The U.S. Census Bureau today released first-ever estimates of U.S. business spending on information and communication technology (ICT) equipment.

     The report, Information and Communication Technology: 2003, [PDF] includes spending figures on the following types of items:

• Computers and any hardware devices connected to them (such as printers, keyboards, mouses and monitors);

• Telephones and related equipment (such as noncellular, cordless telephones, fax machines, modems and answering machines);

• Electronic devices used for medical and therapeutic purposes (e.g., defibrillator, dialysis equipment, hearing aids and pacemakers); and

• Computer software.

     Only nonfarm companies with employees are included in the report. Information is included for 19 separate economic sectors, including utilities; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; information; finance and insurance; professional, scientific, and technical services; and health care and social assistance.

     For computer software, the report covers purchases and payroll for developing software, and software licensing and service/maintenance agreements. For other ICT equipment, the report covers purchases, and operating leases and rental payments.

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Data are subject to sampling variability, as well as nonsampling errors. Sources of nonsampling error include errors of response, nonreporting and coverage. Further details concerning survey design, methodology and data limitations are available in the full report.