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Wealthy Americans fuelling internet growth: Nielsen survey
MUMBAI: This is a happy news for US advertisers, who are wondering about the efficacy of the net!
Nielsen NetRatings’ latest survey shows that affluent Americans are the fastest growing income group online. Surfers with total household income of $150,000 and higher grew 31 per cent year-over-year to nearly 7.9 million individuals.
Those earning between $75,000-100,000 increased to 26.4 million in March 2004, as compared to 20.7 million a year ago. Internet users with upper incomes ranging from $100,000-150,000 rose by 24 per cent since March 2003.
While in India Reliance is talking about realising the dream of Broadband Bharat, the survey says that broadband adoption rates in the US are highest among the affluent surfers. Broadband surfers made up 69 per cent of the total audience for those with incomes of $150,000 and above, as compared to 31 per cent accessing through the dial-up route.
As income levels go down so also does the use of broadband. Those earning between $100,000-$150,000 showed a 61:39 split in favour of high speed. Due to the expenses incurred, broadband consumption is much less for those who make less than $25,000. Just 25 per cent access the net through cable, DSL or other high speed connections.
Nielsen noted that while broadband had become much less expensive over the past few years, it is still a significant cost as compared to narrowband. When you combine the cost of high-speed access with other utility expenses, households with tight budgets simply would not be able to afford the luxury of having broadband.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
