Internet users to reach 1bn by 2005
AFP
07 February 2001
THE number of internet users around the world topped 400 million in 2000 and will surpass one billion by 2005, according to an American survey released today.
Wireless internet users, who now account for less than 10 per cent of those online globally, will grow to 62 per cent by 2005, the survey by eTForecasts of Buffalo Grove, Illinois predicts.
"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 per cent of the global internet population of 1.174 billion, while European users will overtake the United States and grow to 246 mllion.
Wireless internet access represented just 1.3 per cent of users in the United States in 2000, but that is expected to grow to 39 per cent by 2005.
In Europe, wireless internet accounted for 7.5 per cent of all users, and that is projected to grow to 68 per cent.
theaustralianit.com.au |
