Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

18/10/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals presents data on ICT access and usage among households and individuals in Saudi Arabia.

The Survey of ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals presents is conducted to collect data on the following key characteristics:

• The availability of ICT devices in households.
• Use of information and communication technology (ICT) among individuals.
• Internet domains that have been used by individuals.
• Places where the internet was used by individuals.

Data is also used to estimates:

• Percentage of households with a mobile phone.
• Percentage of individuals who use the internet.
• Percentage of individuals who purchase goods and services through the internet.
• Percentage of individuals who carry out government services.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals.

Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO– 2020): 

It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO_08) that provides a system for classifying and aggregating occupational information obtained through population censuses, statistical surveys, and administrative records. 

This classification is used in the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals to classify employed persons based on their occupations.

Saudi Classification of Specializations and Educational Levels (SASCED-20):

A statistical classification based on the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED_11) and (ISCED_13) for education and training, issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It serves as the reference classification for organizing educational programs and qualifications according to their levels and fields of study. It comprehensively covers all educational programs, levels, and methods, spanning from early childhood education to higher education levels.

This classification is used in the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals to classify individuals aged 15 years and above according to their fields of study and educational levels.

National Code of Countries and Nationalities (NCCN – 2017):

A statistical classification based on the international standard (ISO 3166_Country codes), which is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO of the UN), and this classification gives numeric and literal codes for the world’s (248) countries, based on the classification of countries. 

This classification is used in the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals to classify individuals as Saudi or non-Saudi.

Detailed data are collected through interviews to allow the production of outputs according to all relevant classifications.

The classifications are available on GASTAT’s website:  Classifications

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts for ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals: 

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT): 

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consists of hardware, software, networks, and media for collecting, storing, processing, transmitting, and displaying information (audio, data, text, images), as well as related services.

• Access and usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT): 

It is important to distinguish between what we mean by access to information and communication technology (ICT) and the use of this technology. ICT access refers to the availability of this technology to a household. The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to the use of ICT by one or more household members, whether at home or elsewhere.

• Internet: 

The Internet is a global public computer network that provides access to a number of communication services, including (the World Wide Web, transmission of email, news, entertainment content, and data files), regardless of the device used. Access is not limited to computers, but may also be through mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), gaming consoles, digital television, and so on. Access may be provided through a fixed or mobile network.

• Social networks: 

Social networks can be distinguished from other communication and content-related activities by the creation of profile data on certain websites.

• Email: 

An electronic communication service that allows a user to send and receive digital messages to and from one or more users over a communication network. Messages are transmitted to a specific email address and stored for retrieval by the recipient, and may include text or file attachments.

• Blog: 

Short for (weblog), a blog is a discussion or informational website published on the World Wide Web, consisting of discrete entries (Posts) arranged in reverse chronological order (from newest to oldest).

Data sources

Data on ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Households and Individuals are based on two sources:

First source: It is a survey of ICT access and usage for households and individuals.

 The main variables published from the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals are:

• Percentage of households with a television set.
• Percentage of households with a mobile phone.
• Percentage of individuals aged 15–74 years who use the internet.
• Percentage of individuals aged 15–74 years who purchased goods and services online.
• Percentage of individuals aged 15–74 years who carried out government services online.

Second source: From the administrative records of ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Households and Individuals: 

• National Information Center (NIC).

The main variables published from the secondary data source are:

The process of calculating the indicators is based on record linkage with data from the National Information Center, whereby individuals’ characteristics are extracted and implicitly used in deriving the indicator.

Designing the data collection tool

An electronic form (CAPI) was designed to ensure ease of use by field researchers. It was prepared and designed by specialists at the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), taking into account international recommendations, standards, and definitions. The questions were formulated in a specific scientific manner to standardize the way questions are asked by field researchers. The guidelines issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) were used in developing the conceptual and methodological framework of the survey and identifying the core and supplementary indicators.

Questionnaire sections:

The ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals questionnaire consists of 12 sections, as follows:

• Geographic data.
• Dwelling characteristics.
• Household access to ICT.
• Home internet services.
• Children's use of the internet.
• General characteristics of individuals within the household.
• Use of information and communication technology.
• Individual use of the internet.
• Digital content.
• Electronic services.
• Mobile voice communication services.
• Mobile internet services.

Review and correction rules:

Validation and edit rules were established in the questionnaire to ensure the consistency, accuracy, and logical integrity of the collected data. These rules were established by linking the logical relationships between responses, questions, and different variables to assist the field researcher in detecting any errors immediately when entering data.

To ensure the quality of data from the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals, three types of review and correction rules were established, as follows:

• 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 (70) rules.

