use since 2002, with the complete information of the survey.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Users can request specific exploitations of tailor-made information, which are carried out in any case while preserving the confidentiality of the data, through the User Service Area at the following link: Products and Services / Statistical information / Start (ine.es)
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
AC2 (number of queries to metadata) = 1,766 (in 2023)
10.6. Documentation on methodology
The standardized methodology is available in English in Standardised Methodological Report (ine.es)
The survey methodology is available in English in Metodología TIC_H
The survey questionnaire is available in English in Questionnaire ICTH_2024
The infographics are available in English in INEbase / Science and technology /New Communication and Information Technologies /Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Households / Related links
A glossary term is available in English in Glossary of Terms ICT_H
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
100%
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Since 2004 a report on the evaluation of non-response has been published annually. See link Analysis of non-response TIC_H
Since 2008, the sampling errors of the main survey estimates have been published in the detailed results tables. See link: Instituto Nacional de Estadística. (National Statistics Institute)
In addition, to comply with community regulations, each year the INE prepares a quality report of the ICT_H survey for Eurostat, which is approved by the aforementioned body.
11.1. Quality assurance
The quality assurance framework for INE statistics is based on the ESSCoP, the EUROSTAT Code of Good Practice for European Statistics. The ESSCoP consists of 16 principles, grouped into three areas: Institutional Environment, Processes, and Products. Each principle is associated with a series of indicators that allow its measurement. Different tools provided by EUROSTAT are used to assess quality: the aforementioned indicators, Self-assessment inspired by the DESAP model, Peer Review, User satisfaction surveys, and other evaluation procedures.
Quality is guaranteed in all phases of the survey, with control mechanisms and error detection.
Thus, the ICT_H survey collection applications are designed to ensure the highest quality of the information collected, since the recording is intelligent and allows for detecting and correcting range and flow errors and a battery of inconsistencies. In addition, from the beginning of the collection, the suspect values detected are analyzed, which are immediately communicated to all the collection centers and may entail the repetition of certain interviews.
On the other hand, the response rates at the provincial level are followed daily to detect any problem in the collection, as well as the main indicators of the survey at the sample level, which are compared with those of previous years, to detect gaps or irregularities in the collection of information, which are immediately communicated to those responsible for the collection.
Once the collection is finished, control of the coding carried out is carried out, proceeding to the modification of the erroneous codes and analyzing the partial lack of response that, in theory, according to the specifications of the collection programs, should be null, except for household income (where imputation of the same is not made to provide users with the most primary information possible).
The lack of total response in the survey is addressed through the application of calibration techniques.
Once the elevation factors have been obtained, the high results are compared with those of the previous year in order to detect possible inconsistencies at the macro level.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The application of collection in this survey is essential to ensure its quality. Therefore, every year it is tested to ensure that it does not contain computer errors that cause a loss of information or biased information.
Additionally, as it is subject to the European regulatory framework, the microdata is subjected to the Eurostat error and inconsistency detection program, designed independently from the one applied in the INE collection programs. This Eurostat program ensures that the survey results do not have any range, flow, or inconsistency errors. In other words, the results are subjected to a double check, the application of the INE collection, and the Eurostat program.
Likewise, in addition to the internal controls for the detailed analysis of the results tables, a Y2Y report is received annually from Eurostat in which the interannual variations of the data in the files submitted are analyzed for justification/explanation for what is guaranteed, doubly, that the results are consistent and comparable.
The results were disseminated in the three months following the completion of the collection, which gives an idea of the timeliness of the survey: the results of a year are published in that same year.
To prevent the non-response rate from increasing due to informants' fatigue, the questionnaire is administered in such a way that the logical flow of responses to the questionnaire is followed and thus the questions that are not necessary for the survey are omitted.
The non-response rate may also increase depending on the organization in charge of the collection. As of 2011, the collection was outsourced and the non-response rate increased compared to previous years. For this reason, in the collection documents, special emphasis is placed on the reduction of non-response.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The main user of the survey is the European Commission and in particular, Eurostat, to which all the mandatory information that they require by regulation is provided together with optional information (over 74 years old and under 10 to 15 years old). From our databases submitted, together with that of the rest of the EU countries, the monitoring indicators of the European Digital Agenda are drawn up, which shows the implementation of the information society in Europe.
Another important user is the National Observatory of Technology and Society, of the Ministry of Economy and Business. Each year a first draft of the questionnaire is provided for the possible inclusion of certain indicators for the Spanish Digital Agenda not collected at the European level. However, this request for additional questions can only be partially answered since the Eurostat survey is already very extensive, especially if one takes into account that part of the sample is collected by telephone interview.
