Free online access could spur runaway growth in internet industry

If all Chinese people secured lower-cost or free internet access, the internet industry could see exponential growth in market scale, analysts said.

"As more Chinese people enjoy the convenience of surfing the internet, free access to the internet has become increasingly important," said Zhang Fayou, an IT industry insider and co-founder of LinkSure Network, at a forum during the ongoing Fifth World Internet Conference.

"Through leveraging advanced technologies, including big data, users in the country are now able to access free Wi-Fi in all kinds of places. Chinese wisdom is bringing benefits to people from both urban and rural areas, and even overseas," said Zhang.