• Error rules:

These rules 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 its accuracy. There are more than (150) such rules.

• Warning rules:

These rules were established to verify the accuracy of the data entered by the field researcher. The field researcher may override them if their accuracy is confirmed. There are (16) such rules.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

A cognitive test of the survey questionnaire was conducted using a random sample of households and individuals for the interview sample. During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation criteria were taken into consideration: (The overall concept of the question, clarity of question wording, clarity of the terms used in the question, appropriateness of response options, participants’ ability to answer the questions effectively, and the extent to which participants are willing to disclose their responses) until a report was produced providing a comprehensive summary of the cognitive test results.

Statistical population

The statistical population for the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals consists of all households residing in Saudi Arabia, whether Saudi or non-Saudi, as well as all Saudi and non-Saudi resident individuals aged 5 years and above, of both sexes (male and female), across the various administrative regions of Saudi Arabia.

Sample design

Sample type

The sample was designed using a two-stage stratified cluster systematic random sampling method. In the first stage, a random sample of primary sampling units (enumeration areas) was selected for each stratum of the adopted sample design. In the second stage, a systematic random sample of 20 households was selected from each selected primary sampling unit.

Stratification:

To increase the efficiency of the sample and enhance its representation of the target population, the primary sampling units in the sample frame were classified into homogeneous strata as follows: To obtain more accurate results than those of a simple random sample of the same size, and to ensure a sufficient number of households at publishable levels with acceptable precision, stratification was conducted as follows:

• Using administrative regions as the main domains for estimation and allocation to ensure that survey indicators can be produced at the level of each administrative region.
• Creating explicit strata by classifying primary sampling units (PSUs) according to governorate and degree of urbanization (urban/rural), such that each stratum consists of the intersection of governorate and degree of urbanization, reflecting the geographical and demographic variation within each administrative region, according to the following formula: Stratum = Governorate × Degree of urbanization (Stratum = Region × Urbanicity).

Sample allocation across strata:

Exponential allocation (with a lambda value of 0.85) was used to allocate the total sample across administrative regions. Proportional allocation was then used to allocate the administrative region samples to governorates within each administrative region. It was implemented using the number of housing units from the second stage of the census as the measure of size (MOS).  The following is the proportional allocation formula:

Where:

• Represents the total sample size in the study domain or administrative region.
• Represents the sample size allocated to stratum h (governorate).
• Represents the size of stratum h in the frame.

Calculation of sample size:

The estimated sample size for each administrative region (study domain) was calculated using Equation (9) below. The estimated size for each administrative region was then allocated to the strata (governorates) within that region using Augmented Proportional Allocation. The calculated sample size for small governorates was increased to ensure that it was not less than 40 households.

Parameters and determinants used in sample size estimation:

The sample size was calculated using the following parameters and specifications:

• The design effect used at the administrative region level ranged between 2 and 5.
• The expected response rate at the national level was 80%.
• A confidence level of (1 − α) = 0.95 was used in estimating the mean.

Sample size estimation formula:

The design effect, response rate, means, and standard deviations for the “computer users” variable were calculated based on data from the previous round of the 2025 survey.

The sample size for each stratum h (study domain) was calculated as follows:

Where:

• Represents the frame size for each stratum h (study domain).
• Represents the sample size for each stratum h (study domain).
• Represents the estimated design effect for each stratum h (study domain).

• : Represents the estimated response rate for each stratum h (study domain).

• Represents the allowable margin of error in estimating a percentage for each stratum h (study domain). The allowable error is calculated by multiplying the relative error by the value of the proportion to be estimated from the survey.
• Percentage of individuals who use a computer in stratum h (study domain).
• Represents the confidence level coefficient for the specified percentage in each stratum h (study domain).

The sample size amounted to 20623 households and was distributed across governorates according to levels of urbanization, ensuring a balance between urban and rural areas.

The level of precision was set at a margin of error of (±7%) at a 95% confidence level. The coverage and representation also encompassed all regions of the Kingdom, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all targeted dwellings within the scope of the study. 

Table: Sample distribution at the administrative region level:

Statistical unit

The statistical units in the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals are households and individuals.

Data collection

Survey data collection:

Data on ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals are collected through computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI).

Data collection from administrative records:

In coordination with the relevant GASTAT departments responsible for implementing the survey and managing data collection, data for the ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals publication are obtained from the National Information Center (NIC), including data on the main characteristics of individuals.

The data are stored in GASTAT's databases after undergoing validation and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is consulted in the event that errors are detected or observations are identified in the data.

Data collection frequency 

Data collection for ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals is conducted annually.

