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The internet is massively popular in Brazil - but what effect is it having on what is still a developing economy?

Certainly, it is transforming the way services are delivered and making markets more efficient. Little jobs that used to involve complex bureaucracy and queuing for hours can now be done in minutes online.

Buying train or theatre tickets and bank transactions have become a very different experience.

Meanwhile the internet is also breaking down inefficiencies and creating greater competition in areas like retailing.

In a country used to red tape and regulation, the internet is helping to break down the traditional barriers to doing business.

Meanwhile large segments of the population are excluded from the internet revolution.

In rural areas the problem is often physical: there are no internet connections.

But in urban centres the issues are more complex. Internet cafes are everywhere but poor and marginalised groups are often not in a position to take advantage of what the internet has to offer - and lack the skills to set up a business.

Is the internet threatening to become another source of social and economic tension in a country already characterised by inequalities?

Booming In Brazil will be broadcast on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service's business programmes as part of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s SuperPower season.