UN sees 655m internet users

The global number of internet users is expected to reach 655 million by the end of 2002, up from 500 million at the end of 2001, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said.

Internet usage is seeing an annual rise of about 30%, equivalent to about 2.5% of the world population, UNCTAD said in its 'E-Commerce and Development Report 2002'.