The latest analysis of the world broadband market reveals that the number of global digital subscriber lines (DSL) grew by almost 60% year on year in 2004 to 96.9 million, marking an absolute increase of over 35 million lines on 2003.
The results come from broadband analysis company Point Topic, confirming previous forecasts that DSL subscriptions would reach 100 million lines by early 2005 (see
Digital Subscriber Lines Continue Upward Trend).
China remains the world’s largest DSL user, with over 17.1 million lines, adding over 4.4 million DSL lines in the second half of 2004. The USA reached 13.7 million lines and Japan added almost 1.3 million in the last half of 2004, taking its total to 13.3 million.
Elsewhere, Europe continued to perform strongly in 2004, with France, UK, Germany and Italy all adding over 1 million DSL lines. France was the leading European country, increasing its DSL subscriber base by over 1.6 million in the second half of 2004, totalling almost 6.3 million by the end of the year.
In terms of percentage growth, Turkey was the most dynamic country in 2004, with DSL penetration growing by almost 175% like for like in the second half of 2004, reaching almost half a billion lines. Poland continued the upward trend, increasing by a massive 130%, hitting 631,000 lines.
The UK is continuing to show promising growth, at over 50%, passing 4 million lines and being the only country with over 1 million lines featuring in the ‘top ten’ for percentage growth.
In terms of DSL penetration per 100 population, the statistics show that Korea is being caught up by other countries, but still retains its leader position (see Worldwide Broadband Lines Exceed 150 Million).
Taiwan, however, is revealed to be close to equalling, and possibly overtaking Korea, with 13.86 lines compared to Koreas’ 14.24 lines per 100 population.
The Scandinavian countries continue to perform strongly, achieving high levels of penetration with Norway climbing to third place with 12.34 million lines per 100 and Denmark in fourth with 11.89 lines per 100 population.
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