The telecommunications ministry expects the value of the nation's broadband market to post a fivefold surge to 10.2 trillion yen over the next five years, according to a copy of a draft 2003 white paper made available Thursday.

The report, compiled by the Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, states that the number of domestic broadband network users is expected to grow to about 60 million in 2007, roughly three times the current level.

The value of the domestic broadband services market stood at some 2 trillion yen in 2002, according to the report.

It also states that Japan is in a transition phase, shifting from a catchup role to a leading role in the information technology sphere.

The report suggests that information networks can become "ubiquitous" in Japan, claiming that the world's cheapest and fastest broadband services have been made available to domestic users.

It also says Japan is outpacing European and North American countries in developing technology capable of building the infrastructure for next-generation telecom networks, including fiber-optic networks and links for home information appliances.

On the other hand, the report says Japan is lagging behind the United States in corporate investment in information technology aimed at increasing sales and providing value-added products and services.

Another problem is the chasm between metropolitan areas and other regions in broadband services availability, the report says.

The report is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet in early July.