AMMAN — Digital connectivity has become a defining feature of daily life in Jordan, as new government data shows a sharp rise in daily usage, reflecting broader social and economic shifts across the Kingdom, according to experts.

 

Data from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship showed that internet access is central to how Jordanian families manage work, education, and daily routines, highlighting changing household priorities and adaptation to the digital economy.

 

The survey recorded a notable increase in computer ownership, with 42.4 per cent of households owning a computer in 2024, up from 36.4 per cent in 2023. Laptops were the most common device, owned by 34.3 per cent of households, followed by tablets at 21.6 per cent and desktop computers at 15.2 per cent.

 

Use of electronic government services also expanded. According to the survey, 38.1 per cent of individuals accessed at least one e-government service, with nearly all users reporting ease of use and fast service delivery.

 

Internet connectivity now reaches 96.5 per cent of households, effectively making it a basic household service. In Amman, where connectivity exceeds 98 per cent, internet use underpins daily routines, enabling remote work, online learning, communication with family abroad, and access to government services.

 

These patterns are particularly evident in multigenerational households, where connectivity costs and devices are often shared, reinforcing the internet’s role as a collective family investment, experts noted.

 

From a sociological perspective, Jordanian sociologist Rand Shawabkeh told The Jordan Times that “Internet access is widely seen as a gateway to opportunity, supporting freelance work, informal income generation, and skills development.”

 

Daily usage rates approaching 95 per cent suggest that digital engagement is no longer occasional but deeply embedded in everyday life, she added.

 

Smartphone ownership has further accelerated this shift. “For many Jordanians, the smartphone has become the primary interface with the economy. It enables access to banking services, digital wallets, transport platforms, and online marketplaces,” Shawabkeh said.

 

The survey showed that 97.5 per cent of households now own at least one smartphone, up from 95.7 per cent in 2023, with Amman recording the highest ownership rate at 99 per cent.

 

From an economic standpoint, economist Waseem Hussein noted that “while internet and smartphone access are widespread, computer ownership remains comparatively low.” He said that fewer than half of households own a computer, limiting access to higher-value digital employment and advanced training opportunities that typically require larger devices.

 

At the institutional level, growing use of e-government services signals increasing trust in digital public infrastructure. More than a third of individuals accessed at least one service, with high satisfaction reported in efficiency and completeness. For households, this reduces costs related to transport, time, and administrative procedures. For the state, it supports improved service delivery and operational efficiency.

 

Taken together, the findings reflect a society that has integrated digital connectivity into its economic survival strategies, making it a cornerstone of both daily life and economic adaptation.