Internet subscribers grow while broadband use soars

China's Internet population grew to 87 million, a 28% year on year increase over 2003, according to the China Internet Network Information Center. Broadband subscribers grew 79% in only six months, to 31 million, it said. According to the state agency, more than half of China's Internet users plan to start shopping online in the coming year. Despite the booming growth, China's Internet population is only 6.7%, just over half the world average of 12%, the information center said.