Internet use seen topping 1 billion

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- E-agency of Oakland, Calif., said Friday that China, once considered a third-world country, will take over the Internet in 2005 and never look back.

E-agency, an interactive marketing communications firm, also predicted 2005 will be the year that the number of Internet users worldwide tops 1 billion -- led by China.

The group said the number of Web searches will pass 5 billion per week and most consumers will use the Internet more than ever -- at the office, at home, on their phones, at the coffee shop or the mall, even as we look for a parking place.