Juxtconsult Nri Online 2006 Main Report

NRI Online 2006

Indian Connectedness of Online NRI

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Table of Content NRI Online 2006 ........................................................... 1 Methodology ............................................................... 3 Executive Summary ...................................................... 5

Detailed Findings: Non Residential Status ..................................................10 Half the online NRI are South Indians in origin .....................12 Online NRI are largely mature males .................................15 Only 1 in 5 west-based online NRI is a ‘techie’.....................19 West-based online NRI are economically better off ...............22 Gulf-based online NRI are more connected with India ............24 West-based NRI are more 'online' .....................................45 Gulf NRI access Internet more from office, west ones more from homes .....................................................................48 Both surf for Indian content almost equally ........................52 Politics and economy are the most surfed Indian content........54 Gulf ones buy from Indian websites relatively more...............55 Website Preferences for Indian Content.............................59 Offline media preferences for Indian content ......................74

Index.......................................................................78

NRI Online 2006

NRI Online 2006 The Indian Diaspora is spread across the world ranging from those in the economic superpowers to those in the countries that have just fledgling economies. No matter where they may be living, most Non-resident Indians (NRI) would like to stay connected with their homeland in some or the other way. This desire among the NRI to stay connected with India translates into making them a very ‘high purchasing power’ consumer segment base for most Indian marketers. Whether it is traveling, real estate, financial savings and investments, jewelry, handicrafts, food items or herbal products, NRI or their relatives back home form a significant part of the ‘high value’ Indian consumption. In the last few years Internet has emerged as one of the important mediums for the Non-resident Indians to stay connected with India. NRI are increasingly using the Internet to communicate with people back home, and to maintain the economic, social, political and philanthropic networks with the Indian homeland. Yet there is very little information available on the online connectivity of the NRI with India. To fill this yawning information gap, JuxtConsult, in addition to its annual study on online Indians, decided to track the online NRI as well on an annual basis. This years study, titled the NRI Online 2006 attempts to not only understand the overall connectivity of NRI with India but also the role Internet is playing in facilitating it. The findings of the NRI Online 2006 report from JuxtConsult are based on an online survey conducted with the NRI Diaspora living in various parts of the world. The objective of the study was not to measure how many NRI are online or what proportion come from which regions. It was essentially to check their status and preferences in staying connected with India and their online behavior in doing so. However, the study does highlight the demographic and economic profile of the online NRI, along with their preferred ways to stay connected with India in both online and offline modes. To make the report even more meaningful for Indian marketers, the NRI Diaspora have been grouped into 2 main clusters – Gulf-based NRI and West-based NRI. This has been done to capture the two ‘distinct’ and really big NRI markets and compare and contrast their motivations and usage of Internet to stay connected with India.

1

NRI Online 2006

Key Information Areas Covered Demographic and Economic profile (current region of residence, visa status, gender, age, occupation, family size, monthly household income in US$, vehicle ownership, city of origin in India, native language) Physical connectivity with India (frequency of travel to India for personal and professional reasons, visit individually or with family) Communicational connectivity with India (frequency of calling and emailing India for personal and professional reasons) Informational connectivity (preferred medium to stay connected with India, frequency of usage of media channels and preferred brands/websites to do so –TV, Newspaper, Internet, content areas sought/checked more) Emotional Connectivity (motivation to stay connected with India, Indian role models) Financial Connectivity (key financial assets in India, likely financial investments, frequency and preferred modes of financial remittance to India) Online connectivity Net Usage Dynamics like years of experience in using Internet, place of regular access, frequency of usage from home and office, type of connection a home, average time spent on the net at home or office, etc. Website preferences for surfing Indian content like checking news and events in India, online shopping for Indian products, booking travel tickets to India, checking real estate info from India, job search in India, general info search about India, matrimonial search, seeking friendships in India, check Indian cinema, sports, music and fashion contents, etc. Online Buying from Indian Websites like frequency of buying from these websites, products bought along with average monthly spends, etc.

2

NRI Online 2006

Methodology The task of conducting an online survey among the Indian Diaspora spread across the world appeared a tough challenge to begin with. How does one effectively reach all these widely spread out NRI in different countries? Which online vehicles or websites do we consider to be able to reach them noticeably, cast the net wide enough and yet do so in a cost-efficient manner? How does one ensure that the responses collected are representative of the online NRI across different regions of the globe and not reflect just one particular section of NRI in a biased way? After a lot of brainstorming on the possible methods to conduct this online survey, and after considering the pros and cons of these methods in line with out prior experience of conducting such online surveys over last 2 years, we zeroed down on using the ‘contextual search ad’ based survey campaign with Google AdWords. The final choice was a result of two critical advantages the vehicle had in case of this survey: Google AdWords allowed us to undertake a ‘geographically targeted’ campaign by which we could reach and cover all the key regions of the world specifically and using just one online vehicle, rather than having to go with a big bouquet of websites targeting NRI. As generic info search is done by almost by all netizens no matter who they are and from where they access the net, using this vehicle would really help us cast an unbiased and a wide enough net on the world-wide-web to capture the NRI population no matter where they are based. Accordingly, an online survey was conducted between May-June 2006 among the NRI from the various parts of the world. The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire segmented into two sections. The questionnaire was pre-tested and timed to take approximately 15-20 minutes for a respondent to complete depending on the speed of comprehension and answering of the questions. The questionnaire was structured and designed to reduce the level of ‘respondent fatigue’ to an extent that was practically possible. In the online questionnaire, a response format of ‘clicking’ a single or multiple options among the various given options was used for most questions. For each of these questions it was also possible for a respondent to answer ‘none’ or ‘any other’. However, wherever the respondents were asked to give preferences for websites or brand names, only a text box was provided for them to type the name on their own (or type ‘none’ if not applicable). This was done to ensure that all such recall and preference responses were solicited ‘unprompted’. Further, to enlist complete and sincere responses, an incentive of a significant cash prize was also announced for one selected respondent to be given at the end of the survey.

3

NRI Online 2006

Over 1,630 completed, As the final usable sample collected from the 3 cluster groups of online NRI were different, to ensure that the overall online NRI level information is not biased towards any one specific NRI cluster group, the different sample bases of the 3 groups of online NRI were equalized using response level weights. Unduplicated and usable responses were collected on the India connectedness of the online NRI. Of these about 1,000 NRI also reported their net usage & preference details. The net result was the compilation of the latest, highly authentic information on the online connectedness, Internet habits and website preferences of online NRI. This information was then used for making ‘insightful’ analysis and conclusions as contained in the NRI Online 2006 report. To make the report more meaningful for Indian marketers targeting NRI, the NRI have been grouped into 2 main clusters – gulf-based NRI and the western countries based NRI (west-based NRI). This ensured that we not only capture the two ‘distinct’ and really big NRI markets but also compare and contrast their motivations and usage of Internet to stay connected with India. The final NRI groups with their sample bases used in the report are as follows: Table 1: Sample Distribution NRI Groups West based NRI Gulf based NRI Other NRI Total NRI

Country/Region of Current Location

Sample Base

US, Canada, Central America, Western Europe, Australia

502

Middle East

859

South Asia, South East Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, South America

270 1631

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NRI Online 2006

Executive Summary ‘Family connection’ is largely what keeps online NRI hooked to India By and large two-thirds of the NRI, irrespective of whether they are based in gulf or in the more developed parts of the world feel that what binds them to India is their ‘family’ back home. Gulf ones highlight family connection somewhat more at 72% as against 63% of west-based ones. In fact, only about 1 in 4 online NRI feels connected to India because of patriotic feelings for the home country or towards its culture and heritage. West-based ones do so marginally more at 24% than gulfbased ones at 19%.

Gulf-based online NRI are more connected with India The gulf-based online NRI not only show higher physical, financial and communicational connectivity with India but higher informational and entertainment-related connectivity as well. Gulf-based online NRI travels to India more frequently for both personal and professional reasons. 80% of them claim to travel to India at least once in 3 months for personal reasons. In comparison, only 54% of west-based NRI claim to travel to India for personal reasons that frequently. Gulf-based online NRI also call their family and friends in India more. 92% of them call India at least once a week for personal reasons (80% of west-based NRI also do so). Gulf-based online NRI email also relatively more frequently for personal reasons. One in 2 out of them (49%) corresponds with people back home on email every day. In comparison, 41% of westbased online NRI email people back home everyday. Gulf-based online NRI remit money to India more frequently. 9 out of 10 online NRI based in the gulf (87%) remit money to India at least once a month. In comparison, only 1 in 2 west-based NRI (47%) remits money to India at least once a month. Compared to the west-based NRI they also check information about India more, though they do so relatively more using the ‘offline’ mediums.

West-based online NRI connect more online Between the two NRI groups, the west-based online NRI rely on Internet relatively more to stay connected with happenings in India. While 2 out of 3 west-based online NRI (64%) prefer to stay updated with happenings in India online, only about 1 in 3 gulf-based online NRI (39%) prefers to do so. In fact, a higher proportion of gulf-based online NRI (48%) prefer to update themselves about Indian happening through the electronic media (TV largely). Only 1 in 5 west-based NRI (19%) prefers electronic media to check happening about India.

