A newly-released research report shows that China's total free and paid email accounts reached 270 million in 2005, an increase of 29% over the previous year.

This number will increase to 320 million this year and reach up to 500 million in 2010.

iResearch's report forecasts that the compounded rate of China's email box growth will be 11.25% between 2006 to 2010. Although the growth will slow, the email box market will turn more mature.

The functions of email services in the future will be more diversified and the report says it is likely that email boxes may evolve into an important platform for individuals and enterprises to manage their own information and business.