Estimates of mainland's Internet users expected to reach 60 million by 2003

Industry estimates of the mainland's Internet users are expected to double the official forecast to 60 million by 2003, according to IT Ventures chief executive Philip Leung.

The projection represents a significant increase from the existing four million Internet users on the mainland. Official forecasts indicated there would be between 20 million and 30 million Internet users in the country in four years time.

Mr Leung said one of the biggest constraints of Internet development was the high access cost.

Internet access on the mainland costs about US$405 annually - about half the average annual per capita income of $808.

Mr Leung said the mainland was facing the grim reality of the need for heavy investment in infrastructure.

However, the capital and technology shortfall could be met by foreign investors if they were allowed access, he said.