Methodology and Quality Update
Latest Update on Methodology and Quality
11/06/2026
Statistical Presentation
Data description
ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Establishments provide a set of indicators related to the access and use of ICT by establishments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These indicators include the availability of ICT devices within establishments, the main activities carried out through internet use, the extent to which establishments adopt modern technologies, and other indicators that illustrate the level of ICT usage across establishments, classified by economic activity. These indicators serve as a source of information that meets the needs of local entities as well as regional and international organizations.
The ICT Access and Usage Statistics Survey for Establishments is conducted to collect data on the main characteristics, including the following:
• The availability of information and communication technology (ICT) devices in establishments.
• The extent of ICT usage in establishments.
• Understanding the areas of ICT application in establishments.
• Key activities performed by establishments through their internet usage .
These data are used to provide indicators of:
• Establishments with internet access, by economic activity.
• Establishments that have a business email address, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use social media, by economic activity.
• Establishments that complete government forms electronically, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use e-government services, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use the internet to purchase/order goods and services, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use the internet for customer services, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use the internet to track goods and services, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use fixed-line telephones to conduct their activities, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use mobile phones to conduct their activities, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use computers, by type and economic activity.
• Establishments that provide training to employees on computer programs and applications, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use a Local Area Network (LAN), by economic activity.
• Establishments that use an intranet, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use an extranet, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use the Internet of Things (IoT) for energy consumption management, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use the Internet of Things (IoT) for building security, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use the Internet of Things (IoT) for maintenance purposes, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use the Internet of Things (IoT) for customer service, by economic activity.
• Establishments that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, by economic activity.
Classifications
The following classifications are applied in the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments.
National Classification of Economic Activities (ISIC4):
The statistical classification based on the International Standard of Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4) is used to describe the productive activities of an establishment.
Detailed data are collected through interviews to enable the production of outputs in accordance with all relevant classifications.
Classifications are available on the GASTAT website: www.stats.gov.sa
Statistical concepts and definitions
Terms and Concepts Related to the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Establishments.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT):
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is defined as a set of technologies resulting from the convergence of computing and advanced multimedia and communication technologies, which has enabled the emergence of more effective means of communication by improving the processing, storage, dissemination, and exchange of information.
According to the agreement established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Information and Communication Technology (ICT) includes the following economic sectors:
- ICT-producing sectors (manufacturing of computers, televisions, radios, telephones, etc.).
- ICT distribution sectors (such as wholesale trade of computer equipment, etc.).
- ICT services sectors (telecommunications, computer services, and audiovisual services, etc.
• Establishment:
An economic unit with a legal entity (holding a commercial registration) that engages in a specific economic activity and is owned by an individual, a group of individuals, a company, a quasi-government sector, or an institution.
• Computer:
Types of computers include: desktop computers, laptops, and tablet computers. This does not include equipment with embedded computing capabilities such as smart televisions, or devices primarily designed for telephony, such as smartphones.
• Mobile phone:
The mobile phone uses cellular technology that provides access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). This includes analog and digital cellular technologies, such as third generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), IMT-2000, and other advanced mobile communication systems.
• Fixed telephone line
A fixed telephone line refers to a telephone line that connects the user’s terminal equipment, such as a telephone or fax machine, to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which has a dedicated port on the telephone exchange.
• Internet:
The Internet is a global public computer network composed of interconnected smaller networks. It enables anyone connected to the Internet to navigate the network and access the information available on it. It serves as a medium for communication and the exchange of information among individuals and organizations. Internet access can be obtained through various methods, including dial-up connections and broadband services.
Social media platforms:
They are a group of websites available on the Internet whose main objective is to build communication among individuals or establishments across different parts of the world. Most social media platforms provide services such as text-based communication with other users, as well as voice and video. These platforms include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.
• E-government services:
It is a system adopted by government entities that uses the World Wide Web to interconnect their agencies, link their various services with private institutions and the public at large, and make information accessible to individuals and establishments to create a transparent relationship characterized by speed and accuracy, and enhance the quality of performance.
• Online buying and selling:
This refers to the presence of an online store, website, or webpage affiliated with an establishment through which it displays its products to customers. It also includes situations where the establishment uses an online store or website to purchase products offered for sale, enabling transactions to be completed easily through computers or smartphones.
• Cloud computing:
It is a model that enables convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and software services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or human interaction with the service provider.
