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China Has Largest On-Line Population

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the that-didn't-take-long dept.

Smivs writes "China now has the world's largest net-using population, say official figures. More than 253 million people in the country are now online, according to statistics from the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC). About 95% of those going online connect via high-speed links. Take up of broadband has been boosted by deals offered by China's fixed line phone firms as they fight to win customers away from mobile operators. Despite having a greater number of people online, China's net economy still has a long way to go to match or exceed that of the US or even that of South Korea. Figures from Analysis International said China's net firms reported total revenues of $5.9bn (£2.96bn) in 2007. By contrast, net advertising revenue alone for US firms in 2007 stood at $21.2bn (£10.6bn)."

5 of 132 comments (clear)

  1. Inflation. by FatSean · · Score: 5, Informative

    Didn't we just have a story about how advertising on the web is way over-valued?

    I wouldn't trust the Chinese government to report on the color of the sky, but I suppose there are ways to validate their claims.

    --
    Blar.
    1. Re:Inflation. by Hoi+Polloi · · Score: 5, Funny

      Only 1 in 5 are online. That is because the other 4 in 5 are monitoring them.

      --
      It is by the juice of the coffee bean that thoughts acquire speed, the teeth acquire stains. The stains become a warning
    2. Re:Inflation. by Sigismundo · · Score: 5, Informative

      NPR's On The Media ran a great story about the media in China a few months ago. Well worth a listen. One of the interesting things they noted was that while reporting on national issues is often self-censored due to fear of reprisal, on the provincial and local level it is possible to do hard-hitting investigative reporting on neighboring areas.

      Not much of this stuff ever hits the Western mainstream media, but it is there, and it's made an impact. Censorship on a national level is still a huge problem in China, but there are reporters out there doing good work, and getting that work published.

      Here is a link to a partial transcript of the show.

  2. They can't read this... by PetiePooo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Tiananmen Square Massacre!
    Tiananmen Square Massacre!
    Tiananmen Square Massacre!

    They're not online enough to read this comment... Does that really count as online?

    <retrospect>Was that cruel? I figured it as a way to invoke curiosity when they think they're going to an article about something good, and they end up being blocked by that stupid firewall...</retrospect>

  3. Re:But... by DDLKermit007 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You mean the same sites that are in a language he majority of them can't understand at all? The fact the overwhelming majority know just Chinese is a bigger fiewall than the one the government setup will ever be.