Likewise, variables necessary to face the information demands of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the fulfilment of the Indicators of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda are incorporated.
Fourteen statistical offices of the autonomous communities and that of the Madrid City Council are also users of the results of the survey, which are provided with the microdata file in their area of competence, to serve their own purposes.
Finally, there are also telecommunications and Internet services companies, researchers, university professors, and individuals among our users.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
The INE has carried out general user satisfaction surveys in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019 and plans to continue carrying them out every 4 or 5 years. Its purpose is to know the perception that users of INE statistics have regarding the quality of the information they use, and to what degree their needs are met. In addition, other special surveys are carried out to find out certain aspects: dissemination of information, quality of certain publications, etc.
On the INE website, in its Methods and Projects / Quality and Code of Good Practices / INE Quality Management / User Surveys section, you can consult the surveys carried out to date by clicking on the following link INE - MetodologiaYEstandares - User surveys
All the mandatory information that Eurostat requires annually is collected in the survey, which issues a report approving the data provided and it is quality.
The needs of the rest of the main users are tried to meet on all occasions taking into account their suitability, the already long length of the questionnaire, and that part of the collection is carried out by telephone.
12.3. Completeness
Provides complete information on the mandatory variables set annually by the Commission's regulations.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
The mandatory statistical results rate available is 100%, R1=100%
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The sample design tries to minimize sampling errors and the different processes of the survey are aimed at eliminating or reducing as far as possible the errors of the same, both in the collection phase (response rate and debugging control) and in subsequent editions and imputation.
Due to the characteristics of the survey, the sample of young people is underrepresented while groups such as the elderly, retired or early retired people and to a lesser extent dedicated to housework, etc. are overrepresented. The application of calibration techniques has come to solve these problems. People of Spanish nationality also respond in a higher proportion than foreigners, so that, in addition to the traditional calibrated by sex and age, nationality is included.
On the other hand, the survey uses terms that are difficult to understand by people who do not use these technologies, therefore, for the variables of household equipment, the option 'does not know/does not answer is allowed.
Based on the information on sampling errors, response rates, and non-response analysis published on the INE website, users can assess the problems associated with this survey.
Analysis and tables should be done to estimate the reliability of principal variables. The ICT_H 2024 data will be compared with the ICT_H 2023 and ICT-H 2022 results to study trends and find out inconsistencies
13.2. Sampling error
The sampling error reflects the fact that only a particular sample was surveyed rather than the entire population. It is estimated by the standard error and can be expressed by the square root of the estimate of the sampling variance The estimation of the sampling variance should ideally take into account the sampling design (e.g. the stratification).
The indirect Jackknife method is used for the calculation of sampling errors of the main characteristics investigated.
Also, all necessary information to calculate standard errors with Taylor’s method can be provided upon request
The sample is designed to obtain standard errors in the percentage of main indicators below 1% at the country level (overall proportions) and 3% at different subgroups of the population.
Calculation methods for the variance estimation:
Since the sampling design is probabilistic, random errors appear due to the sampling variability.
This survey uses a Horvitz -Thompson estimator. To reduce the nonresponse bias, Horvitz-Thompson weights are corrected using nonresponse rates and calibration methods. Calibration is not only useful to reduce bias but also variance. Its variance is estimated using Jackknife techniques.
Sampling error – estimation method – used tools: CALJACK
Estimation method - associated effects:
The method used to assess the standard errors:
Implicit stratification
PSUs are grouped in strata in each NUTS 2, according to the size of the municipality they belong to. The following strata have been considered:
- Stratum 0 = municipalities with more than 500000 inhabitants.
- Stratum 1 = municipalities under 500000 inhabitants and the capital of the province.
- Stratum 2 = municipalities between 100000 and 500000 inhabitants.
- Stratum 3 = municipalities between 50000 and 100000 inhabitants.
- Stratum 4 = municipalities between 20000 and 50000 inhabitants.
- Stratum 5 = municipalities between 10000 and 20000 inhabitants.
- Stratum 6 = municipalities under 10000 inhabitants.
Calibration: Auxiliary variables used for calibration
Calibration techniques. Auxiliary information: estimations of the number of households by size at NUTS 2 level, based on the information from the last Population and Housing Census (2011)
Calibration methods. The new weights were elaborated using external information from the population estimates by age groups, gender, and nationality in each autonomous community (NUTS2).