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NRI Online 2006

It is not that the gulf-based ones surf the net less regularly than the west-based ones to check Indian content, it is just that they use the offline mediums significantly more to watch or read about India.

Both groups keep a keen eye on India’s economic progress By and large online NRI are more interested in ‘economic progress’ and ‘political stability’ of the country (India) than anything else. Interestingly, this is in quite in variance to what generally online Indians in India are interested in. Compared to the online NRI, the online Indians show far greater interest in entertainment content (sports, cinema, lifestyle, etc.) And far less in the economic progress and political developments in the country. This contrast is also reflected in the Indian role models that online NRI have as compared to the online Indians. While online Indians see business, sports and cinema celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Dhirubahi Ambani, Sachin Tendulkar or Shah Rukh Khan as the relatively bigger role models in their lives (apart from their parents), the online NRI look up to APJ Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi and Manmohan Singh as bigger role models than these celebrities. Between the two online NRI groups, while the gulf-based ones seek economic progress and sports content relatively more, the west-based ones seek cinema, fashion and religion/spirituality content relatively more.

Online NRI show high level of keenness to invest in India Despite very high current ownership of assets in India, a significant proportion of online NRI would like to invest further in India, especially in the physical assets. Though 2 out of 3 online NRI already have bank accounts and houses back in India, almost half the online NRI would still like to invest in a house or land in India in the near future. In comparison only around 1 in 4 online NRI would like to invest in financial assets. Amongst the two groups of online NRI, the gulf-based ones not only show relatively higher current ownership of both physical and financial assets in India, but are also the ones who show relatively higher propensity to make further investments in shares and deposits in India as compared to the west-based ones. The west-based ones show a relatively higher propensity for opening bank accounts in India.

Gulf ones prefer to remit money more through the banking channels Contrary to the popular perception, when it comes to the mode of remitting the money to India, it is the gulf-based online NRI who trust the banking modes of transferring funds to India relatively more (both online and offline). While only 2 out of 3 west-based online NRI (65%) prefer to remit money through online or offline bank based transfers or transactions, a significantly higher 80% gulf-based online NRI rely on

6

NRI Online 2006

such modes of transfer. This higher preference for banking modes by the gulf-based online NRI may have something to do with the fact that they remit money to India more frequently.

West-based NRI are generally the heavier users of the net, but not the heavier users of Indian content on the net Not only a noticeably higher proportion of west-based online NRI access the net several times a day but also significantly more of them use the net for more than 2 hours a day from home. However, when it comes to the usage of Indian content online at home, almost 20% of each of the west-based and gulf-based online NRI who use the Internet for more than 2 hours a day, also uses the Internet to check Indian content for more than 2 hours a day. The story is no different for usage of Indian content from the offices as well. The gulf-based online NRI are almost as heavy users of the net from office as the west-based ones, and they check Indian content from office somewhat more heavily than the west-based ones.

For entertainment, online NRI connect with Indian music the most In terms of connectivity with Indian ‘entertainment’, online NRI listen to Indian music the most regularly. Three out of 4 online NRI (75%) listens to Indian music everyday. In comparison, only 35% watch Indian movie everyday, 36% watch Indian sports everyday and 17% check Indian fashion everyday. The gulf-based online NRI follow the Indian sports content significantly more regularly. At the same time, the gulf-based online NRI follow Indian movies, music and fashion also somewhat more regularly than the west-based NRI.

Online NRI are largely mature males Only 1 in 5 online NRI (19%) is a woman. This is noticeably lower than the proportion women form among online Indians in India (25%). However, this is largely because women form only 12% of gulf-based online NRI. Among the west-based online NRI women form 28% of the online population. Online NRI are also significantly older in age than online Indians in India. While two-third of the online Indians in India (70%) are below 30 years of age, only about one-third online NRI (39%) are below 30 years in age.

Half the online NRI are South Indians in origin Almost every second online Indian is from South India (54%). North India origin NRI come next at 23%, followed by western regions ones at 19%. This dominance of NRI from South India among the online NRI is because of their very heavy presence in Gulf, where every 2 out of 3 online NRI

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NRI Online 2006

is of South Indian origin. At the same time however, 1 in every 3 westbased online NRI is also from South India (36%).

Only 1 in 5 west-based online NRI is a ‘Techie’ Though west-based online NRI come relatively more from the IT sector (21%) in comparison to the gulf-based ones (11%), still only 1 in 5 westbased online NRI is a ‘techie’. This is contrary to the popular perception that almost assumes every second online NRI from the developed countries to be an IT professional.

An equal proportion of gulf-based online NRI are professionally qualified Though west-based online NRI have higher levels of educations (36% of them being post-graduate or above, against 17% gulf-based ones), proportionately as many online NRI from gulf are professionally qualified as from the western countries. Only 1 in 5 online NRI has a professional education/qualification, irrespective of whether they are west-based or gulf-based. However, gulf-based online NRI work significantly more in the corporate sector. Two out of 3 of them work as corporate employees of various levels. In comparison, only 1 in 3 west-based online NRI works as a corporate employee. In fact, 40% of west-based online NRI come under unemployed/semi-employed categories (students, housewives, and unspecified others).

But gulf-based online NRI have significantly lower incomes Almost 40% of west-based online NRI have monthly family incomes of over US$ 5,000. In comparison, only 14% gulf-based NRI have such high level of incomes. In fact, almost half of gulf-based online NRI have monthly incomes of less than US$ 2,000. Similarly, while 3 out of 4 west-based online NRI own a car, only 1 in 2 gulf-based online NRI own a car. In all about 58% of online NRI own a car, almost double the proportion of what online Indians in India own (27%). In sum, by and large the online NRI are highly connected with India, both because of their strong ‘family linkages’ back home as well as their high levels of concern about the ‘progress’ of their homeland. In this, the gulf-based online NRI are noticeably more linked to India than the west-based ones and understandably so. The gulf-based online NRI are significantly more the ‘bread earners’ of their families back home. Accordingly their stakes and involvement levels are higher, both emotionally and financially. Further, they are much closer to India both in time and distance. The perceived ‘proximity’ also makes them connect with the homeland with more regularity, be it connecting physically, in communication, or in seeking information and entertainment content about India. Though the west-based online NRI prefer to stay connected with India using the Internet relatively more, and may be classified as the more ‘online NRI’ per se, in effect they connect with India on the net only as regularly as the gulf ones do.

8

NRI Online 2006

Detailed Findings 9

NRI Online 2006

Non Residential Status Region of residence In this report, the online NRI have been grouped into 2 main clusters gulf country based NRI and western countries based NRI. This has been done to capture the two ‘distinct’ and really big NRI markets and compare and contrast their motivations and usage of Internet to stay connected with India. The final NRI groups with their sample bases as reported are: West-based NRI – US, Canada, Central America, Western Europe, Australia (Sample base – 502) Gulf-based NRI - Middle East (Sample base – 859) Other NRI – South & South East Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, South America (Sample base – 270) To report unbiased findings at the overall NRI level, the different sample bases of the 3 groups of NRI were equalized using response level weights. Chart 1: Region of Current or Permanent Residence

100% 80%

6%

7% 7%

13%

17% 21%

60% 100% 40%

70%

2%

2% 4% 2% 6% 7% 20%

23% 60%

20%

Eastern Europe/ Russia Central, South America/ M exico/ Caribbean Australia/New Zealand South East Asia/ Japan/ China Western, Southern Europe/ Scandinavia Africa/ South Africa

33%

0%

South Asia North America/ Canada

WestBased NRI

GulfBased NRI

Other NRI

All NRI M iddle East

Base: 1,631

10

NRI Online 2006

Visa status While almost 9 out of 10 gulf-based online NRI (86%) have resident visas with work permit, only 1 in 4 west-based online NRI is has a resident visa with work permit. This difference is largely because almost 1 in 2 online NRI from the western countries (52%) has already acquired a local citizen or has a special residential status like green card. Chart 2: Visa Status

Resident Visa with work permit Citizenship / Green Cards Others

100%

86%

80% 60% 40%

50% 26%

25%

20%

54%

49%

2%

12%

26%25%

26%21%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 1,631

11

NRI Online 2006

Half the online NRI are South Indians in origin Indian regions they come from Almost every second online Indian is from South India (54%). North India origin NRI come next at 23%, followed by western regions ones at 19%. This dominance of NRI from South India among online NRI is because of their very heavy presence in Gulf, where every 2 out of 3 NRI is a south Indian origin. South based NRI however make a significant proportion of the western country based online NRI as well. One in every 3 west-based online NRI is also from South India (36%). Here Indians with origin in North take a marginal lead over the south by accounting for 38% of the west-based online NRI. North India origin NRI forms only 10% of the gulf-based online NRI. Table 2: Regional Distribution by Place of Origin in India Region

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

38%

10%

20%

23%

6%

3%

4%

5%

South

36%

68%

58%

54%

West

20%

20%

18%

19%

North East

Base: 1,631

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NRI Online 2006

City of origin in India Kochi and Hyderabad stand out as cities from where gulf-based online NRI originally come more from, while for west based ones it is Hyderabad and Delhi. Table 3: Top 10 Cities by Place of Origin City

