SECTOR 2 The internet is not a primary source of information in Cameroon, and penetration is estimated at only 4% of the country’s population of 20 million. Across the country, individuals’ access the internet mainly at cybercafés – internet service centres run by private individuals. An hour of internet access costs about 400 francs CFA (approximately US$1). The second most important access point for internet users is the work place, where many workers take advantage of the absence of restrictive regulations in internet use in the workplace. Finally, home installation of internet services has witnessed a boom, though previously rare and extremely expensive. Many more people are now beginning to receive internet at home, on their laptops and on mobile phone handsets. Generally the bandwidth available is small, making pod casting almost impossible. However, information on obituaries, births and weddings is easily accessible via the mobile phone, which has a penetration of about 40 per cent. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.8 (2008 = 2.6) 2.2 Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities. Once printed, newspapers generally circulate freely and are available to those who can afford it. Cameroonians also consume a wide range of foreign media. Cable television is widespread in urban centres and content depends on the rights that cable operators are able to obtain. International and foreign newspapers and magazines like the International Herald Tribune, Jeune Afrique, New African, and Le Monde are widely circulated in big cities. However, the blockage of Twitter via SMS in March 2011 could be an indication that state authorities may be considering restricting access to certain media. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2011 79