• Internet of Things (IoT):
It is a network of objects that contain embedded technology enabling them to connect to the Internet. It also refers to the connectivity that occurs among these objects, devices, and other Internet-enabled systems. These objects may be machines or components.
Data sources
The data for the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Establishments are based on two sources:
First source:
The ICT Access and Usage Survey for Establishments is the main source for obtaining data on the extent of access to and use of information and communication technology by establishments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data are collected from a sample of establishments, with the sample size estimated at (47,804) establishments.
The main published variables from the first data source are:
• Establishments with internet access, by economic activity.
• Establishments that have a business email address, by economic activity.
• Establishments using computers, by type and economic activity.
• Establishments using the internet to sell goods and services, by economic activity.
Second source (supporting administrative records):
• Ministry of Commerce.
Data from the second source were implicitly used in calculating:
• Establishments with a website, by economic activity.Establishments with internet access, by economic activity.
• Establishments that have a business email address, by economic activity.
• Establishments using the internet to sell goods and services, by economic activity.
Designing the data collection tool
An electronic form was designed in Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) format to ensure ease of use by field researchers and in Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) format to enable communication with targeted respondents by phone. Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared and designed by specialists in digital economy statistics at the General Authority for Statistics. International recommendations, standards, and definitions were taken into account during its design. The questionnaire was also presented to relevant entities to obtain their views and feedback. The questions were formulated in a specific scientific manner to standardize the way questions are administered by researchers.
The questionnaire includes several sections, including:
• Identification data of the establishment.
• General information on the establishment’s use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
• Information on the establishment’s use of the Internet.
• Information on cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence.
• Information related to the management and protection of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
• Additional information on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Method of calculating the indicators:
• Percentage of establishments with Internet access out of the total responding establishments, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments that have an email account for business purposes out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using social media platforms out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments that completed government forms electronically out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using e-government services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using the Internet to purchase/order goods and services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using the Internet for customer services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using the Internet to track goods and services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using the Internet to track goods and services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using mobile phones for conducting their activities out of the total establishments, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using computers out of total establishments, by type and economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments that trained employees on computer programs and applications out of total computer users, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using a Local Area Network (LAN) out of total computer-using establishments, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using an intranet out of total computer-using establishments, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using an extranet out of total computer-using establishments, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using the Internet of Things (IoT) for the purpose of managing energy consumption out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using the Internet of Things (IoT) for building security purposes out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using the Internet of Things (IoT) for maintenance purposes out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using the Internet of Things (IoT) for customer service purposes out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
• Percentage of establishments using artificial intelligence technologies out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
Review and validation rules:
Audit and control rules have been established in the form to ensure that the data collected is consistent, accurate, and logical. These rules were designed by establishing logical relationships between responses, questions, and various variables to assist the field researcher in directly detecting any errors during data entry.
To ensure the quality of data from the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments, four types of review and correction rules were established, as follows:
• Automated adjustment rules:
These are rules established for the automatic aggregation of certain fields, or for the automatic validation of responses in specific fields that are consistent across certain forms, and there are five (5) such rules.
• Navigation rules between sections and fields:
Special rules were programmed to regulate automatic navigation between sections and fields based on the respondent’s answers, totaling 38 rules.
• Error rules:
These are rules that cannot be bypassed during the data entry process; the field researcher is required to correct the data by referring back to the respondent to verify their accuracy. The number of such rules exceeds 180.
• Warning rules:
• These rules are designed to verify the correctness of the data entered by the researcher. The field researcher may override them if the data accuracy is confirmed, with a total of approximately 21 rules.
Questionnaire test (cognitive test)
Cognitive testing of the survey questionnaire was conducted using a random sample of households distributed across the regions of Saudi Arabia, taking into account differences in the educational level, age group, sex, and nationality of the participants.
During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation criteria were considered: (The general concept of the question, clarity of the question wording, clarity of the terms used in the question, and appropriateness of the answer options), leading to a report that presents a complete summary of the cognitive testing results.
Statistical population
The statistical population of the ICT Access and Usage Statistics Survey for Establishments consists of all establishments engaged in economic activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the business framework. This framework serves as the list containing all units of the target population for this survey and for other economic surveys conducted by the General Authority for Statistics. It includes the classification of all establishments by economic activity at multiple levels, as well as establishment size, administrative regions, and other basic data used in constructing various economic samples. The sampling frame is a list of all establishments that meet the survey criteria.