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Kochi

5%

18%

13%

12%

Others from South India

5%

17%

12%

11%

10%

7%

10%

9%

Mumbai

6%

11%

7%

8%

Chennai

5%

7%

8%

7%

Delhi

9%

3%

5%

6%

Bangalore

5%

5%

5%

5%

Others from North India

9%

3%

3%

5%

Thiruvananthapuram

2%

7%

6%

5%

Ludhiana

7%

0.1%

2%

3%

Hyderabad

Base: 1,631

13

NRI Online 2006

Native language Malayalam tops as the native language of 40% of online gulf NRI’s. It is followed by Urdu, Tamil and Hindi in that order. Among western ones, Punjabi tops at 21%. It is followed by Hindi, Telugu and Gujrati. Table 4: Top 10 Native Languages Language

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

9%

39%

26%

25%

Hindi

13%

9%

10%

11%

Tamil

8%

10%

10%

10%

Urdu

3%

13%

10%

9%

Punjabi

21%

1%

3%

9%

Telugu

11%

4%

7%

7%

Gujrati

10%

3%

6%

6%

Kannada

5%

4%

3%

4%

Konkani

0.8%

5%

2%

3%

Marathi

3%

2%

2%

2%

Malayalam

Base: 1,631

14

NRI Online 2006

Online NRI are largely mature males Gender Women form 19% of online NRI. This is noticeably lower than the proportion women form among online Indians in India (25%). This may be largely because women form only 12% of gulf NRI. Among the west based NRI they form 28% of the online population, marginally higher than the online Indians in India. Chart 3: Gender Representation

Male

100%

Female

88% 80%

82%

72%

81%

60% 40%

28%

20%

12%

19%

19%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 1,631

15

NRI Online 2006

Age distribution Online NRI are significantly older in age than online Indians in India. While two-third of the online Indians (70%) in India are below 30 years of age, only about one-third online NRI (39%) are below 30 years in age. In fact even among the west-based online NRI, only 1 in 2 (47%) of them are under 30 years of age. Almost 3 out of four gulf-based online NRI are over 30 years of age. Chart 4: Distribution by Age Group 13 to 30 Years

80%

60%

71%

Above 30 Years

61%

58%

53% 47%

42%

40%

39%

29% 20%

0% West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

16

NRI Online 2006

Marital status Though western online NRI are relatively younger in age, yet even 2 out of 3 of them (68%) are married. 78% of gulf-based online NRI are also married. Chart 5: Marital Status

Single

Married

80%

78%

68%

69% 62%

60%

40%

35%

31%

29% 21%

20%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

17

NRI Online 2006

Family size West-based online NRI have proportionately smaller size families. Almost 1 in 3 west-based online NRI (33%) has a family size up to 2 members in the family. In comparison only 18% of gulf-based online NRI have family size of 2 or less. Chart 6: Size of the Family They Represent Upto 2 Members

100%

More than 2 Members

82% 80%

82%

77%

68%

60%

40%

33% 18%

20%

23%

18%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI Average:

3.2

3.5

Other NRI 3.6

All NRI 3.4

Base: 1,631

18

NRI Online 2006

Only 1 in 5 westbased online NRI is a ‘techie’ Educational Qualification Proportionately as many online NRI from gulf are professionally qualified as from the western countries. Only 1 in 5 online NRI has a professional education/qualification, irrespective of whether they are west-based or gulf-based. However, west-based online NRI are otherwise significantly more educated with a much higher proportion of them having post-graduates and plus education levels (36%) than the gulf-based ones (17%). Table 5: Highest Level of Education Education

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

8%

10%

14%

10%

Graduate

33%

48%

37%

39%

Post Graduate

30%

16%

18%

21%

6%

0.7%

2%

3%

20%

22%

20%

21%

Up to School

Doctorate Professional Qualification

Base: 1,631

19

NRI Online 2006

Occupation Gulf-based online NRI work significantly more in the corporate sector. Two out of 3 of them work as corporate employees of various levels. In comparison, only 1 in 3 west-based online NRI (31%) work as a corporate employee. West-based online NRI are significantly more self-employed (21%) as against the gulf-based ones (13%). But most importantly, a bulk 40% of west-based online NRI come under unemployed/semi-employed categories (students, housewives, unspecified others) whereas only 17% of gulf-based online NRI come under these unemployed/semi-employed categories. Chart 7: Occupational Break Up

70%

67%

60% 50% 40%

37% 33%

31%

30%

21%

20% 10%

45%

40%

7%

13%

17%

3%

21% 8%

30% 18% 6%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI Businessmen Corporate Executives

Other NRI

All NRI

Self Employed Professionals Others

Base: 1,631

20

NRI Online 2006

Functional background The west-based online NRI come relatively more from the IT sector (21%) in comparison to the gulf-based ones (11%). However, this still means that only 1 in 5 west-based online NRI is a ‘techie’, against the popular perception which almost assumes every second online NRI from the developed countries to be an IT professional. Chart 8: Field of Functional/Occupational Background

IT/Software 59%

60%

Others

53%

53%

47%

50% 40% 30%

NON/IT

36%

32%

33%

30%

21%

20%

11%

11%

14%

10% 0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

21

NRI Online 2006

West-based online NRI are economically better off Household Incomes West-based online NRI earn significantly more than. Almost 4 out of 10 of them have monthly incomes over US$ 5,000. In comparison, only 14% gulf-based online NRI have such high level of incomes. In fact, almost half of the gulf-based online NRI have monthly incomes of less than US$ 2,000. Only a quarter of online western NRI have such low incomes. However, an equal proportion of gulf-based and west-based NRI come from the middle income NRI groups (between US$ 2,000 to US$ 5,000), at 38% each. Chart 9: Distribution by Monthly Income of the Household

Less than US$ 2K 50%

49% 37%

40% 30%

US$ 2K - US$ 5K

39%

Above US$ 5k

48% 40%

38%

34%

25%

36%

24% 18%

20%

14%

10% 0% West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

22

NRI Online 2006

Vehicle ownerships While 3 out of 4 west-based online NRI (71%) own a car, only 1 in 2 gulfbased online NRI own a car (53%). In all about 58% of online NRI own a car, almost the double of what online Indians in India own (27%). Chart 10: Most Expensive Vehicle Owned by the Household Four Wheeler

Two Wheeler

Don’t own either

80% 70%

72%

60%

53%

50%

58%

50% 40% 32%

30%

26%

23% 27%

20%

20% 9%

10%

16%

15%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

23

NRI Online 2006

Gulf-based online NRI are more connected with India Emotional Connectivity Motivation for Staying Connected with India Family connection is what essentially keeps online NRI hooked to India. By and large two-thirds of online NRI, irrespective of whether they are bases in gulf or in the more developed parts of the world, feel that what binds them to India is their ‘family’ back home. Gulf ones highlight family connection somewhat more at 72%. At 63%, west-based ones also highlight this connection the most. Only about 1 in 4 online NRI feels connected to India essentially because of patriotic feelings for the home country or towards its culture and heritage. West-based ones do so marginally more at 24% than gulf-based ones at 19%. Chart 11: Motivation to Stay Connected with India Family

Patriotic Feelings/ Culture & Heritage

Property

80% 72% 63%

66%

63%

60%

40% 24%

23%

19%

20% 3%

2%

22%

5%

3%

0% West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

24

NRI Online 2006

Indian Role Models The online NRI look at APJ Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi and Manmohan Singh as bigger role models than business, sports or cinema celebrities. This is in contrast to role models the online Indians living in India have. Online Indians see business, sports and cinema celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Dhirubahi Ambani, Sachin Tendulkar or Shah Rukh Khan as the bigger role models in their lives (apart from their parents). Table 6: Top Ten Indian Role Models of Online NRI Role Models

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

A P J Abdul Kalam

7%

12%

4%

8%

Mahatma Gandhi

6%

5%

9%

7%

Dr Manmohan Singh

4%

4%

3%

4%

Amitabh Bacchan

3%

3%

4%

3%

Father

3%

3%

3%

3%

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi

1%

4%

2%

2%

Sachin Tendulkar

3%

1%

3%

2%

Aishwariya Rai

0.8%

2%

3%

2%

Rajeev Gandhi

0.8%

3%

2%

2%

Mother Teresa

2%

2%

1%

2%

Base: 1,631

25

NRI Online 2006

Physical connectivity Travel to India for Personal Reasons Online NRI travel to India more frequently for personal reasons, with almost 2 out 3 of them (69%) visiting India at least once in 3 months for this reason. The high frequency of travel to India is largely driven by the gulf-based online NRI, 80% of whom claim to travel to India that frequently. In comparison, only 54% of west-based NRI claim to travel to India at least once in 3 months for personal reasons. Online NRI travel relatively more with their families when traveling to India for personal reasons. Two out of 3 west-based online NRI (63%) travel with family on such occasions while only 1 in 2 gulf-based online NRI (50%) does so. Chart 12: Frequency of Visit to India for Personal Reasons

