[Data 2004, Time Series] [Graphs]

Broadband markets continued their rapid growth in the OECD during 2004. While all OECD countries have seen an increase in broadband subscriptions, growth has been particularly rapid in parts of Europe. The expansion of broadband networks in 2004 has brought with it a host of new services in many OECD countries, including voice over IP and video over broadband. The main highlights of broadband development during 2004 are:

• Broadband subscribers in the OECD reached 118 million by the end of 2004, adding 34.1 million broadband subscribers during the year.
• The OECD broadband penetration rate reached 10.2 subscribers per 100 inhabitants in 2004, up from 7.3 subscribers per 100 inhabitants in December 2003.
• Broadband growth has been rapid, with broadband subscriptions increasing 41% during 2004.
• Broadband adoption is picking up speed with the fastest growth of 2004 realized during the final quarter of the year (an increase of 11% from the previous quarter).
• Korea leads the OECD in broadband penetration with 24.9 subscribers per 100 inhabitants.
• The Netherlands moved into second place with a penetration rate of 19.0 subscribers per 100 inhabitants, followed closely by Denmark, Iceland and Canada.
• By December 2004, no other OECD country had reached the penetration rate Korea recorded in March 2002 (19.1%). However, at current growth rates, the Netherlands could match Korea’s penetration rate by the end of 2005. Korea has the most mature broadband market in the OECD and growth has slowed accordingly.
• DSL is the leading broadband platform in 27 OECD countries. Canada, Portugal and the United States have more cable modem than DSL subscribers. Fibre optic is becoming a significant platform in Japan with nearly 2.5 million subscribers, or nearly 12% of all broadband connections in Japan.
• The breakdown of broadband technologies in 2004 is as follows:
       o DSL: 60%
       o Cable modem: 33%
       o Other technologies: 7%,  (e.g. fibre optics, LAN, satellite and fixed wireless)

Broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants, by technology, December 2004

Broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants, 2001-2004

 

Broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants, by technology, December 2004

OECD broadband subscriptions, by technology, December 2004

Broadband subscriber net additions per quarter, millions, OECD

Broadband penetration (per 100 inhabitants) net increase 2003-2004, by country

Broadband penetration, historic, top five OECD countries

Broadband penetration, historic, G7 countries

Total broadband subscriptions, top 5 countries, December 2004