Promising razor-thin margins on his hardware, Alagem said he plans to sell the systems alongside Net services.

CNN: Internet becomes crucial PC distribution channel

The figures from the watchdog's quarterly research comparing consumer use of net services with other European countries, also show 90% of households are happy with their net services overall.

BBC: NEWS | Technology | Speed 'tempts dial-up net users'

To be sure, Microsoft is spending money to develop high-speed Net services and content in Asia (it is teamed with Hong Kong's major phone company on a broadband portal).

CNN: Thinking Smaller