Broadband Internet Reaches Older Demographic

According to new research from Parks Associates, there were 16.5 million broadband users in the US by the end of 2002; 7.1 million of these are aged 45 or over. The Broadband Access @ Home III report says that this trend is indicative of a growing appreciation among older consumers for the value of a broadband connection.

“In a very short period of time, we have witnessed a considerable increase in the number of broadband subscribers over the age of 45,” said Michael Greeson, senior analyst and director of broadband research for Parks Associates. “The most significant percentage growth from 2001 to 2002 occurred in the age segment of 65 and older, which increased from 5% to 7.5% among total US broadband households.”

The 45-54 age group added 1.5 million households in 2002, whilst 25-34s grew by 1.6 million. However, the number of broadband subscribers aged 35-44 increased by only 300,000 households, from 3.4 million to 3.7 million. This age segment now represents only 22.2% of all broadband households, down from 30.8% at year-end 2001, says the report. s