Reference area

ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals covers 13 administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

Reference period of the variables or dataset is as follows:

• Household identification data, dwelling characteristics, and general characteristics of individuals within the household, such as educational status, are referenced to the date of the household visit.
• Employment status data are referenced to the seven days preceding the household visit.
• Data on ICT access and usage for households and individuals are referenced to the three months preceding the household visit.

Base period

Not applicable, as the survey does not rely on calculating relative changes compared to a base year. Rather, it aims to measure the characteristics and uses of ICT among households and individuals during a specific reference period. Accordingly, the concept of a base period does not apply to this survey.

 

Measurement unit

The unit used in ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals is percentage.

Time coverage

Data are available from 2017 until 2026.

Publication frequency

The results of ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Households and Individuals are published on an annual basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Data are reviewed and matched to ensure their accuracy and precision in a way that suits their nature with the aim of giving the presented statistics quality and accuracy.

 An example of this is the use of the interquartile range (IQR) methodology, which is widely applied and practiced globally to identify outliers.

The calculation is done:

• First quartile (Q1 / 25%): The average of the lower half of the dataset.
• Third quartile (Q3 / 75%): The average of the upper half of the dataset. 

The interquartile range measures the spread of the middle 50% of the data, highlighting values that differ significantly from the central tendency of the dataset. 

  The boundaries for outliers are determined as follows:

• Lower Bound: First quartile - 1.5 * Interquartile range (IQR).
• Upper Bound: Third quartile + 1.5 * Interquartile range (IQR).

Variables are identified as outliers if: 

• The variable is below the minimum threshold.
• The variable is above the maximum threshold.

Following the identification of outliers, the Digital Economy Statistics team analyzes and evaluates outliers in the averages by comparing the mean and median for specific characteristics of the dataset using appropriate statistical measures. In addition to processing and tabulating the data to verify their accuracy, all outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being calculated by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), to be reviewed and processed by specialists in the Digital Economy Statistics Department using modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources

Data extracted from administrative sources are integrated with data obtained from the survey to derive the final indicators. Administrative data sources are directly used to feed the indicators related to the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals, thereby ensuring the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the results.

Imputation and calibration

Imputation and calibration procedures were implemented as part of the statistical processing phase in accordance with the GSBPM. To improve data quality and reduce bias resulting from partial or complete non-response, the imputation process included applying specific methodologies to compensate for missing values. Regarding calibration, the design weights of responding units were adjusted to align with known population totals or distributions, thereby improving sample representation and ensuring the consistency of estimates.

These processes took into account statistical quality standards such as impartiality, consistency, and comparability. All processing steps were documented for transparency, reproducibility, and verification.

The sample weights were calculated by calculating the design weight, which reflects the probability of selecting a sampling unit in the sample, such that the weight of the selected unit in the sample (i.e., the individual) is as follows: 

Where: 

: Denotes the probability of selecting individual i from stratum h.

Non-response weight adjustment:

The weight was adjusted to compensate for non-response or missing data to ensure sample representation. This adjustment is made after data collection and identification of response cases, according to the following formula:

Where:

: The weight adjusted for non-response in stratum (or adjustment class) h, where the adjustment factor for each stratum (or adjustment class) is calculated as follows:

Where: 

R: R denotes response cases, and NR denotes non-response cases.

Method of calculating the indicators:

The ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals aims to measure a number of national and international indicators related to ICT access and usage among households and individuals in Saudi Arabia, at both the household and individual levels. The internationally adopted formulas were used to calculate the main indicators of the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals, as follows:

Percentage of households by availability of information and communication technology at the administrative region level =
(Number of households with information and communication technology in the administrative region / Total number of households in the survey sample for each administrative region) × 100

Percentage of individuals aged 15–74 years who use information and communication technology by administrative region = (Number of individuals aged 15–74 years who use information and communication technology in the administrative region / Total number of individuals aged 15–74 years in the survey sample for each administrative region) × 100

Percentage of individuals aged 15–74 years who use information and communication technology by sex and nationality = (Number of individuals aged 15–74 years by sex and nationality who use information and communication technology / Total number of individuals aged 15–74 years by sex and nationality in the survey sample) × 100 

Percentage of individuals aged 15–74 years who use information and communication technology by age group = (Number of individuals aged 15–74 years by age group who use information and communication technology / Total number of individuals aged 15–74 years in the survey sample for each age group) × 100

Table of survey response outcomes after the data collection process is as follows:

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, as the survey is conducted annually and does not provide short-term periodic data that exhibit seasonal patterns. 

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable. Preliminary results are not issued for this statistical product, as the final results are published directly upon completion of all validation and quality assurance stages.

