Since the Internet boom hit the country five years ago, the number of users is estimated at about 3.1 million.
Experts agree that Russia offers enormous opportunities for the development of networking services.
With an estimated 25 million computer users, the demand for Internet access is growing fast. However, they say, an obsolete telephone system and possible restrictive regulations poses a serious challenge to further growth. The final decision on licensing has yet to be made - however, there are some worrying signs for web surfers. This stipulates that all Internet service providers install, at their own expense, technology to link their computers to those at FSB headquarters. This reportedly allows the agency to monitor selected electronic transmissions.