Global digital subscriber lines (DSL) rose by over 9% in the third quarter of 2005, passing the 125 million mark by 30th September. Research company Point Topic now forecasts a total of at least 135 lines world-wide by the end of this year.
According to the broadband analysis company the Middle East and Africa is now the leading area in terms of growth, adding 20% in Q3. Turkey, Morocco and South Africa all gained over 30% during the quarter, with Turkey now boasting a total of over 1 million lines.
Latin America and Europe were shown to be the next fastest growing regions, both increasing DSL by over 17%, while Brazil rose by 14.5%, reaching 2.7 million lines.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia topped the charts in Europe, both catching up after a relatively slow start.
South East Asia enjoyed strong growth at 12.9%, with India surging forward, almost doubling its DSL base in the quarter, hitting over 400,000. China accounted for the bulk of the region’s healthy performance, adding 3.7% million DSL lines.
North America and Western Europe both grew at an average rate, with Greece, Luxembourg, Finland, Ireland and the UK increasing lines significantly faster in Q3 2005.
Asia-Pacific was the slowest growing region, with Japan, Singapore and Taiwan showing signs of saturation, with Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia reporting rapid growth.
DSL continues to draw ahead of cable modems and other technologies in its share of the broadband market.
According to the new UK Online report from eMarketer, the UK is predicted to lead the way in terms of broadband uptake over the next three years, rising from 56.7% penetration by the end of 2005 to 62.5% by 2008 (see UK To Lead Europe In Broadband Uptake).
The strong growth of DSL subscriptions in Q3 follows on from a healthy Q2, which saw global broadband lines grow to a total of 176 million (see Global Broadband Lines Hit 176 Million).
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