Estimation method – references:
- Särndal C., Swensson B. and Wretman J. (1992). Model Assisted Survey Sampling. Springer Series in Statistics.
- Bernier, M. e P. Lavallée (1994). La macro SAS: Caljack, Ottawa. Division des méthodes d’enquêtes sociales, Statistique Canada, 9p.
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 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): 8,651
Estimated proportion (in %): 68.9
Standard error (in percentage points): 0.36
Details of the breakdowns are available in the document “Standard errors – Mandatory – Optional questions_ES – 2024” in the Annexes list.
13.3. Non-sampling error
See more details on non-sampling error below.
13.3.1. Coverage error
The data are obtained from a sample survey. Three-stage sampling was used with stratification by first-stage units. The first stage units are the census tracts. The second stage units are the main family homes and in the third stage, a person over 15 years old is selected from each home. Furthermore, in each home, all minors between 10 and 15 are investigated.
A framework of areas made up of the list of existing census tracts with reference to August 2022 and including changes that are made over time was used when selecting the sample.
The list of main family homes in each one of the survey's selected sections obtained from the most recent available Continuous Register of inhabitants was used to select second-stage units.
Within each Autonomous Community, the sections were grouped into strata according to the size of the municipality to which they belong.
For each Autonomous Community, an independent sample was designed that represented it, as one of the survey's objectives was to provide data to that level of disaggregation.
To meet this survey’s objectives of providing estimates with a certain degree of reliability, a sample size of 2,500 census tracts has been established at the national and Autonomous Community level, with 15 initial households selected in each census tract. The distribution of the sample by the Autonomous Community is established through a compromise between uniform allocation and allocation that is proportional to the size of the Community. In this way, an attempt is made to guarantee a sufficient sample size that can provide reliable estimates for each Autonomous Community.
This research is a continuous survey that is carried out annually. In order, on the one hand, to incorporate the changes that occur in census tracts and, on the other, to avoid tiring the collaborating families and to allow new families to be selected, the tract and household sample are partially renewed, establishing a rotation shift system. Rotation shifts are groups of sample tracts that are used to gradually incorporate changes into the sample. The number of sample tracts by stratum in each Autonomous Community is distributed between rotation shifts so that these are representative. This survey is a rotating panel with four rotation shifts.
To estimate the survey characteristics, the following types of estimators are considered:
- Estimator for household data
- Estimator for data on persons aged 16 and over
- Estimator for data on persons aged 10-15.
Ratio estimators are used in all cases, calibrated according to the information from external sources.
For more details on the sample design, see the link to the survey methodology.
Following the Code of Good Practices, for this edition of the survey, information from administrative records has been used:
For the variable “monthly net household income” the cases of DON'T KNOW/NO ANSWER have been imputed based on the information from administrative records: Tax Agency (AEAT: Agencia Estatal de la Administración Tributaria) and Tax Statutory Agencies of Guipúzcoa and Álava (Agencias Forales Tributarias de Guipúzcua y Álava).
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested in the ICT survey.
13.3.2. Measurement error
1) Measurement errors: No systematic or frequent errors were detected during data collection
2) Questionnaire design and testing:
No cognitive studies have been carried out to design the questionnaire. The application of collection in this survey is essential to ensure its quality. Therefore, every year it is tested to ensure that it does not contain computer errors that cause a loss of information or biased information. Thus, the ICT_H survey collection applications are designed to ensure the highest quality of the information collected, since the recording is intelligent and allows for detecting and correcting range and flow errors and a battery of inconsistencies.
No systematic errors depending on the fulfilling method were detected. To avoid these possible errors, the variable's object of classification has been coded by specialized personnel for the CATI, CAPI, and CAWI methods
3) Interviewer training:
Initial training based on the general background and objectives of the survey, key concepts of the questionnaire, and handling of the data collection application.
Daily continuous training sessions were held, notifying interviewers of the mistakes detected through the supervision.
In addition, reminders were made on concepts, argumentation, handling of the software, etc.
The training sessions were given through videoconference since most of the staff has been teleworking
4) Proxy interview rates: Not applicable
13.3.3. Non response error
Information about non-respondents: Since 2004 a INEbase / Standard of living and living conditions (CPI) /Living conditions /Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Households / Methodology has been published annually.
