The DSL Forum announced that DSL subscribers increased by 5.5 million, or 15%, in Q1 2003 to reach 41.3 million worldwide. According to research by Point Topic, the figures represent a 90% increase compared to one year ago. Of current “mass-market” broadband technologies, 57% of customers subscribe to DSL, while 38% use cable and 5% connect with Gigabit Ethernet. Other highlights include:
- The largest number of DSL subscribers are in Japan and the USA, each with approximately 7 million.
- The fastest growth during the period took place in mainland China and Hong Kong (30%), followed by Western Europe (20%).
- The world’s highest DSL penetration level is 29%, in South Korea.
- DSL service is now available in 54 countries.
The DSL Forum predicts 60 million DSL subscribers at the end of this year, and 200 million by the end of 2005.
http://www.dslforum.orghttp://www.point-topic.com