Sample Design
The sample was designed with a two-stage stratified cluster systematic random sampling method, in which in the first stage a random sample was selected from the primary sampling units (counting areas) for each stratum of the adopted sampling design.
Stratification:
To increase the efficiency of the sample and improve its representation of the target population, establishments in the sampling frame were classified into homogeneous strata. In order to obtain more accurate results compared to a simple random sample of the same size, and to provide a sufficient number of establishments at publishable levels, the stratification was applied across three levels as follows:
• Stratification at the fourth-level classification of economic activity (ISIC4).
• Stratification at the level of administrative regions.
• Stratification by establishment size categories, which are:
- Micro enterprises:
Establishments with 1 to 5 employees.
- Small enterprises:
Establishments with 6 to 49 employees.
- Medium enterprises:
Establishments with 50 to 249 employees.
- Large enterprises:
Establishments with more than 250 employees.
Sample size:
The sample size was calculated at the level of each stratum, representing the field of study (economic activity at the first level — section — of the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities, ISIC4).
Subsequently, the resulting sample size calculated for each study domain (ISIC-1) was distributed across establishment size classes, and then across administrative regions using the Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) allocation method. This allocation method reduces the variance of sampling weights, thereby reducing the variance of estimates and increasing the efficiency of the sample design. In addition, the sample size at the study domain level (ISIC-1) was adjusted to ensure a minimum acceptable number of establishments in order to obtain a sufficient response size for publishing accurate estimates at the dissemination level (ISIC-1) of economic activity according to ISIC Rev.4. Furthermore, all medium and large establishments were included in the sample with a 100% selection probability due to their importance.
Accordingly, the above-mentioned calculations resulted in a total sample size of (47,804) establishments.
Statistical unit
The statistical unit in the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments is the establishment.
Data collection
Survey data collection:
Data for the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Establishments are collected through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) or Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI).
During the data collection phase, several validation controls are applied within the system to ensure data quality. The most notable include:
• Verification of data accuracy during entry:
Validation rules are implemented within the electronic questionnaire during data entry, based on pre-programmed system rules. These ensure that the entered values are valid, consistent with field types, specified ranges, and the logical relationships between questions.
• Verification of data completeness and quality:
Data are automatically checked for completeness and consistency before the questionnaire is approved, based on system-embedded validation rules that regulate question flows, field linkages, and completion requirements. This enhances the quality of the data and its suitability for statistical use.
Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant departments within GASTAT responsible for implementing the survey, registry data related to the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Establishments are obtained from relevant entities. These data are used to support and complete the requirements of the statistical product.
The data are then stored in GASTAT's databases after completing auditing and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. In cases where errors or issues are identified, the original data sources are referred back to for clarification or correction.
Data collection frequency
Data collection for the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments is carried out on an annual basis.
Reference area
The ICT Access and Usage Survey for Establishments covers the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Reference period (time reference)
The reference period for the variables or dataset is as follows:
The data for the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Establishments are based on the last day of the previous calendar year prior to the survey implementation date. This means the reference period covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2025.
Base period
The concept of a base period does not apply to this survey, as it does not compare results against a fixed base period. Instead, it measures absolute data that reflect the access to and use of information and communication technology by establishments within a specified reference period.
Measurement unit
All results are calculated as percentages.
Time coverage
Data are available for the period 2023 – 2025.
Publication frequency
Results of the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments are published on an annual basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.
Statistical processing
Error detection
Accurate processes are carried out to detect errors in the data collected during the field survey and stored in the data lake. This is done through automation of the data collection tool and by setting the necessary controls and procedures to regulate and manage the entered data, ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency. In addition, supporting methods are used to measure quality indicators.
This phase includes:
• Detecting outliers:
These are values that differ significantly from the general pattern of the data, often due to input or response error.
• Error detection:
The data of the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Establishments are reviewed and validated to ensure their accuracy in a manner consistent with their nature, with the aim of improving the quality and precision of the resulting statistics. For example, the Interquartile Range (IQR) method is used, which is a widely applied and standardized approach for identifying outliers.
Calculation process:
• First quartile (Q1 / 25%): The median of the lower half of the dataset.
• Third quartile (Q3 / 75%): The median of the upper half of the dataset.
