Russia/Internet

The Moscow Times: Study: Internet Providers to Reap 50% More in '05

"The market for Internet service providers in Russia is set to grow by roughly 50 percent to $1.5 billion by the end of 2005, with the number of users estimated to reach 9.8 million, according to a recent study by J'son & Partners consulting group."

"Of Russia's 143 million residents, around 7.6 million people currently use the Internet at least once per week, which is 30 percent more than one year ago, the report said."

"Growth in user figures is being driven by increased access to the web in the regions, the consultancy said. Growth rates of new users in the cities is starting to slow, it said."

"´It's not only about income growth,´" said Boris Ovchinnikov, an Internet consultant at J'son and the author of the report. "´Many factors are at play: The number of computers is on the rise, and it has become much easier to get Internet access."

"Expansion in higher education and more white-collar jobs are also contributing factors in increasing usage, the study said."

"In the first quarter of the year, Internet providers generated $350 million, a 55 percent increase over the same period last year, the study said."