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: 40.1
- Individuals (aged 16-74): 41.2
13.3.3.1.1. Unit non-response – sample sizes
| Number of households | Number of individuals | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (aged 16-74) | (< 16) | (> 74) | ||
| Gross sample [A] The number of households/individuals initially selected from the sampling frame (if not applicable, indicate why below the table) Comment: (HHs with at least one person aged 16 or over) and ((INDs older than 15) |
26,193 | 26,193 | ||
| 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. Comment: 1,948 HHs with all members over 74 years old. |
1,948 | 2,600 | ||
| Number of eligible elements [C] Gross sample size corrected of the ineligible cases |
24,245 | 23,593 | ||
| 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. |
14,530 | 13,878 | ||
| 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. |
59.9 | 58.8 | ||
Comments, if any:
GROSS sample size: Gross sample size for the Spanish survey scope (HHs with at least one person aged 16 or over and INDs older than 15): 26,193
NET sample size: When the “Eurostat scope” is applied (because all members are over 74 years old in the fieldwork), there are 1,948 households out of scope.
Therefore, Eurostat’s final database included 14,530 registers for the households, and 13,878 for individuals aged 16 to 74, and 2,600 older than 74 years OLD (652 selected in households with the Eurostat scope and 1,948 selected in households out-of-Eurostat scope).
13.3.3.1.2. Unit non-response – methods, minimization and substitution
1) Methods used for dealing with unit non-response:
The method used for minimizing unit non-response is by personal letters addressed to households and recalls to them.
2) Methods used for minimizing unit non-response:
The method used for dealing with unit non-response is by correction factor in the weighting procedure.
3) Substitution permitted: Proxy interviews are not allowed.
4) Substitution rate (in %): Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Items with low response rates (observed rates in %):
The main and almost the only partial non-response occurs in the variable of net monthly household income. But following the Code of Good Practices, information from administrative records has been imputed based on the information from administrative records: AEAT and Hacienda Forales de Guipúzcoa and Álava.
13.3.4. Processing error
No processing errors detected
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable
14.1. Timeliness
Date of data dissemination at national level: In 2024 the time interval between the end of the reference period and the date of publication of the final results is 139 days. TP2 = 139 days.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Restricted from publication14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Restricted from publication14.2. Punctuality
The survey is disseminated according to the INE's structural statistics availability calendar.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
The survey is released according to the INE structural statistics availability calendar.
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: There have been no changes, in which case this should be reported.
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
The results obtained are fully internally consistent as the information collection computer application controls possible inconsistencies in each questionnaire from the outset. On the other hand, once the information is added to tables, the results are analyzed in order to avoid any inconsistencies not detected in the collection phase.
15.4.1. Survey questionnaire – mandatory questions
MANDATORY questions in the Eurostat model questionnaire 2024:
Table 15.4.1. of the document, “Standard errors – Mandatory – Optional questions_ES – 2024” in the Annexes list the questions for which the coverage of subjects and characteristics 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 the document “Standard errors – Mandatory – Optional questions_ES – 2024" in the Annexes list 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:
- Module about the equipment of selected ICT technologies (computer, tablet, telephone…)
- Types of Internet connection used at home
- Module about ICT usage (computer, internet, and mobile phone) by children aged 10 to 15.
- Question about the use of mobile.
- Question concerning the level of trust in the Internet.
- Module about teleworking.
The detailed information (questionnaire) is available in the Annexes list.
15.4.4. Survey questionnaire – deviations
Effects of deviations from the routing used in the Eurostat model questionnaire: All statistics are coherent within the dataset.
17.1. Data revision - policy
The INE has a Policy that regulates the basic aspects of the review of statistical data, guaranteeing the transparency of the processes and the quality of the products. This policy is described in the document approved by the Board of Directors at the meeting held on 13 March 2015. The document is available in the section "Methods and projects / Quality and Code of Good Practices / Quality management of the INE / Review Policy of the National Institute of Statistics "(link).
This general policy establishes the criteria that must be followed for the different types of reviews: routine - in the cases of statistics that by their nature are reviewed on a regular basis -; major revisions, due to methodological changes or basic reference sources of statistics; and extraordinary revisions (for example, those due to an error in published statistics).
Results are final when published and are not subject to revision.
In the event of detecting an error and the consequent modification of data, an explanatory note would be added along with the information in order to warn users.
17.2. Data revision - practice
The results published each year are final.
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 for primary sampling units (PSU's) is a census section list continuously updated in order to incorporate any possible variations.
For secondary sampling units (SSU's), the sampling frame is obtained through the exploitation of the Population Register managed by INE, from which one gets the list of households.
It is a stand-alone survey.
It is voluntary according to Spanish law.
There are no shortcomings.