At least once in 3 months

Less than once in 3 months

Never traveled to India 100% 81%

80% 60%

73%

69%

54% 35%

40%

11%

20%

17%

18%

23% 9%

8%

2%

0%

West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

26

NRI Online 2006

Travel to India for professional reasons On the other hand, only about 1 in 3 online NRI (39%) travel to India at least once in 3 months for professional reasons. Here again the gulf-based online NRI travel more frequently with 41% of them traveling at least once in 3 months. In comparison, only 27% of west-based NRI travel to India that frequently for professional reasons. Chart 13: Frequency of Visit to India for Professional Reasons

At least once in 3 months

Less than once in 3 months

Never traveled to India 60% 53% 41% 40%

48% 38% 31%

27% 20%

20%

41%

39%

21%

21%

21%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

27

NRI Online 2006

Communication connectivity Phone Calls for Personal Reason Online NRI call India significantly more for personal reasons than for professional reasons. While 1 in 4 online NRI (28%) calls India for personal reasons at least once a day, another 56% call at least once a week. The gulf-based online NRI call India relatively more frequently, with 92% of them calling India at least once a week for personal reasons (80% of west-based NRI also do so). Chart 14: Frequency of Calling India for Personal Reasons

At least once a day

At least once a week

Less than a week/Never 80% 64%

59%

60%

56%

46% 40%

20%

23%

19%

32%

28%

23%

28% 16%

8%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

28

NRI Online 2006

Phone calls for professional reason In comparison, only 14% online NRI call India at least once a day for professional reasons, with another 20% calling once a week. The online NRI of both the groups call almost equally infrequently to India for professional reasons. Chart 15: Frequency of Calling India for Professional Reasons

At least once a day

At least once a week

Less than a week/Never

100% 80%

72%

67%

66%

59%

60% 40% 20%

11%

18%

22%

21% 21%

11%

20% 14%

0% West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

29

NRI Online 2006

Emailing for personal reason Almost twice the proportions of online NRI (both gulf-based and westbased) ‘communicate’ with their family, friends and colleagues India on a daily basis using an email rather than a phone. Gulf-based online NRI email relatively more frequently for personal reasons. One in 2 out of them (49%) corresponds with people back home on email every day. In comparison, 41% of west-based online NRI email people back home everyday. Chart 16: Send or Receive E-Mails From/To India for Personal Reasons

At least once a day Less than a week/Never 49%

50% 40%

At least once a week

48%

46%

41% 32% 27%

30%

34% 26%

27%

24%

17%

20%

31%

10% 0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

30

NRI Online 2006

Emailing for professional reason Once again both the online NRI groups email for professional reasons significantly less frequently. Only 1 in 2 gulf-based ones (25%) email someone in India for professional reasons, while a marginally lower 21% of west-based online NRI do the same. Chart 17: Send or Receive E-Mails From/To India for Professional Reasons

At least once a day L h k/N

70%

59%

60%

At least once a week

53%

52%

47%

50% 40% 30%

21%21%

25%23%

27%

25%

24%23%

20% 10% 0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

31

NRI Online 2006

Informational connectivity Medium used for staying updated on India While 2 out of 3 west-based NRI (64%) prefer to stay updated with happenings in India using the Internet more, only about 1 in 3 gulfbased online NRI (39%) prefers to do so. In fact, a noticeably higher proportion of the gulf-based online NRI (48%) prefer to update themselves about Indian happening through the electronic media (TV largely). Only 1 in 5 west-based NRI (19%) prefers electronic media to check happening about India. Chart 18: Preferred Medium to Follow Happenings in India

Internet 70%

Eloctronic Media

Print Media

64%

60% 49%

48%

50%

44%

39%

40%

35%

34%

30%

21%

19%

20%

13%

16%

13%

10% 0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

32

NRI Online 2006

Usage of electronic medium Two out of 3 online NRI (69%) watch Indian programs on TV daily. While 86% of gulf-based online NRI watch Indian programs on TV daily only 50% of west-based ones do so daily. Chart 19: Frequency of Watching Indian TV Programs

At least once a day Less than a week/Never

100%

86%

80% 60%

At least once a week

72%

69%

50%

40%

29% 21%

20%

7% 7%

18% 11%

13%

18%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 1,631

33

NRI Online 2006

Usage of print medium Two out of 3 online NRI (69%) read Indian newspaper and magazine daily as well. While 81% of gulf-based online NRI read about India in the print medium daily only 60% of the west-based ones do so daily. Chart 20: Frequency of Reading Indian Newspaper & Magazines At least once a day

At least once a week

Less than a week/Never 100% 81%

80%

69%

66%

60% 60% 40% 22% 20%

18%

13%

17%16%

17%

14%

6%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

34

NRI Online 2006

Usage of internet medium Compared to a significantly higher 2 out of 3 online NRI (69%) relying on the conventional 'offline' mediums to stay in touch with India on a daily basis, only 1 in 2 online NRI (52%) surfs the net on a daily basis to check Indian content. Between the two online NRI groups, the gulf-based ones surf the net as regularly as the west-based ones to check Indian content (56% versus 54% respectively), though they use the offline mediums significantly more than the west-based ones to watch or read about India. Chart 21: Frequency of Surfing Indian Content on Internet

At least once a day 60%

At least once a week

Less than a week/Never

56%

54%

52%

50%

45%

40% 30%

25%

20%

27%28%

26% 22%

26%

23%

18%

10% 0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

35

NRI Online 2006

Information sought about India They have a keen eye on India's progress and stability. By and large online NRI are more interested in content about ‘economic progress” in India, followed thereafter about the general happenings in India, including political happenings. Interestingly, this is in quite a variance to what generally online Indians in India are interested in content about India. Compared to the online NRI, the online Indians show far greater interest in entertainment content (sports, cinema, lifestyle, etc.) And far less in the economic progress and political developments in the country. Table 7: Happenings in India NRI Want to Stay Updated On Interest Areas

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Economic Progress

58%

63%

53%

58%

General Happenings

57%

57%

44%

53%

Sports

47%

51%

48%

49%

Politics

55%

51%

38%

48%

Cinema

54%

38%

42%

44%

Social Progress

44%

41%

33%

39%

Religion/Spirituality

44%

36%

37%

39%

Lifestyle Trends

30%

26%

32%

29%

Fashion

24%

15%

25%

21%

Social Progress

14%

14%

13%

13%

7%

4%

9%

7%

Others

Base: 1,629

36

NRI Online 2006

Entertainment Connectivity Indian Movies Only 1 in 3 online NRI (35%) watch Indian movies on a daily basis. The gulf-based online NRI watch Indian movies relatively more regularly, with 36% of them doing so everyday. In comparison, a lower 29% of the west-based NRI watch Indian movies everyday. Chart 22: Frequency of Watching Indian Movies

At least once a day

60%

At least once a week

Less than a week/Never

50% 42%

40%

40%

31% 30%

29%

40%

39%38%

36%

35% 22%

24%

26%

20% 10% 0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

37

NRI Online 2006

Indian sports Again only 1 in 3 online NRI (36%) watch Indian sports on a daily basis. The gulf-based online NRI follow the Indian sports content significantly more regularly, with 47% of them doing so everyday. In comparison, only 22% of the west-based NRI check Indian sports content everyday. Chart 23: Frequency of Watching Indian Sports

At least once a day Less than a week/Never

70% 60%

51%

50%

47%

40% 27%

30% 20%

At least once a week

22%

40% 31%

30%30%

36%

34% 29%

22%

10% 0% West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

38

NRI Online 2006

Indian music However, a significantly higher 3 out of 4 online NRI (75%) listens to Indian music everyday. The gulf-based online NRI listen to Indian music also noticeably more regularly. While 77% of them listen to Indian music on a daily basis, a relatively lower 70% of the west-based NRI listen to Indian music everyday. Chart 24: Frequency of Listening to Indian Music

At least once a day

At least once a week

Less than a week/Never

100% 80%

76%

77%

70%

75%

60% 40% 18% 13%

20%

14%

9%

13% 11%

15%

11%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

39

NRI Online 2006

Indian fashion The proportion of online NRI who check Indian fashion on a daily basis are the least at only 17%. The gulf-based online NRI also follow the Indian fashion trends marginally more regularly than the west-based online NRI. While 16% of gulf-based online NRI follow Indian fashion trend on a daily basis, only a marginally lower 13% of west-based ones also do so. Chart 25: Frequency of Checking Out Fashion Trends in India

At least once a day

At least once a week

Less than a week/Never

80% 70%

65%

62%

60%

54%

60% 50% 40% 30%

22%

20% 10%

13%

23%

23%

24%

23% 17%

16%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 1,631

40

NRI Online 2006

Financial connectivity Current ownerships of assets in India Almost 2 out of 3 online NRI already have bank accounts and houses back in India (almost 70% have each). One in 2 (51%) also owns some land. Only 1 in 5 (21%) has invested money in shares in India. Among the two groups of online NRI, the gulf-based ones not only show relatively higher current ownership of both physical and financial assets in India. Table 8: Current Asset Ownerships in India Assets

