Internet Users to Reach One Billion on Growth in Asia, Latin AmericaThe number of Internet users around the world topped 400 million in 2000 and will surpass one billion by 2005, according to a survey released Tuesday.The study by eTForecasts of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, also predicted that wireless Internet users, who now account for less than 10 percent of those online globally, will grow to 62 percent by 2005. "Most of the growth (in Internet users) is coming from Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe," the market research company said. "By year-end 2005 the number of worldwide Internet users will nearly triple to 1.17 billion." The report noted that although wireless Internet is seen as a disappointment, "the wireless Internet will take off rapidly once always-on service and useful content for the small displays of wireless devices are available." "The wireless Internet has lived up to expectations in Japan and similar success is expected in other regions, but on a slower schedule," it added. It said wireless devices will be supplemental to PC Internet access for most users in developed countries, but the primary Web access in lesser developed countries that now have low Internet penetration. According to the survey, US users in 2000 represented 135 million -- or roughly one-third of the 414 million global Internet users, with Europe accounting for 95 million. US Internet users are expected to grow to 214 million by 2005 -- or about 20 percent of the global Internet population of 1.174 billion, while European users will overtake the United States and grow to 246 million. Wireless Internet access represented just 1.3 percent of users in the United States in 2000, but that is expected to grow to 39 percent by 2005. In Europe, wireless Internet accounted for 7.5 percent of all users, and that is projected to grow to 68 percent. |
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