The interquartile range (IQR) measures the spread of the middle 50% of the data, highlighting values that deviate significantly from the central tendency of the dataset.
The boundaries for outliers values are as follows:
• Lower Bound: First quartile (Q1) − 1.5 × interquartile range (IQR).
• Upper Bound: Third quartile (Q3) + 1.5 × interquartile range (IQR).
Values are identified as outliers if:
• The variable is below the minimum threshold.
• The variable is above the maximum threshold.
After identifying outliers, the Digital Economy and Innovation Statistics team analyzes and evaluates the outliers in the relevant variables. This is done based on specific characteristics of the dataset, using appropriate statistical methods and technical assessment of the outliers.
In addition to data processing and tabulation to verify its accuracy, all outputs are stored and uploaded to an official database within the Digital Economy and Innovation Statistics Department at the General Authority for Statistics. They are also reviewed and processed by specialists in the same department using modern technologies and software designed for this purpose
Data integration and matching from multiple sources
Data extracted from administrative sources is used in integration with survey data to obtain the final indicators. It relies directly on administrative data sources to feed the indicators related to the Survey of Access and Use of Information and Communications Technology for establishments, which ensures the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the results.
Imputation and calibration
Weighting:
The basic sample weights are calculated based on the strata used in the sample design and allocation. The selection probability of establishment i from stratum h is denoted by
; accordingly, the weight of the establishment selected in the sample is calculated as follows:
Non-response weight adjustment:
Weight adjustment to compensate for non-response or missing data is applied to ensure adequate sample representation. This adjustment is carried out after data collection and processing, once response statuses have been identified, according to the following equation:
hi∗ represents the non-response–adjusted weight in stratum (or adjustment class)
ℎ. The adjustment (or correction) factor for each stratum (or adjustment class) is calculated as follows: 
Where R represents responses and NR represents the non-responses. Additionally, the data for the current reference year is compared with the time series data to ensure consistency, in preparation for data processing, result extraction, and review.
Imputation for non-response cases or incomplete datasets:
The method used for imputation in the Survey ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Establishments
whether in cases of full non-response or missing values for specific variables allows for re-conducting interviews to obtain the missing data from respondents or address non-response cases.
After that, missing data or non-response is handled by evaluating it and following a scientific methodology to estimate results based on several considerations, including historical time series data, growth rates by activity, and an acceptable range of missing data, as well as estimates based on stratified data.
Calculation of variables:
GASTAT relies on equations approved under international standards in calculating the main indicators for the ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Establishments publication
Seasonal adjustments
Not applicable; seasonal adjustment is not applied to the Survey of ICT Access and Use by Establishments because the survey is annual and does not provide short-term periodic data that would reveal seasonal patterns.
Adjustment of preliminary results
The initially calculated statistical outputs were reviewed and updated after the completion of processing, with the aim of correcting identified errors or improving accuracy based on internal reviews.
Resources used
| Description | Total |
| Total employees (GASTAT employees and researchers). | 327 |
| Total number of days in the data collection period (end date − start date). | 38 |
| Average number of interviews conducted per day (during data collection). | 3 |
Quality dimensions
Suitability
A criterion that indicates the extent to which the product meets users' needs.
User needs
Internal users in the General Authority for Statistics of data of the Survey of ICT Access and Usage in Establishments:
• International Indicators Department.
• Partnerships and Customer Support Department.
There are external users who significantly benefit from the survey data, most notably:
• Government entities.
• Regional and international organizations.
• Research institutions.
• Media.
• Individuals.
Key variables used by external users:
| Ministry of Communications and Information Technology | Indicators of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments by economic activity. |
Completeness
The data from the Survey of ICT Access and Use by Establishments is based on information collected from a sample of economic establishments representing various economic sectors across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is done in order to provide comprehensive information on indicators of ICT access and use by establishments. Accordingly, the data is complete.
Accuracy and reliability
A measure of the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the true values and reflect reality.
Overall accuracy
• Data quality is enhanced through the selection of researchers based on a set of practical and objective criteria related to the nature of the work, as well as their qualification and training.
• Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the data collection process in the electronic questionnaire of the Survey of ICT Access and Use by Establishments in order to improve data quality.
• The data is examined against previous years to identify any significant changes.
• The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
• The links between variables are checked and coherence between different data series is confirmed.
Timeliness and punctuality
Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.
