The Huan Qiu Shi Bao newspaper of China reports in a Pyongyang datelined story of North Korea's plan to open internet and mobile phone networks within this year.

The newspaper, published by the People' Daily, also said that the fact was first revealed by North Korean officials at the Foreign Ministry and officials from the Rodong Shinmun, North Korea's official organ.

The Chinese paper went on to say that even with the networks opened, it would have no significant impact on the North Korean society and its regime since computers are strictly distributed and only a very limited few have access to them.

However, it noted, the change would eventually have a historic and profound influence on North Korea.