China market: Internet population hits 384 million at end of 2009
China's Internet users hit 384 million by the end of 2009 due to the expansion of Internet access in more areas and a rapid increase of mobile phone Internet users, according to the latest report by the state China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC).
Mobile Internet users increased by 120 million to reach a total of 233 million. More people have chosen to access the Internet through mobile phones since the Chinese government issued third-generation (3G) licenses to major telecom operators in January last year, which enables high-speed connectivity to the Internet. About 8 percent of all Internet users access the Internet only through mobile phones.
By November last year, the government had used 277.3 billion yuan, part of its 4-trillion yuan stimulus package, to develop telecommunications infrastructure. Also, the government-funded project to sell household electric appliances in rural areas at lower prices contributed to more Internet coverage in the country.
Throughout 2009, the number of Chinese Internet users grew by 86 million -- more than the total population of Germany -- or a rise of 28.9 percent compared to the end of 2008.
The numbers establish China's position as the world's largest online community, more than the entire population of the United States.
"Although the rate of (Internet) participation continues to rise, compared to developed countries, China's rate of Internet participation remains quite low," said the report.
By contrast, 74 percent of Americans use the Internet and 77 percent of South Koreans, it said.
The number of people using the Internet to book travel, bank and carry out other commerce grew by 68 percent year-on-year.
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