The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released the latest Broadband Statistics report, which takes a snapshot of the development of broadband in the organisation’s member states as at the end of December 2007.
A key conclusion of the report is the annual growth seen in the number of broadband subscribers in OECD countries, which amounted to 18%, totalling 235 million subscribers (up from 200 million in December 2006). This increase has raised the broadband penetration rate to 20 per cent from 16.9 per cent in December 2006. Denmark, Holland, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Korea and Sweden lead the group with the highest rates of penetration, with rates of over 30 per cent.
With respect to Portugal, the OECD’s data points to a broadband penetration rate of 14.4 accesses per 100 inhabitants, slightly below that of the Czech Republic. However the OECD report does not report mobile broadband, which in Portugal has registered notable levels compared to other countries, especially in Europe. In fact, according to ANACOM’s latest data, with reference to the first quarter of 2008, the penetration rate for mobile broadband stands at 16.2 per cent.
Meanwhile the OECD has published a new report entitled “Broadband growth and policies in OECD countries” which analyses broadband development since 2004 and national plans for broadband promotion and growth in all the countries of the organisation. The document highlights the significant progress registered, both in the development of broadband accesses and in the expansion of these access to rural and remote areas, as well as in the connection of schools, libraries and other public institutions.
Consult:
- Broadband growth and policies in OECD countries, OCDE, May 2008 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=587454
Further information:
- OECD broadband statistics (December 2007) - Comunicado de Imprensa http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,3343,en_2649_33703_39575670_1_1_1_1,00.html
- OECD - Broadband Portal http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,3343,en_2649_33703_38690102_1_1_1_1,00.html
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- OECD publishes broadband statistics (June 2006 - June 2007) https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=535112
