The total number of internet users will grow past the 2 billion mark before the end of 2010, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has reported.

Currently the world population is estimated to be 6.86 billion which means that around 30% of the population will be online next year. A further 226 million users will join the rest of us online this year, 162 million will come from developing countries which despite the fast growth still has a long way to go to catch up with the developed world.

At the end of 2010, 71% of the population in developed countries will be online, compared to only 21% of people in developing countries. Europe making up 65%, Americas 55%, Asia/Pacific 21.9%, leaving a mere 9.6% of the population online in Africa.

The ITU, United Nation’s agency for information and communication technologies, sees the introduction of broadband as the most important element in helping these developing countries “Broadband is the next tipping point, the next truly transformational technology. It can generate jobs, drive growth and productivity and underpin long-term economic competitiveness”, said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Toure.

This numbers show why companies are investing in ecommerce web design solutions and ensuring their companies website design portrays them professionally. With a potential reach of over 2 billion online visitors there is no bigger market.

Did you think that more than 30% of the population was online? Let us know your thoughts.

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