Broadband penetration in the European Union has reached an all-time high and is, for the first time, in line with rates seen in the United States and Japan. According to information released by the European Competitive Telecommunications Association (ECTA) in the latest ECTA Broadband Scorecard (in respect to the fourth quarter of 2006 and the first of 2007), the average rate of broadband penetration in the EU15 has reached 19.9 per cent; this compares to a rate of 19.6 percent in the United States and 20.2 per cent in Japan.
According to ECTA's report, the countries of Northern Europe continue to lead the world when it comes to broadband, with penetration rates reaching 33 per cent in Holland and standing above 25 per cent in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. In the EU15, growth over the six month period covered by the report was particularly strong in Ireland (38 per cent), Luxemburg (22 per cent), Germany (20 per cent) and Greece (69 per cent); although in Greece's case the user base is low, with the broadband penetration standing at just 6 per cent.
Overall the number of connections grew by 16 per cent in six months, from 73 million lines at the end of the third quarter of 2006 to 84 million at the end of the first quarter of 2007. According to ECTA, this results from increased competition arising from new internet access suppliers entering the market using local loop unbundling, cable and other alternative technologies.
As far as Portugal is concerned, ECTA reports a penetration rate of 15 per cent and estimates broadband growth at 9 per cent over the period being reported (1 October 2006 to 31 March 2007).
Consult:
- ECTA Broadband Scorecard Q1 2007, ECTA, September 2007 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=519893
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- Slowdown in Europe Broadband Growth https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=455450
