The number of Internet users in India grew to 46 million in September 2007, up from 32.2 million in September 2006, according to the "Internet in India [I Cube] Report 2007," published by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and IMRB International.

In a country of more than 1.1 billion, that means there is still a long way to go.

"Although a growth of 40% year on year makes us happy, given that for the last couple of years the rate of growth was between 30% and 35%, the growth rate is not very satisfactory relative to what can be achieved and what needs to be achieved," said Subho Ray, president of the IAMAI.

Increased computer literacy is driving user growth, the groups said.

The number of people who knew how to use a computer unaided was 65 million as of September 2007, versus 15.8 million in 2000.