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Bank Accounts

70%

75%

66%

70%

House

68%

71%

69%

69%

Land

47%

53%

52%

51%

Deposit

38%

40%

36%

38%

Shares

22%

24%

18%

21%

Others

5%

5%

3%

4%

Base: 1,555

41

NRI Online 2006

Future plans for making financial investments in India Despite fairly high current ownership of assets in India, a significant proportion of online NRI would like to invest further in India, especially in physical assets. Almost half the online NRI would like to invest in a house or land in India in the near future. In comparison only around 1 in 4 online NRI (between 26% to 30%) would like to invest in financial assets. The gulf-based online NRI show relatively higher propensity to make further investments in shares and deposits in India as compared to the west-based ones. The west-based ones show a relatively higher propensity for opening bank accounts in India. Table 9: Plans for Future Financial Investments in India Assets

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

House

49%

48%

49%

49%

Land

46%

48%

43%

46%

Shares

28%

37%

25%

30%

Deposit

29%

32%

27%

29%

Bank Accounts

28%

21%

28%

26%

4%

5%

3%

4%

Others

Base: 1,531

42

NRI Online 2006

Remitting money to India Almost 2 out of 3 online NRI remitting money to India at least once a month. Significantly more gulf-based online NRI remit money to India with higher frequency than the west-based ones. Nine out of 10 online NRI based in the gulf (87%) remit money to India at least once a month. In comparison, only 1 in 2 west-based NRI (47%) remits money to India at least once a month. Chart 26: Frequency of Remitting Money to India

At least once a month

Once in 3 months

Once in less than 3 months 100% 87% 80% 65%

60% 47% 40%

32% 21%

20%

8% 5%

22% 13%

66%

20% 14%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 1,631

43

NRI Online 2006

Preferred mode of remitting money When it comes to the mode of remitting money to India, contrary to the popular perception, it is the gulf-based online NRI who trust the banking modes of transferring funds to India relatively more (both online and offline banking modes). While only 2 out of 3 west-based online NRI (65%) prefer to remit money through online or offline bank based transfers or transactions, a significantly higher 80% gulf-based online NRI rely on such modes of transfer. This higher preference for banking modes by the gulf-based online NRI may have something to do with the fact that they remit money to India much more frequently. Chart 27: Preferred Mode of Remitting Money to India Online Transactions

Offline Transactions

Cash Transactions

50% 40%

43%

38%

37%

29% 27%

30%

36% 33% 25%

39% 32% 24%

19%

20% 10% 0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 1,631

On the whole, all this data clearly suggests that the gulf-based online NRI not only show higher physical, financial and communication connectivity with India but also more informational and entertainmentrelated connectivity as well. It is only in emotional connectivity that the west-based online NRI are almost equally glued to India.

44

NRI Online 2006

West-based NRI are more 'online' Online connectivity Regularity of internet usage Almost 2 out of 3 online NRI (69%) log on to the net several times a day. In fact, 9 out of 10 online NRI (92%) use the net on a daily basis. Though fairly high proportions of both group of online NRI use the Internet daily (97% and 94% respectively), a noticeably higher proportion of west-based online NRI (80%) access the net several times a day. Only 71% of gulf-based ones access it several times a day. Chart 28: Frequency of Using Internet Several times a day

Once a day

Once a week or less

100% 80% 80%

69%

71% 57%

60% 40% 20%

28% 17% 2%

23%

23% 2%

8%

3%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 975

45

NRI Online 2006

Experience in internet usage Eight out of 10 online NRI (80%) have experience of 2 or more years in using the net. With 87% of them using the net already for 2 years or more, the gulfbased online NRI are marginally more experienced net users than the west-based ones, only 84% of whom have that level of net usage experience. This could be largely because the west-based online NRI have a significantly higher proportion of students and non-working users in their base, while gulf-based online NRI are mostly the working ones. Chart 29: Years of Experience in Using Internet

Upto 2 Years

100%

More than 2 Years 87%

84%

80%

80%

66%

60% 34%

40% 20%

16%

20%

13%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 975

46

NRI Online 2006

Internet users per family Over 40% of all NRI have more than 2 members in the household using the Internet. This means that on an average, there are 2.5 Internet users per NRI household. This is significantly higher than the average Internet users per household of 1.7 among the online Indians living in India. Only 1 out of 3 gulf-based online NRI (33%) come from a household that has more than 2 members in the household using the net. In comparison 45% of west-based online NRI come from such households. As a result of this, west-based NRI shows noticeably higher net users per household at an average of 2.6. In comparison, the gulf-based online NRI have only 2.2 users per household. Chart 30: Number of Family Member Using the Internet

Upto 2 Members

More than 2 Members

100% 80%

67%

60%

55%

52%

45%

40%

59% 48%

41%

33%

20% 0% West-Based NRI

Average:

2.6

Gulf-Based NRI

2.2

Other NRI

2.7

All NRI

2.5

Base: 975

47

NRI Online 2006

Gulf NRI access Internet more from office, west ones more from homes Place of access Almost 2 out of 3 online NRI (67%) use the net from home, with an almost equal proportion also using it from offices. At 90%, the westbased online NRI also access the net significantly more from homes. In comparison, only 58% of the gulf-based online NRI access the net from homes. The story is almost the reverse when it comes to net usage from office. While the gulf-based ones access the net significantly more from offices at 82%, only 57% of the west-based ones access it from the office. Further, whether based in the gulf or in the west, online NRI use the net mainly from home or office. Very few of them access the net from cyber cafes. Only 4% of west-based online NRI and 14% of gulf-based ones access the net from cyber cafes. On the whole, though both the groups access the net from distinct places, the fact remains that both the groups access the net equally regularly. Chart 31: Place of Accessing Internet

Office

100%

90%

Cyber-Café

82%

80% 60%

Home

57%

58%

60%

69% 67% 59%

40% 14%

20%

19%

4%

12%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 975

48

NRI Online 2006

Type on connection at home The reason why gulf-based online NRI access the net more from office and less from homes is clear from the fact that not only 1 in 4 of them does not have an internet connection at home, but also another 2 out of 4 have only a regular dial up connection. So effectively, only 1 in 4 gulf-based online NRI has a broadband connection at home. In sharp contrast to this, 3 out of 4 west-based online NRI (77%) using the net from home have broadband access from home. This may be facilitating higher home-based Internet usage among them. On the whole, only 1 in 2 online NRI (48%) who use the Internet from home has a broadband connection at home. Interestingly, this is marginally lower than the proportion of online Indians using the Internet from home with broadband access (52%). Chart 32: Type of Internet Connection at Home

No Internet at Home

Regular dial up connection

Broadband Connection 77%

80% 60% 40%

25% 20% 6%

48%

42%

47% 26%

25%28%

11%

30% 18%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 975

49

NRI Online 2006

Duration of net usage from home Almost 3 out of 4 online NRI (76%) are light to medium users of the Internet from homes. Only 1 in 4 of them uses the net for more than 2 hours a day. West-based NRI are the relatively heavier users of the net. A significantly higher 35% of them use the net on an average for more than 2 hours a day from home. In comparison, only 14% of the gulfbased ones use the net for more than 2 hours a day from home. Chart 33: Time Spent on Internet at Home

Upto 2 Hours

More than 2 Hours

100% 86% 79%

80%

76%

65% 60% 40%

35% 21%

20%

24%

14%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 838

50

NRI Online 2006

Duration of net usage from office Almost 2 out of 3 online NRI (64%) are also light to medium users of the Internet from offices. However, with 1 in 3 of them using the net for more than 2 hours a day from office, online NRI are relatively heavier users of the net from office than from homes. Gulf-based online NRI are almost as heavy users of the net from office as the west-based ones (37% to 39% of both groups' NRI use the net for more than 2 hours a day on an average from the office). Chart 34: Time Spent on Internet at Office

Upto 2 Hours 80%

More than 2 Hours 69%

63%

64%

61%

60%

40%

37%

39% 31%

36%

20%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 781

51

NRI Online 2006

Both surf for Indian content almost equally Duration of surfing Indian content from home When it comes to the surfing Indian content on the net from home, only 7% of the west-based online NRI do so for more than 2 hours a day, while 3% of the gulf-based ones surf it for those durations. In other words, almost 20% each of the west-based and gulf-based online NRI (or 1 in 5 of them) who use the Internet to check Indian content from home do so for more than 2 hours a day on an average. Chart 35: Time Spent on Internet at Home to Check Indian Content

Upto 2 Hours 100%

More than 2 Hours 98%

93%

94%

90%

80% 60% 40% 20%

7%

3%

10%

6%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 830

52

NRI Online 2006

Duration of surfing Indian content from office The story is no different for usage of Indian content from the offices as well. While only 4% of the west-based online NRI who access the net from office check Indian content online for more than 2 hours a day from there, a marginally higher 8% of the gulf-based ones use it for those durations from office. In other words, while only 10% of the west-based online NRI who use the Internet to check Indian content from office do so for more than 2 hours a day, a noticeably higher 20% of the gulf-based online NRI who use the Internet to check Indian content from office do so for more than 2 hours a day. Chart 36: Time Spent on Internet at Office to Check Indian Content

