1 bln Internet users worldwide in 2005

Om Malik points to Computer Industry Almanac study on global Internet userbase topping 1 bln in 2005. The worldwide number of Internet users surpassed 1 bln in 2005, up from only 45M in 1995 and 420 mln in 2000. The 2 bln Internet users milestone is expected in 2011. Much of current and future Internet user growth is coming from populous countries such as China, India, Brazil, Russia and Indonesia. In the next decade many Internet users will be supplementing PC Internet usage with Smartphone and mobile device Internet usage. In developing countries many new Internet users will come from cell phone and Smartphone Internet usage. The US continues to lead with nearly 200 mln Internet users at year-end 2005. The two most populous countries - China and India - are now in 2nd and 4th place in Internet users. Other populous countries such as Brazil, Russia and Indonesia have also moved into this ranking.