Statistics from ITU say that the number of internet users worldwide has doubled in the last five years and will surpass the two billion mark by the end of 2010.

The number of people having access to the internet at home has increased from 1.4 billion in 2009 to almost 1.6 billion in 2010.

162 million of the 226 million new internet users in 2010 will be from developing countries and by the end of 2010, 71% of the population in developed countries will be online compared to 21% of the population in developing countries.

ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré said, “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.”

Access to mobile networks is now available to over 90% of the global population and ITU data indicates that among the estimated 5.3 billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2010, 3.8 billion will be in the developing world.

The Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Sami Al Basheer said, “Mobile phone penetration in developing countries now stands at 68% — higher than any other technology before. These countries have been innovative in adapting mobile technology to their particular needs and will be able to draw even greater benefits from broadband once adequate and affordable access is available.”

Subscriptions to 3G services are said to have increased from 72 million in 2005 to 940 million in 2010 with 143 countries offering 3G services commercially, up from 95 countries in 2007.