Upto 2 Hours 100%

97%

More than 2 Hours 93%

92%

92%

80% 60% 40% 20% 4%

8%

8%

7%

0% West-Based

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NRI Base: 720

53

NRI Online 2006

Politics and economy are the most surfed Indian content Indian content surfed online Irrespective of whether they are based in gulf or in the more developed parts of the world, all online NRI check the political and economic development of the country much more than anything else on the net. Thereafter, Indian sports content is checked relatively more by the gulf-based ones on the net, while Indian cinema and music content is checked relatively more by the west-based ones. Gulf-based online NRI also check health and fitness related Indian content also relatively more on the net, while west-based ones check religious and spirituality and cultural heritage content relatively more. Table 10: Indian Content Sought Online More Contents

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Politics

72%

71%

65%

70%

Business / Economy

60%

63%

63%

62%

Sports

51%

62%

60%

58%

Music & Cinema

57%

45%

53%

52%

Science / Technology

38%

38%

41%

39%

Stocks / Shares / Interest Rates

33%

38%

32%

35%

Traveling / Tourism

30%

34%

32%

32%

Relationship / Friendship

27%

30%

35%

31%

Culture / Heritage

33%

24%

36%

31%

Spirituality / Religion

33%

27%

28%

29%

Health / Fitness

20%

33%

29%

27%

Picture Gallery / Video Gallery

25%

24%

27%

25%

Astrology

26%

24%

24%

25%

Food and Recipes

31%

21%

22%

25%

Cartoon / Jokes

23%

19%

28%

23%

Personality / Celebrity Interviews

22%

23%

23%

23%

Glamour / Fashion / Lifestyle

19%

21%

28%

22%

Community Building

16%

10%

17%

14%

Charity / Donations

10%

9%

12%

10%

Base: 975

54

NRI Online 2006

Gulf ones buy from Indian websites relatively more Online buying Almost 6 out of 10 online NRI (59%) buy from the Internet. While only 1 in 2 gulf-based online NRI (50%) has ever bought online, 3 out of 4 west-based online NRI (73%) have bought online. West-based ones are the more regular online shoppers as well. Against only 24% of the gulf-based online NRI shopping online at least once a month, an almost double that proportion of west-based online NRI (42%) shop online that frequently. Chart 37: Frequency of Buying Online

At least once a month

Once in Less than a month

Never shopped online

60%

50%

50%

45%

42%

41%

40% 31% 27%

30%

26%

29%

31% 26%

28%

24% 20% 10% 0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 975

55

NRI Online 2006

Online buying for Indian products or services Almost 4 out of 10 online NRI (44%) buy from an Indian website. As 59% of all online NRI buy online, clearly there are about 15% online NRI who buy online but do not buy from an Indian website. This means that 3 out of 4 online NRI (75%) who buy online also buys from an Indian website. While only 1 in 2 west-based online NRI (49%) has ever shopped from an Indian website, 40% of the gulf-based ones have also shopped from Indian websites. So proportionately more gulf-based online NRI who buy online buy from the Indian websites. That is, 82% of gulf-based NRI who buy online also buy from an Indian websites, while only 70% of west-based NRI who buy online also buys from an Indian website. However in terms of the frequency of buying from Indian websites, less than 2 out of 10 online NRI from each of the groups are really the regular online NRI buyers from these Indian websites. West-based ones buy marginally more regularly from Indian websites, with 18% of them buying at least once a month from these websites. Chart 38: Frequency of Buying Online on Indian Websites

At least once a month

Once in Less than a month

Never shopped online

80%

60%

60%

60%

56%

49% 40%

33% 28% 19%

18%

20%

28% 22% 16%

13%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 975

56

NRI Online 2006

Average spends on Indian websites Online NRI from both the groups show almost an equal proportion of heavy online spenders buying from the Indian websites. Only 5% from each of the groups spend on an average more than US$ 500 a month with these websites. However, a noticeably higher 45% of west-based online NRI are light to medium spenders on these websites (as against only 35% of the gulfbased ones). Chart 39: Average Monthly Spends When Buying from Indian Websites

Never Shop Online

Upto $500

70%

More than $500

65%

58%

60%

60% 50%

50%

45% 36%

35%

40%

27%

30% 20% 5%

10%

5%

8%

6%

0% West-Based NRI Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Base: 975

57

NRI Online 2006

Popular items bought from Indian websites Air tickets are the most bought items online from the Indian websites for both groups of online NRI. Almost half the online shopping NRI from both the groups who shop from Indian websites buy air tickets online. The other popularly bought online products from the Indian websites are CD and DVDs, books and magazines, gifts and travel and tour packages. Between the two groups, the products that the west-based online NRI buy relatively more from Indian websites are CD and dvds, gifts for relatives in India, Indian spices and food, jewelry and handicraft items. On the other hand, the items that the gulf-based online NRI buy relatively more from these websites are only books and magazines. Table 11: Products Or Services Bought from Indian Websites Products

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Air ticket

44%

47%

42%

45%

CDs & DVDs

36%

23%

36%

31%

Books & Magazines

26%

34%

31%

31%

Gifts for relatives in India

34%

22%

19%

25%

Travel / Tour Packages

21%

22%

19%

20%

Clothes / Shoes / Fashion accessories

18%

14%

16%

16%

Indian Spices / Food Items

17%

6%

16%

13%

Jewellery

12%

8%

14%

11%

8%

9%

14%

10%

Indian Festival Gifts for Self

11%

8%

11%

10%

Ayurvedic Products / Medicine

11%

8%

10%

10%

Herbal Beauty products

7%

7%

14%

9%

Perfumes

7%

5%

12%

8%

10%

4%

9%

8%

5%

2%

4%

4%

Toys / Games

Handicraft items Furniture / Fixtures

Base: 939

58

NRI Online 2006

Website Preferences for Indian Content Most visited Indian website At the overall level, online NRI from both the groups visit the website of Rediff and Times of India the most for checking content about India. Gulf-based ones visit Yahoo significantly more than the west-based ones. Table 12: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website Overall Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Rediff

13%

12%

5%

11%

Timesofindia

11%

10%

10%

10%

Yahoo

4%

10%

12%

9%

Google

7%

4%

12%

7%

Indiatimes

5%

7%

7%

6%

Kerala

2%

4%

10%

5%

Deepika

3%

6%

5%

5%

NDTV

3%

7%

3%

5%

Sify

5%

4%

4%

4%

Samachar

8%

2%

3%

4%

Base: 860

59

NRI Online 2006

Info search on India Google is the clear favorite among both the groups of online NRI when it comes to searching information about India in general. Table 13: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Searching Info on India Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Google

25%

27%

27%

26%

Yahoo

7%

9%

13%

9%

Rediff

8%

7%

5%

7%

Timesofindia

8%

8%

4%

7%

Indiainfo

4%

5%

4%

5%

India

4%

4%

4%

4%

Indiatimes

3%

4%

4%

4%

Malayammanorama

2%

5%

3%

4%

0.9%

4%

3%

3%

3%

2%

3%

2%

Kerala Hinduonnet

Base: 777

60

NRI Online 2006

News on India The website of Times of India clearly leads among both the groups of online NRI when it comes to checking news and events happening in India. Samachar.com is relatively more popular among the west-based online NRI, while Deepika and Yahoo is relatively more popular among the gulf-based ones. Table 14: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Checking News on India Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

12%

15%

12%

13%

Rediff

7%

8%

4%

7%

Yahoo

4%

7%

10%

6%

Thehindu

7%

3%

8%

6%

Deepika

3%

8%

7%

6%

NDTV

4%

7%

6%

6%

Google

6%

3%

7%

5%

Indiatimes

4%

5%

3%

4%

Sify

3%

2%

5%

3%

Samachar

7%

2%

0.9%

3%

Timesofindia

Base: 761

61

NRI Online 2006

Job search in India Naukri is the clear leader for job search in India for both the groups of online NRI. Monster is relatively more popular among the west-based online NRI than it is with the gulf-based ones, while Timesjobs is relatively more popular among the gulf-based ones. Table 15: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Searching Jobs in India Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Naukri

37%

39%

24%

34%

Monster

19%

9%

10%

12%

Yahoo

4%

6%

9%

6%

Google

5%

5%

9%

6%

Timesjobs

2%

7%

5%

5%

Jobs

4%

6%

3%

4%

0.5%

2%

6%

3%

Rediff

2%

2%

2%

2%

Timesofindia

3%

2%

0.9%

2%

Jobsahead

1%

2%

2%

2%

Jobsindia

Base: 761

62

NRI Online 2006

Online friendship in India Yahoo is the clear leader among all groups of online NRI for seeking online friendships back home. Table 16: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Making Friendships in India Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Yahoo

33%

38%

30%

34%

Google

8%

6%

7%

7%

MSN

6%

7%

6%

7%

Rediff

6%

9%

3%

6%

Fropper

2%

1%

6%

3%

Friendfinder

2%

4%

3%

3%

Friends

1%

4%

4%

3%

India

3%

1%

5%

3%

Indiatimes

2%

4%

3%

3%

0.0%

4%

4%

3%

Kerala

Base: 620

63

NRI Online 2006

Matrimony Shaadi is the most preferred one by all online NRI when it comes to matrimonial search. Bharatmatrimony is relatively less popular among the west-based online NRI than it is among the gulf-based ones. This is largely because of the higher south Indian population base in the gulf. Table 17: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Matrimonial Search in India Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Shaadi

