SECTOR 2 2.9 The country has a coherent ICT policy, which aims to meet the information needs of all citizens, including marginalised communities. There is no legislation or general policy in place to promote access to ICT facilities for all, but government is involved in certain projects, such as pilot villages, interconnected state universities or e-governance. Practice has thus outpaced legislation. However, Internet penetration is still very low. It is estimated that Madagascar with its 20 million inhabitants has some 15,000 internet users at present, a figure which is increasing by about 200-300% per year. As indicated above, Internet subscriptions are still quite expensive. The estimated monthly cost of connection is 100,000 MGA (47 USD), which is almost double the minimum guaranteed wage. A one-minute connection costs 15 MGA (0.007 USD) in Internet cafés in Antananarivo and the larger cities, but this rate can go up to 100 MGA (0.05 USD) in other areas. Though the number of providers is on the increase, broadband connection is still not functional and in some regions, internet connection is particularly slow. Given the outdated and inefficient technology and hardly affordable rates ICT provision in Madagascar does not meet the expectations of internet users or respond adequately to the information needs of citizens, especially those of marginalised communities. 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: 1.6 (2006 = n/a; 2008 = n/a) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR 2010 95