18.1.2. Sampling design
The sampling design is a probability design.
Sampling stages:
Number of sampling stages: An independent sample is designed in each autonomous community (NUTS 2). A three-staged stratified sampling is used. Primary sampling units (PSU's) are census sections (geographical areas). Secondary sampling units (SSU's) are main family households and the final units are people aged 16 or over.
First stage: the stratification variable used for PSU’s is the size of the municipalities to which the section belongs. There are a maximum of six strata in each NUTS2. The method used to select the sample (for the sampling units) is a Systematic sampling with equal probabilities with a stratification effect. Primary sampling units (PSU) are census sections (geographical areas). Primary sampling units are not Self-representing.
Second stage: Secondary sampling units (SSUs) are the main family households. In the second stage, households are selected using a systematic sampling method with random start and equal selection probabilities.
Following this methodology, it can be seen that within each stratum, every household has the same probability of being selected, thus the selected sample is self-weighted within each stratum.
Ultimate stage: The final units are people aged 16 or over. In the third stage, within each household, a person aged 16 or over is chosen with equal probability using the Kish random method.
In addition, information is collected for all children aged 10 to 15 years
Individuals interviewed in the household: One person
Furthermore, in each household, all minors between 10 and 15 are investigated
Longitudinal component:
The survey sample is composed of 4 rotation groups of PSU's (census sections). Each year households referred to the census sections, which belong to a certain rotation group, are renewed. Therefore, each household collaborates four consecutive times in the survey.
Sampling design - Additional information:
The sample was distributed among autonomous communities using a compromise between uniform and proportional size allocation. Among strata, the allocation is proportional to the size, but ensuring that the number of sections per stratum in each autonomous community is a multiple of four (the number of rotation groups).
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, CATI, and CAPI
2) Short description of the survey method:
In 2017, for the first time, data were collected using three procedures:
- Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI): The interviewee completes the questionnaire through the Internet at any time during the collection period.
- Telephone interview in a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interview) center: the households included in the previous year's sample that have not responded through CAWI are interviewed by telephone from a CATI center, wherever a telephone number is available. The interviewer does not use paper questionnaires but rather directly records the respondent's responses in an electronic questionnaire.
- Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI): The interviewer does not use paper questionnaires, but rather has a portable computer in which the questionnaire is available and the interviews are completed using this portable computer. Using this method, households from the sections with a new sample and households that were already included in the sample of the previous year and did not have a contact telephone were interviewed if they had not completed the questionnaire through the Internet.
However, this third way has been used residually, due to the lack of availability of resources for it.
For Eurostat scope, 60.02% of the net sample size (HHs) used CAWI method to answer the questionnaire, 39.93%, CATI method, and 0,05% CAPI method.
3) Variables completed from an external source:
The main and almost the only partial non-response occurs in the variable of net monthly household income, But following the Code of Good Practices, information from administrative records has been imputed based on the information from administrative records: AEAT and Hacienda Forales de Guipúzcoa and Álava.
18.4. Data validation
A filtering system is used to filter entered data that detects errors and inconsistencies. Then a second filtering process is applied in each collection center and, finally, centralized filtering is carried out with a special focus on the homogenization of the codification of variables that need it and the comparison of results with those obtained in previous years
18.5. Data compilation
The filtered CAWI and CATI files are integrated into a single file and then the codification of the variables that need reviewing are reviewed. To obtain the results, ratio estimators are used, and calibrated according to information from external sources.
For the results of households, the final estimator is obtained by applying reweighting techniques using CALMAR software. The estimate of the total main household classified according to their size (5 sizes) for each Autonomous Community, with reference to the 15th of May 2024, was used as an auxiliary variable. Until 2012, the distribution of households used came from the Labour Force Survey. Since 2013, this information is an exogenous source and comes from the updated estimate of the total households that the last population and household censuses and the Population Figures use as their information base.
For the results of people aged 16 and over, reweighting techniques are applied to the age, sex, and nationality groups at the level of the Autonomous Community (using CALMAR). The population used is an estimate of the population residing in main-family homes on the 15th of May 2024 deduced from the Population Figures.
For the results of people aged 10-15. the estimator used to obtain information about these people is similar to that described in the section about households, with the exception that the auxiliary variables used for calibration are estimates of the population residing in main family households aged 10-15 by sex in each Autonomous Community, deduced from the Population Figures.
