How much is too much for Internet access?
By Zhang Xi (chinadaily.com.cn)Updated: 2007-05-18 16:25
Japan: 3,370 yen (US$27.78) per month
According to the Japanese
government, the country started providing the world's cheapest Internet services
in 2002. Four years later, web surfers only need to pay 3,370 yen for a router
and monthly Internet service. An office clerk in Tokyo told People's Daily the
fee accounts for merely one percent of his monthly salary. He describes it this
way: "If a Chinese earns 3,000 yuan a month, he just needs to spend 30 yuan on
the Internet. Isn't it so cheap?" he asked.
Germany: 31 euros (US$41.82) per month
A man works in a tourist agency in Berlin
is enjoying the wireless Internet service at 31 euros per month. He explained,
"I can buy eight packs of cigarettes in a gas station or have a nice dinner
in a restaurant at that price. My monthly net income is 1,309 euros,
so the cost of Internet access is quite acceptable."
UK: 25 pounds (US$49.36) per month
The British can enjoy high-speed Internet
at 25 pounds a month, which is not a big deal for a middle-class family
with a 40,000-50,000 pounds annual income.
Also, telecom companies compete with each other by offering discounts. Londoner Hanson is the owner of a small supermarket and he uses an Internet service provided by a big UK telecom company, which also offers cell phone services. "I spend 30 pounds a month on its mobile service so I only need to pay another 5 pounds per month for the Internet. If one pays more for the mobile service, he or she can enjoy a free Internet service."
Belgium: 30 euros (US$40.48) per month
In Belgium, the average cost for Internet
access is 40 euros a month, accounting for three percent of a
low-income earner's monthly salary after tax. But the Internet cost can vary
depending on what people are doing online.
"Different services cost differently. For example, I only spend 30 euros a month
on the Internet to check information. But for people who often download movies,
the monthly cost is 80 euros," a government officer in Brussels
explained to People's Daily.
 | 1 | 2 | 3 |  |
(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)