The number of 15-22 year old web users accessing the internet via a broadband connection has experienced dramatic growth, rising to 70% in the final quarter of 2004. Results from a new survey published by youth-oriented online content site, Bolt, show an 11% increase on the previous quarter.
One half of total number of 15-22 year old broadband users in the US, surf the net through cable modems, while 44% use digital subscriber lines (DSL)and 6% use T1 or T3 lines. The higher than usual incidence of T1 or T3 lines, relative to the overall broadband population, probably stems from use of high-speed school networks by college students, according to eMarketer.
Broadband internet allows web activities to be enjoyed at a faster rate than dial up connection, due to decreased download time. Commenting on the research, Kevin Wicks, Bolt director of entertainment content, said: “Kids who are online aren’t just surfing the web. They’re blogging, uploading photos and video, downloading and sharing music. Faster connections mean a higher volume and broader range of activity on the web.”
The latest analysis of the World Broadband market by broadband analysis company, Point Topic (see Worldwide Broadband Lines Exceed 150 Million), indicates that broadband subscriptions have risen by 53% year on year to reach 136.4 million by 30 September 2004, an increase of 47 million lines in real terms. If growth rates continue at the current rate, worldwide broadband subscribers will exceed 150 million before the end of 2004.
Bolt also found in its research that many teenagers and young adults use the internet while simultaneously enjoying other media. About two-thirds of 15-22s claimed they are online while watching TV some of the time, while 16% say they are simultaneously online and watching TV all of the time.
According to results from the latest the Simultaneous Media Usage Survey in the US (SIMM V) (see TV Viewing Down Due To Multi-Tasking)from online market intelligence and internet market research provider BIGresearch, television viewing is estimated to be down, by 2.5%, as a direct result of multi-tasking.
Two-thirds of TV viewers claim to regularly or occasionally read their mail at the same time, while 60% also go online. 55% read the newspaper while simultaneously watching television and 52% read magazines.
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