DSL Outstrips Cable Worldwide
Notions that cable modems are set to eclipse DSL as the primary broadband internet connection platform are misplaced, according to a new report from In-Stat/MDR, which says that DSL has now surpassed cable on a worldwide basis.
In the Asia-Pacific region, DSL has grown from 6.9 million to 10.3 million lines in the first six months of 2002 and the region will finish the year at over 100% growth.
The next big surge of DSL is taking place in China: “With over 1.2 billion in population, the stage is set for a substantial rise in demand for high-speed broadband access to the internet. In-Stat/MDR expects 30 to 40 million DSL subscribers in China by 2006,” says the report.
Growth rates vary considerably between regions. North America reached its highest growth rate by year-end 2000 and has since levelled off. Growth in Western Europe started late and then leaped forward in H2 2001. North America and Europe are currently tied for second place behind the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan continues to surprise the industry by growing from a minimal 32,000 subscribers 18 months ago to 3.3 million installed lines in June 2002, according to the report.