49%

56%

35%

48%

Bharatmatrimony

17%

25%

22%

22%

Matrimony

4%

3%

11%

6%

Yahoo

3%

3%

9%

5%

Jeevansathi

2%

4%

5%

3%

Indianmatrimony

4%

2%

5%

3%

Google

2%

0.8%

4%

2%

Sify

2%

0.4%

2%

1%

Rediff

2%

1%

0.0%

1%

0.5%

0.4%

3%

1%

MSN

Base: 758

64

NRI Online 2006

Travel ticket bookings to India While the website of Air India is the overwhelming favorite with the online NRI based in the gulf to book tickets for India, for the ones based in the west it is Makemytrip that leads the pack. Table 18: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Booking Travel Tickets to India Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Airindia

9%

38%

16%

23%

Yahoo

4%

8%

13%

8%

14%

5%

4%

7%

Indianairlines

4%

8%

7%

6%

Indiatimes

4%

5%

7%

5%

Google

6%

2%

9%

5%

Travelguru

5%

3%

4%

4%

0.5%

2%

9%

4%

Rediff

4%

5%

0.0%

3%

Jetairways

3%

2%

2%

2%

Makemytrip

Emirates

Base: 687

65

NRI Online 2006

Online shopping from India Ebay just manages to go past Indiatimes to emerge as the most preferred website for shopping for Indian products and services. While Ebay is relatively more popular among the west-based online NRI, among the gulf-based ones it is Indiatimes. Table 19: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Shopping of Indian Products and Services Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Ebay

20%

15%

14%

16%

Indiatimes

15%

17%

12%

15%

Rediff

13%

14%

10%

13%

Yahoo

5%

12%

13%

10%

Sify

5%

5%

6%

5%

Google

3%

5%

8%

5%

MSN

2%

4%

5%

4%

Onlineshopping

4%

2%

4%

3%

Shopping

2%

3%

3%

3%

Amazon

4%

1%

0.0%

2%

Base: 594

66

NRI Online 2006

Real estate Info in India It is a combination of generic portals and some specialized real estate websites that compete closely for online NRI's attention to check for real estate information from India. There is a clear indication here that no real estate specific websites has really been able to make a mark among the online NRI in any significant way. Table 20: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Checking Real Estate Info in India Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Google

13%

5%

13%

10%

Yahoo

6%

7%

15%

9%

Realestate

8%

5%

7%

7%

Rediff

7%

7%

3%

6%

Keralarealestate

2%

7%

8%

6%

Timesofindia

4%

7%

7%

6%

Manoramaonline

2%

8%

6%

6%

Sulekha

8%

4%

3%

5%

Indiarealestate

2%

6%

4%

4%

Indiatimes

2%

4%

3%

3%

Base: 619

67

NRI Online 2006

Indian cinema content Bollywood.com leads marginally over the popular generic portals when it comes to checking of Indian cinema content by the online NRI. Table 21: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Searching Indian Cinema Content Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

10%

8%

9%

9%

Google

6%

5%

11%

7%

Yahoo

4%

7%

9%

7%

Rediff

5%

9%

4%

6%

Timesofindia

6%

6%

5%

6%

Malayammanorma

2%

7%

7%

5%

Indiatimes

3%

7%

5%

5%

Sify

4%

4%

4%

4%

Cinema

5%

3%

4%

4%

Indiafm

5%

5%

1%

4%

Bollywood

Base: 626

68

NRI Online 2006

Indian sports content Cricinfo is a noticeable leader in the category of Indian sports content. Table 22: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Searching Indian Sports Content Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

16%

15%

11%

14%

Yahoo

6%

8%

10%

8%

Rediff

8%

8%

7%

8%

Timesofindia

6%

8%

7%

7%

Sports

4%

5%

5%

5%

Google

6%

3%

6%

5%

NDTV

3%

6%

6%

5%

Indiatimes

2%

5%

4%

4%

Sify

2%

5%

4%

4%

0.5%

4%

7%

4%

Cricinfo

Manoramaonline

Base: 730

69

NRI Online 2006

Indian music Raaga leads the pack of online Indian music websites. However, Raaga is far more popular among the online NRI from the west than it is with the gulf-based online NRI. Among the gulf-based ones, Yahoo and Indiatimes are also almost equally popular for downloading Indian music. Table 23: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Downloading Indian Music Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Raaga

28%

14%

10%

17%

Musicindiaonline

16%

8%

8%

11%

Yahoo

2%

12%

16%

10%

Indiatimes

6%

10%

12%

9%

Google

5%

5%

7%

5%

Indiatimes

4%

4%

6%

5%

Manoramaonline

1%

6%

6%

4%

Rediff

4%

5%

2%

4%

Smashit

6%

2%

3%

4%

Hindimusic

3%

4%

3%

3%

Base: 630

70

NRI Online 2006

Indian fashion Indiafashion is the noticeable leader in the Indian fashion category. Table 24: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Checking Fashion Trends in India Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

15%

19%

16%

17%

Yahoo

6%

8%

14%

9%

Rediff

12%

11%

3%

9%

Google

11%

7%

9%

9%

Timesofindia

8%

7%

7%

7%

Indiatimes

3%

8%

9%

7%

Fashion

5%

8%

3%

6%

Femina

3%

4%

4%

4%

0.6%

5%

4%

4%

4%

4%

1%

3%

Indiafashion

Manoramaonline Sify

Base: 584

71

NRI Online 2006

Online games For downloading games Yahoo is the overwhelming favorite among all the online NRI. Table 25: Top 10 Most Preferred Website for Downloading Games Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

26%

36%

34%

32%

Indiatimes

8%

11%

14%

11%

Games

9%

9%

6%

8%

Google

10%

5%

10%

8%

MSN

3%

4%

9%

5%

Rediff

6%

5%

0.0%

4%

Miniclip

3%

3%

3%

3%

Sify

7%

1%

1%

3%

Indiagames

5%

2%

1%

3%

Download

3%

3%

1%

2%

Yahoo

Base: 546

72

NRI Online 2006

Emailing Yahoo again leads the pack by a big margin when it comes to the preference of online NRI for using an email id. Hotmail and Gmail follow here as distant second and third. Table 26: Most Preferred Website for Emailing Websites

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Yahoo

44%

39%

49%

44%

Hotmail

17%

19%

15%

17%

Gmail

10%

11%

10%

11%

Rediff

8%

9%

7%

8%

Indiatimes

4%

5%

1%

4%

Sify

1%

2%

2%

2%

0.4%

0.2%

0.7%

0.4%

16%

15%

14%

15%

VSNL Others

Base: 942

73

NRI Online 2006

Offline media preferences for Indian content Indian TV channels Asianet comes out as the most popular TV channel overall among the online NRI primarily because of its very high popularity among the gulfbased online NRI at 27%. Zee TV is relatively more popular among the west-based online NRI at 19%. Star Plus and Sun TV are also fairly popular TV channels among both the groups of online NRI to come clause third and fourth. Table 27: Top 10 Most Preferred TV Channel from India TV Channels

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Asianet

4%

27%

20%

18%

Zee TV

19%

16%

11%

15%

Star Plus

14%

16%

16%

15%

Sun

14%

9%

10%

11%

Sony

12%

5%

12%

9%

Sahara

4%

7%

7%

6%

NDTV

3%

5%

4%

4%

Doordarshan

3%

3%

6%

4%

Kairali

1%

5%

5%

3%

ETV

3%

2%

2%

2%

Base: 869

74

NRI Online 2006

Indian TV news channels NDTV comes out as the most popular TV news channel overall among the online NRI primarily because of its relatively higher popularity among the gulf-based online NRI (18%). Among the west-based online NRI, it is Zee news which is relatively more popular at 19%, followed closely by Aaj Tak at 17%. Table 28: Top 10 Most Preferred TV News Channel from India News Channels

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

NDTV

15%

18%

19%

17%

Zee News

19%

10%

14%

14%

Asianet

4%

18%

15%

13%

Aajtak

17%

9%

7%

11%

Star News

7%

11%

12%

10%

DD News

3%

6%

4%

4%

Sahara

2%

6%

2%

4%

Sun News

4%

3%

2%

3%

0.0%

5%

3%

3%

4%

0.9%

2%

2%

Kairali ETV

Base: 869

75

NRI Online 2006

Indian newspapers Among the newspapers, Times of India is the clear leader with both the groups of online NRI. Expectedly, Malayalam Manorama is also fairly popular among the gulfbased online NRI. After ToI, Hindu is also equally popular newspaper among both the groups of online NRI. Table 29: Top 10 Most Preferred Newspaper from India Newspapers

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

Times of India

25%

33%

23%

28%

The Hindu

13%

13%

23%

16%

Malayala Manorama

5%

15%

8%

10%

Indian Express

9%

7%

8%

8%

Deepika

2%

8%

5%

5%

Dinamalar

3%

3%

3%

3%

Tribune

7%

0.4%

0.8%

3%

Deccan Chronical

5%

2%

0.8%

3%

0.4%

2%

5%

2%

3%

0.7%

4%

2%

Mathrubhumi Siasat

Base: 866

76

NRI Online 2006

Indian magazines India Today is the overwhelming favorite magazine among all the online NRI. While Vanitha and The Week are also fairly popular among the gulfbased online NRI, surprisingly Stardust emerges as the second most popular magazine among the west-based online NRI. Table 30: Most Preferred Magazine from India Magazines

