Wireless access to the Internet will soon be the most popular way to get online in China. This prediction was made by Chinese experts at a "Wireless 2000 Seminar" on March 18 in Beijing.

Experts on the seminar discussed the newest trends, policies, techniques and markets for the world's wireless access to the Internet. They agreed the latest trend in the Internet industry is the merging of telecommunications companies and Internet service providers, giving users greater access.

A senior official from the Ministry of Information, Zhao Xiaofan, said China is developing programs that help people get online via mobile phones.

It is estimated that the number of the mobile phone users in China will reach 70 million this year. Right now, only about 15 percent of the mobile phones sold can be used to log on to the Internet. So, when more of the Internet-friendly mobile phones reach stores, the potential for huge initial profits will be great.

China's Mobile Communication Company said it would offer wireless Internet services beginning this May.