Timeliness
GASTAT is committed to applying internationally adopted standards for publishing digital statistics, including the timeliness standard issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which indicates that the nature of digital data requires publishing results within five months from the end of data collection, to ensure their relevance and usefulness for decision-makers.
Punctuality
Publication takes place in accordance with published release dates for the Survey of ICT Access and Usage in Establishments in GASTAT webpage.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.
Coherence and comparability
A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.
Comparability - geographical
Statistical data related to the Survey of ICT Access and Use by Establishments are fully geographically comparable within the Kingdom, as well as at the regional and international levels.
Comparability - over time
The survey began in 2023 as an annual survey and is comparable over time.
Coherence- Cross domain
Not applicable; due to the absence of overlap between the indicators of GASTAT's surveys and the Survey of ICT Access and Use for Establishments.
Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics
Not applicable; because the Survey of ICT Access and Use for Establishments is conducted annually and does not issue monthly or quarterly releases.
Coherence- National Accounts
Not applicable, as the indicators of ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Establishments are not directly linked to national accounts or their inputs.
Coherence- Internal
The estimates of the Survey of ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Establishments 2025 exhibit full internal consistency, as they are all based on the same accurate dataset and are calculated using the same estimation methods.
Accessibility and clarity
The accessibility of data for users, and the availability of detailed or aggregate data. It also indicates the availability of the methodology and quality report.
Press releases
The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link:
Press release
Publications
GASTAT issues publications and reports on the Survey of ICT Access and Usage in Establishments 2-25 on a regular basis within a pre-prepared dissemination plan and is published on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is keen to publish its results in a manner that serves all types of users, including publications in various formats containing dissemination tables, data and indicator charts, the Methodology and Quality Report, and the questionnaires used, in both Arabic and English.
The results of the Survey of ICT Access and Usage in Establishments 2025 are available on:
ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Establishments
Online database
The data has not been published in the statistical database at:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)
Microdata accessibility
Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
Different types of microdata files are available to meet diverse information needs.
• Public use:
It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly (by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents), such as age, occupation, education, etc.
• Scientific use:
These datasets are created in accordance with specific methodologies at the request of data users to produce datasets with defined characteristics for use in strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research. The datasets may relate to individuals, households, or enterprises, while ensuring that they contain no direct identifiers and are subject to confidentiality protection controls.
Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of accurate data through the platform "ITAHA" of the General Authority for Statistics, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the accurate data laboratory within a secure environment managed by the Authority.
References and standards
The methodological reference adopted for implementing this survey is the UNCTAD Manual for the Production of Statistics on the Digital Economy, issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which guides the development of measurement tools and the production of indicators in accordance with international best practices in the field of digital economy statistics.
UNCTAD Manual for the Production of Statistics on the Digital Economy
GASTAT carries out all its statistical activities in accordance with a unified methodology that is consistent with the nature of each statistical product. In doing so, it relies on the Statistical Business Process Manual, which is aligned with the procedures adopted by international organizations in coordination with the relevant entities.
• For more details, you can refer to the attachment.
Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
Quality assurance
GASTAT is committed to the following principles: Impartiality; user-oriented statistical products; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical processes; and minimizing respondent burden.
Data are validated through quality assurance procedures and controls implemented at various stages of the statistical process, including: data entry, data collection, and other final controls.
Quality assessment
GASTAT carries out all statistical activities in accordance with the National Model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)). During the comprehensive evaluation stage, which is the final stage of the GSBPM, information collected throughout each stage and sub-process is used to prepare an evaluation report summarizing all quality-related challenges associated with each statistical process. This report serves as an input for improvement and development actions.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality - Policy
According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.
Confidentiality - Data Treatment
Data of SMEs survey are presented in right tables in order to summarize, understand, as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data, and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some data like: names and addresses of individuals, and names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential,GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly by combining different, especially rare, characteristics of respondents, such as age, occupation, education, etc.
Dissemination policy
Statistical calendar
The Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments has been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar
User access
One of GASTAT’s objectives is to meet its clients' needs, so it immediately provides them with the publication's results once the Survey of ICT Access and Usage in Establishments publication is published.
GASTAT also receives clients' questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
• GASTAT’s official website: www.stats.gov.sa
• GASTAT's official email address: info@stats.gov.sa
• Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
• Official letters.
• Statistical telephone: (199009).