The worldwide online population will increase from 1.1 billion users in 2006 to 1.5 billion in 2011, representing 22% of the overall worldwide population in that year, according to a new report from JupiterResearch.
The
Worldwide Online Population Forecast, 2006 to 2011: Emerging Economies Catalyse Future Growth report shows that Brazil, Russia, India, and China will provide impetus for future growth of the online population.
The rapid expansion of internet access in the US, Canada, Japan, and Western Europe during the past decade has produced largely mature online populations in those countries and, as a result, they will witness comparatively slower internet growth rates through 2011, says the report.
North America’s share of the worldwide online population is expected to erode from 21% in 2006 to 17% in 2011.
Vikram Sehgal, research director at JupiterResearch, said: “China and India, given their large population base will provide the most substantial push to the worldwide online population.
“In these countries, increased infrastructure development and relatively higher purchasing power from rapid growth of gross domestic product will coincide with increased consumer adoption of the internet through 2011.”
Online penetration will remain the highest in North America, measuring 76% by 2011. Western Europe, according to the study, is expected to mirror that penetration rate.
David Schatsky, president of JupiterResearch, said: “The internet has clearly changed the way we have done business in the past decade – and by all indications, it will serve as the centrepiece of what is to become a truly global economy.
“Recognizing where the most substantial growth is expected to take place could result in a tremendous opportunity.”
The European Interactive Advertising Association yesterday published research which revealed that broadband adoption amongst European silver surfers (55 years and over) is growing at a faster rate than the average European internet user (see Silver Surfers Catching Up With Youth Online).
A recent forecast from eMarketer predicted that Britain is set to account for over half of all online ad spending in Western Europe in 2007, rising to a 52.6% market share in 2010 (see UK To Spend £2.6 Billion On Online Advertising In 2007).
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