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): Not imputation
Imputation rate (share of estimate): Not applicable
18.5.2. Use of imputation methods
Methods used to impute item non-response: None
18.5.3. Grossing-up procedures
Grossing up procedures have been applied to: Individuals and Households
Description of the weighting procedures:
The estimator used for households is obtained through the following steps:
- Expansion estimator based on the design factor with adjustment of the non-response at stratum level.
- Separate Ratio Estimator to adjust the population in each stratum
- Calibration techniques. Auxiliary information: estimations of the number of households by size at NUTS 2 level, For the results of households, the final estimator is obtained by applying reweighting techniques using CALMAR software. The estimate of the total main households classified according to their size (5 sizes) for each Autonomous Community, concerning the 15th of June 2023, was used as an auxiliary variable.
The estimator used for individuals is obtained through the following steps:
- Expansion estimator based on the design factor with adjustment of the non-response at stratum level.
- Separate Ratio Estimator to adjust the population in each stratum
- Calibration methods. The new weights were elaborated using external information from the population estimates by age groups, gender, and nationality in each autonomous community (NUTS2).
18.6. Adjustment
Not relevant
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not relevant
The EU survey on the use of ICT in households and by individuals is an annual survey conducted since 2002. In SPAIN it has been conducted since 2002 as well.
In 2024, the survey collected data on access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and the use of the Internet, e-government, e-commerce, IoT, and Green ICT.
This information is broken down by demographic variables: sex, age, size of the municipality of residence, type of home, and Autonomous Community of residence, and socioeconomic variables: monthly net household income, nationality, level of education, employment, professional situation, and main occupation.
The survey is collecting data of internet users, individuals who have used the internet in the three months before 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 the internet, e-government, e-commerce, IoT, 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.
The detailed information is available in the file attached in the Annex below (methodology):
Deviations from standard ICT concepts: No deviations.
Annexes:
Methodology
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: 17,179,652
- Number of individuals: 36,663,412
The entire territory of the country is covered.
For most questions, the reference period is the last three months before the interview. Questions in the module on e-government refer to the 'last year' before the interview.
Deviation from this assertion: No deviations.
The sample design tries to minimize sampling errors and the different processes of the survey are aimed at eliminating or reducing as far as possible the errors of the same, both in the collection phase (response rate and debugging control) and in subsequent editions and imputation.
Due to the characteristics of the survey, the sample of young people is underrepresented while groups such as the elderly, retired or early retired people and to a lesser extent dedicated to housework, etc. are overrepresented. The application of calibration techniques has come to solve these problems. People of Spanish nationality also respond in a higher proportion than foreigners, so that, in addition to the traditional calibrated by sex and age, nationality is included.
On the other hand, the survey uses terms that are difficult to understand by people who do not use these technologies, therefore, for the variables of household equipment, the option 'does not know/does not answer is allowed.
Based on the information on sampling errors, response rates, and non-response analysis published on the INE website, users can assess the problems associated with this survey.
Analysis and tables should be done to estimate the reliability of principal variables. The ICT_H 2024 data will be compared with the ICT_H 2023 and ICT-H 2022 results to study trends and find out inconsistencies
Percentages of ‘Households’ and Percentages of ‘Individuals’
The filtered CAWI and CATI files are integrated into a single file and then the codification of the variables that need reviewing are reviewed. To obtain the results, ratio estimators are used, and calibrated according to information from external sources.
For the results of households, the final estimator is obtained by applying reweighting techniques using CALMAR software. The estimate of the total main household classified according to their size (5 sizes) for each Autonomous Community, with reference to the 15th of May 2024, was used as an auxiliary variable. Until 2012, the distribution of households used came from the Labour Force Survey. Since 2013, this information is an exogenous source and comes from the updated estimate of the total households that the last population and household censuses and the Population Figures use as their information base.
For the results of people aged 16 and over, reweighting techniques are applied to the age, sex, and nationality groups at the level of the Autonomous Community (using CALMAR). The population used is an estimate of the population residing in main-family homes on the 15th of May 2024 deduced from the Population Figures.
For the results of people aged 10-15. the estimator used to obtain information about these people is similar to that described in the section about households, with the exception that the auxiliary variables used for calibration are estimates of the population residing in main family households aged 10-15 by sex in each Autonomous Community, deduced from the Population Figures.
The source of the raw data is described with more details in the paragraphs below.
Annual
Date of data dissemination at national level: In 2024 the time interval between the end of the reference period and the date of publication of the final results is 139 days. TP2 = 139 days.
There is no problem of comparability across the country’s regions.
Possible limitations in the use of data for comparisons over time: There have been no changes, in which case this should be reported.