According to the latest figures from broadband stat farm Point-Topic, DSL continues to outgrow cable modem connectivity world-wide. The group notes that 2003 was a banner year for global broadband, providers adding 21 million lines in the second half alone. These additions brought the total number of broadband lines in service to 100.8 million.

The group notes that the number of DSL lines increased by 79% to 64 million during 2003, while all other technologies combined increased by only 41% to 37 million. While cable dominates the broadband race in the United States, the reverse is true in the majority of other global markets. While cable has a 60% market share, analysts predict that 2004 will be the year DSL closes this gap in the U.S.

According to the report, the broadband industry is leaving the crib and maturing as an industry, evident by the fact the number of broadband lines in use is closely proportional to each country's gross national product. All of the G7 countries are now in broadband's top-ten, with the addition of China, South Korea, and Taiwan.


Source: Point-Topic

The group notes that DSL price reductions by U.S. providers are helping to fuel a boom in DSL adoption. The U.S. retains its lead as the highest volume consumer of broadband, with 25.1 million lines. While the U.S. has the highest broadband volume, Asia continues its domination in terms of broadband penetration. While South Korea continues to lead in this regard, the country has apparently hit its broadband saturation point, only adding 300,000 subscribers in the second half of 2003.

The group indicates that Europe, the Middle East and Africa are the fastest growing of the three regions (Asia, North America). This region grew by 35% in the second half of 2003 alone. The report indicates countries such as Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden are quickly catching up to other nations. It also indicates that while many European countries saw 40% growth rates (Italy saw 57%), Germany lagged behind in 2003 with 16% growth in the second half of the year.