Internet usage in Portugal - statistics & facts
The use of the internet has become a fait accompli in the modern society and has increased over the past decade. Allowing for almost endless services and activities, internet usage is part of the daily routine of millions of Portuguese, both for leisure and work purposes. Portugal was one of Europe’s countries with the highest internet penetration rate as of 2023 despite ranking much lower than Northern and Western European nations. During the same year, there were more than 8.7 million internet users in the country, most of whom valued the possibility of having constant internet access at all places. Despite age, gender, and employment variations, the internet was adopted by most Portuguese from different demographic and social backgrounds and in all regions of the country.
Similarly to fixed-line internet, the number of mobile internet users has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, mobile internet connections are much more numerous via cellphones, and the provider NOS was accountable for the highest share of mobile broadband access in 2022.
The use of social networks and instant messaging platforms has been increasing in Portugal over recent years. WhatsApp was the most popular social media platform in 2022, having reached almost 88 percent of the population, followed by Facebook and Instagram. However, the platform whose advertising reached the highest potential share of internet users was YouTube.
Fixed and mobile internet is growing in Portugal
The number of fixed-line internet accesses has shown an increasing tendency over the past few years in Portugal. In 2022, there were almost 4.45 million connections in the country, most of which were via optical fiber (FTTH). Households with children are responsible for the highest fixed broadband internet penetration, which may be explained by the fact that 100 percent of students in the country use the internet. Fixed internet is a service usually subscribed in bundles, especially in coordination with television and landline telephone. MEO is the provider responsible for the largest share of the fixed internet access market.Similarly to fixed-line internet, the number of mobile internet users has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, mobile internet connections are much more numerous via cellphones, and the provider NOS was accountable for the highest share of mobile broadband access in 2022.
Online activities favor social pursuits and are dominated by Meta Platforms
In 2023, the Portuguese went online mostly to exchange instant messages via social networks such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The internet was also very often used as a tool for searching for information about products and services as well as a medium for getting informed about news. Furthermore, over half of the Portuguese employed the internet for banking purposes, and almost half to watch television. Chrome was the most used web browser on both desktop and mobile devices in 2022.The use of social networks and instant messaging platforms has been increasing in Portugal over recent years. WhatsApp was the most popular social media platform in 2022, having reached almost 88 percent of the population, followed by Facebook and Instagram. However, the platform whose advertising reached the highest potential share of internet users was YouTube.