West-Based NRI

Gulf-Based NRI

Other NRI

All NRI

30%

32%

32%

32%

The Week

6%

8%

11%

8%

Star Dust

8%

5%

7%

7%

Outlook

4%

6%

5%

5%

Vanita

1%

9%

2%

4%

Femina

5%

3%

4%

4%

Film Fare

3%

5%

2%

4%

Kumudam

2%

3%

4%

3%

Times

4%

1%

3%

3%

Sport Star

2%

2%

3%

2%

India Today

Base: 755

77

NRI Online 2006

Index 78

NRI Online 2006

Index: Charts Chart 1: Region of Current or Permanent Residence ..............10 Chart 2: Visa Status .....................................................11 Chart 3: Gender Representation ......................................15 Chart 4: Distribution by Age Group ...................................16 Chart 5: Marital Status..................................................17 Chart 6: Size of the Family They Represent.........................18 Chart 7: Occupational Break Up.......................................20 Chart 8: Field of Functional/Occupational Background ...........21 Chart 9: Distribution by Monthly Income of the Household.......22 Chart 10: Most Expensive Vehicle Owned by the Household .....23 Chart 11: Motivation to Stay Connected with India ................24 Chart 12: Frequency of Visit to India for Personal Reasons.......26 Chart 13: Frequency of Visit to India for Professional Reasons ..27 Chart 14: Frequency of Calling India for Personal Reasons .......28 Chart 15: Frequency of Calling India for Professional Reasons...29 Chart 16: Send or Receive E-Mails From/To India for Personal Reasons....................................................................30 Chart 17: Send Or Receive E-Mails From/To India for Professional Reasons....................................................................31 Chart 18: Preferred Medium to Follow Happenings in India ......32 Chart 19: Frequency of Watching Indian TV Programs ............33 Chart 20: Frequency of Reading Indian Newspaper & Magazines 34 Chart 21: Frequency of Surfing Indian Content on Internet ......35 Chart 22: Frequency of Watching Indian Movies....................37 Chart 23: Frequency of Watching Indian Sports ....................38 Chart 24: Frequency of Listening to Indian Music ..................39 Chart 25: Frequency of Checking Out Fashion Trends in India ...40 Chart 26: Frequency of Remitting Money to India .................43 Chart 27: Preferred Mode of Remitting Money to India ...........44 Chart 28: Frequency of Using Internet ...............................45 Chart 29: Years of Experience in Using Internet ...................46 Chart 30: Number of Family Member Using the Internet..........47 Chart 31: Place of Accessing Internet ................................48 Chart 32: Type of Internet Connection at Home ...................49 Chart 33: Time Spent on Internet at Home .........................50 Chart 34: Time Spent on Internet at Office .........................51 Chart 35: Time Spent on Internet at Home to Check Indian Content ...................................................................52 Chart 36: Time Spent on Internet at Office to Check Indian Content ...................................................................53 Chart 37: Frequency of Buying Online ...............................55 Chart 38: Frequency of Buying Online on Indian Websites........56 Chart 39: Average Monthly Spends When Buying from Indian Websites ..................................................................57

79

NRI Online 2006

Index: Tables Table 1: Sample Distribution ........................................... 4 Table 2: Regional Distribution by Place of Origin in India ........12 Table 3: Top 10 Cities by Place of Origin............................13 Table 4: Top 10 Native Languages ....................................14 Table 5: Highest Level of Education..................................19 Table 6: Top Ten Indian Role Models of Online NRI................25 Table 7: Happenings in India NRI Want to Stay Updated On......36 Table 8: Current Asset Ownerships in India .........................41 Table 9: Plans for Future Financial Investments in India .........42 Table 10: Indian Content Sought Online More ......................54 Table 11: Products Or Services Bought from Indian Websites....58 Table 12: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website Overall .........59 Table 13: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Searching Info on India ..............................................................60 Table 14: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Checking News on India ............................................................61 Table 15: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Searching Jobs in India ..............................................................62 Table 16: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Making Friendships in India......................................................63 Table 17: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Matrimonial Search in India ...........................................................64 Table 18: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Booking Travel Tickets to India..................................................65 Table 19: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Online Shopping of Indian Products and Services ...........................66 Table 20: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Checking Real Estate Info in India ................................................67 Table 21: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Searching Indian Cinema Content .................................................68 Table 22: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Searching Indian Sports Content ...................................................69 Table 23: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Downloading Indian Music ..............................................................70 Table 24: Top 10 Most Preferred Indian Website for Checking Fashion Trends in India .................................................71 Table 25: Top 10 Most Preferred Website for Downloading Games .............................................................................72 Table 26: Most Preferred Website for Emailing ....................73 Table 27: Top 10 Most Preferred TV Channel from India .........74 Table 28: Top 10 Most Preferred TV News Channel from India ..75 Table 29: Top 10 Most Preferred Newspaper from India ..........76 Table 30: Most Preferred Magazine from India .....................77

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NRI Online 2006

Index: Detailed Table of Content NRI Online 2006 ........................................................... 1 Key Information Areas Covered .................................... 2 Methodology ............................................................... 3 Executive Summary ...................................................... 5 ‘Family connection’ is largely what keeps online NRI hooked to India ............................................................ 5 Gulf-based online NRI are more connected with India......... 5 West-based online NRI connect more online .................... 5 Both groups keep a keen eye on India’s economic progress .. 6 Online NRI show high level of keenness to invest in India..... 6 Gulf ones prefer to remit money more through the banking channels........................................................... 6 West-based NRI are generally the heavier users of the net, but not the heavier users of Indian content on the net ... 7 For entertainment, online NRI connect with Indian music the most ............................................................... 7 Online NRI are largely mature males ............................. 7 Half the online NRI are South Indians in origin.................. 7 Only 1 in 5 west-based online NRI is a ‘Techie’................. 8 An equal proportion of gulf-based online NRI are professionally qualified......................................... 8 But gulf-based online NRI have significantly lower incomes .. 8 Non Residential Status ..................................................10 Region of residence.................................................10 Visa status............................................................11 Half the online NRI are South Indians in origin .....................12 Indian regions they come from ...................................12 City of origin in India ...............................................13 Native language .....................................................14 Online NRI are largely mature males .................................15 Gender ................................................................15 Age distribution .....................................................16 Marital status ........................................................17 Family size ...........................................................18 Only 1 in 5 west-based online NRI is a ‘techie’.....................19 Educational Qualification ..........................................19 Occupation ...........................................................20 Functional background .............................................21 81

NRI Online 2006

West-based online NRI are economically better off ...............22 Household Incomes .................................................22 Vehicle ownerships .................................................23 Gulf-based online NRI are more connected with India ............24 Emotional Connectivity ............................................24 Motivation for Staying Connected with India 24 Indian Role Models 25 Physical connectivity ...............................................26 Travel to India for Personal Reasons 26 Travel to India for professional reasons 27 Communication connectivity ......................................28 Phone Calls for Personal Reason 28 Phone calls for professional reason 29 Emailing for personal reason 30 Emailing for professional reason 31 Informational connectivity ........................................32 Medium used for staying updated on India 32 Usage of electronic medium 33 Usage of internet medium 35 Information sought about India ...................................36 Entertainment Connectivity .......................................37 Indian Movies 37 Indian sports 38 Indian music 39 Indian fashion 40 Financial connectivity ..............................................41 Current ownerships of assets in India 41 Future plans for making financial investments in India 42 Remitting money to India 43 Preferred mode of remitting money 44 West-based NRI are more 'online' .....................................45 Online connectivity .................................................45 Regularity of internet usage 45 Experience in internet usage 46 Internet users per family 47 Gulf NRI access Internet more from office, west ones more from homes .....................................................................48 Place of access 48 Type on connection at home 49 Duration of net usage from home 50 Duration of net usage from office 51 Both surf for Indian content almost equally ........................52 Duration of surfing Indian content from home 52 82

NRI Online 2006

Duration of surfing Indian content from office 53 Politics and economy are the most surfed Indian content........54 Indian content surfed online 54 Gulf ones buy from Indian websites relatively more...............55 Online buying 55 Online buying for Indian products or services 56 Average spends on Indian websites 57 Popular items bought from Indian websites 58 Website Preferences for Indian Content.............................59 Most visited Indian website........................................59 Info search on India.................................................60 News on India ........................................................61 Job search in India ..................................................62 Online friendship in India ..........................................63 Matrimony ............................................................64 Travel ticket bookings to India ...................................65 Online shopping from India ........................................66 Real estate Info in India ...........................................67 Indian cinema content .............................................68 Indian sports content ...............................................69 Indian music .........................................................70 Indian fashion........................................................71 Online games ........................................................72 Emailing ..............................................................73 Offline media preferences for Indian content ......................74 Indian TV channels..................................................74 Indian TV news channels ...........................................75 Indian newspapers ..................................................76 Indian magazines....................................................77 Index.......................................................................78

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