Today, in Reunion Island, the percentage of people aged 15 and over that owns a computer is high (58% in 2005’s fourth quarter). The percentage of the internet connection subscription at home is also high: 44% in 2005’s fourth quarter as well. Nevertheless, this means that 66% of the inhabitants of Reunion Island do not have access to the internet at home. In addition, people who move around the island need to connect to the internet regularly in order to reply to their mails or access the extranet of their companies.
So, what is the solution in order to access the internet for (almost) nothing and (nearly) everywhere on the island?

It is simple : search for a cyber base or " Point d'information Jeunesse (PIJ) ”. They are found in the main towns on the island. Indeed, these two options (the first one driven by the general council, the second one by the region itself) make the island one of the French territories the best equipped for internet access in public places. Access is either free or very cheap, and in addition, a moderator will assist you if you are a beginner, searching for information, a job, wanting to book a ticket or filling out administrative forms. Generally, these moderators are passionate about the internet and know all of its subtleties. Of course, there are also the cyber cafés, but the prices are often higher and there is no one to help you…

(*) IPSOS 0I study sponsored by the Region