China's mobile Net users double to 233M

Number of users accessing the Internet though mobile phones in China almost doubled in 2009, accounting for 60.8 percent of the country's total Internet users, according to an official report.

In a news release Friday, China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) announced that China's mobile phone Internet users reached 233 million in December 2009, a growth of 120 million users from 2008. Among these users, 30.7 million accessed the Internet exclusively on their mobile phones.

The release noted that Internet access via mobile phones picked up with the emergence of 3G technology. CNNIC analysts were quoted to say that 3G services will continue to stimulate Internet users growth in the country.

When 3G licenses were awarded last year, analyst firm Ovum applauded the move, saying it would stimulate "new waves" of investment in the country.

China's online population reached 384 million as of December 2009, growing 28.9 percent from figures recorded in 2008, said CNNIC in the report.

The country surpassed the United States in 2008 to become home to the world's largest Internet user community.