As the world moves towards a global information society, countries are becoming increasingly aware of the central importance of extending access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) to their populations. With the growing recognition of ICTs as an effective tool for social development and economic growth, there are evergreater incentives for countries to foster higher access levels. Alongside countries’ desire to increase ICT access at the national level, there is a growing international demand for reliable and comprehensive statistical information to help countries set their own targets, measure progress and make useful international comparisons. For this, a selection of indicators — usually compiled into an index — gives a far better overview than any single indicator.