Russian Internet access is growing thanks to consumer interest in regions outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The number of fixed Internet connections in Russia is predicted to reach 16.6 million in 2011, up from 7.3 million at the end of 2006, according to IDC's "Russia Internet Access Services 2007–2011 Forecast."

IDC also predicted that broadband connections would pass dial-up in number in 2007. The research company said broadband service providers were driving demand with Internet, video and voice bundles.

"Service providers in Russia are demonstrating a high level of innovation, investing in the rollout of triple-play services over broadband, and using a variety of Internet access technologies from FTTx to WiMax," said Joshua Budd, program manager at IDC.

Moscow has the highest Internet penetration of any major Russian city, with 42% of households online.