Resources used

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion indicating the extent to which the statistical product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users in the General Authority for Statistics of data of the Survey of ICT Access and Use by Households and Individuals:

• International Indicators Department.
• General Department of Strategic Communication and Client Support.

There are several external users who significantly benefit from ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Households and Individuals data, including:

• Government entities.
• Regional and international organizations.
• Research institutions.
• Media.
• Individuals.

Key variables used by external users:

Completeness 

Data on ICT Access and Usage for Households and Individuals are based on main source, namely the survey, to provide comprehensive information on information and communication technology, and the data status is complete.

Accuracy and reliability 

A criterion indicating the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the exact or true values that reflect reality.

Accuracy overview 

• 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, error, and navigation rules are applied to the electronic questionnaire for the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals during the data collection process to improve data quality.
• Data consistency with previous years is examined to identify any significant changes in the time series.
• The internal consistency of the data is verified before publication.
• The links between variables are checked and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness A criterion 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 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is committed to applying approved international standards for the dissemination of statistics, including the timeliness standard issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Results are published within a period not exceeding six months as a guiding timeframe, based on international best practices and in accordance with the timeliness requirements adopted by the ITU.

GASTAT also announces and provides information on the dates for the dissemination of statistics through the statistical calendar on its official website and adheres to the announced dates. In the event of any delay, the dissemination dates are updated and disclosed in accordance with the applicable procedures.

Punctuality 

Publication takes place according to the release dates specified in the published statistical calendar for the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals on GASTAT’s website.

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 criterion 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 – geographically

Statistical data on ICT access and usage for households and individuals are fully geographically comparable within Saudi Arabia, as well as at the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

The survey began in 2017 as an annual survey and is comparable over time.

Coherence- cross domain

Not applicable, as there is no overlap between the indicators of GASTAT surveys and ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Households and Individuals.

Coherence- annual and sub-annual statistics 

Not applicable, as the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals is conducted annually only. 

Coherence- national accounts 

Not applicable, as the indicators of ICT access and usage for households and individuals are not directly linked to national accounts or their inputs.

Coherence- internal 

Estimates from the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals are fully internally coherent, as they are all based on the same set of microdata and are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Accessibility and clarity

Users' accessibility to data, the availability of microdata or aggregated data, and the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

News

Announcements for each publication are available in the statistical calendar, as mentioned in Section 10.1. Access to the statistical calendar and press releases can also be viewed on GASTAT’s website. 

News

Publications

GASTAT regularly issues publications and reports on the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals according to a pre-established dissemination plan, and publishes them on its website. GASTAT is keen to disseminate its results in a manner that serves all types of users, including publications in various formats that contain dissemination tables, charts of data and indicators, the Methodology and Quality Report, and the questionnaires used, in both Arabic and English.

The results of the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals are available at:

ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Households and Individuals

Online database

The data are published in the statistical database at:

GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Microdata are detailed unit-level data obtained from multiple sources, such as: Statistical survey samples, the Population and Housing Census, and administrative systems, which provide detailed information on the characteristics of individuals, households, business entities, and geographical areas, thereby supporting the 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 that are anonymized in a manner that prevents the respondent from being 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 files are created based on specific methodologies at the request of the data requester to extract datasets with specific characteristics used in strategic studies, decision-making, as well as for scientific research purposes for individuals, households, and businesses, while ensuring that they do not contain any 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 microdata through GASTAT's "ITAHA" platform, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the microdata lab within a secure environment managed by GASTAT.

References and standards

The ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals is based on the international standards set out in the guide “Measuring Household and Individual Access to and Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT),” issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in its 2020 edition, for the adoption of the indicators, concepts, definitions, and classifications used in the survey.

To access the guide:

Manual for Measuring ICT Access and Use by Households and Individuals

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 the burden on respondents. 

Data are validated through quality procedures and controls implemented during the process at different stages, such as: 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 phase, which is the final phase of the GSBPM, information collected at each phase or sub-process is used to prepare an evaluation report that summarizes all challenges related to the quality of each statistical process and serves as an input to improvement and development procedures.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

In accordance with Article Eleven of the Statistics Law promulgated pursuant to Royal Decree No. (M/29), dated 10/02/1447 AH, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) shall maintain the strict confidentiality of all data collected and shall ensure that such data is used exclusively for statistical purposes.

Data processing confidentiality

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

ICT Access and Usage Statistics for Households and Individuals have been included in the statistical calendar.

Statistical Calendar

User accessibility

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet the needs of its users; therefore, it immediately provides them with the publication results upon the release of the ICT Access and Usage Survey for Households and Individuals results publication.

GASTAT also receives users’ questions and inquiries about 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.
• Unified number: (199009).