(Yicai Global) Feb. 3 -- China had almost 1 billion internet users at the end of last year, with the penetration rate reaching 70.4 percent of the total population, according to a new report.

The 416 million who still do not use the internet are mostly elderly residents in rural areas and people with no access to electronic devices, the report published today by the China Internet Network Information Center showed. Of the nation’s 989 million netizens, 99.7 percent use cellphones to surf the net.

Seventy percent of internet users earn a monthly salary of less than CNY5,000 (USD773.80), the report said. Some 29.3 percent earn over CNY5,000 a month, while those taking home between CNY2,001 and CNY5,000 make up 32.7 percent. Some 38 percent earn less than CNY2,000 or have no income. 

Those new to the web are mostly minors and senior citizens, according to Zhang Xiao, vice director of the CINIC. Netizens aged above 50 totaled nearly 260 million, with those aged below 20 at 160 million. 

Users spent an average 26.2 hours online each week, with 93.7 percent watching videos and 52.4 percent playing games, the report said.

The number of telecommuters rose by 147 million from March through December to make up 34.9 percent of netizens, with more people working from home due to the pandemic. Online education and medical care saw a sharp rise in demand, as did shopping, livestreaming, takeout services and ride-hailing. 

Editor: Tom Litting