"These broadband figures are very impressive and extremely encouraging for the future," commented Commissioner Reding. "Broadband is central to Europe's competitiveness and prosperity. Growth in broadband supply and take-up leading to lower prices, greater choice and more innovative offerings for business and consumers. We need to keep up this momentum. Clearly a supportive regulatory environment is a key factor and I reiterate my call for full and effective implementation of the regulatory framework for electronic communications in all member states."
Broadband enables faster and better-quality access to the Internet and content-rich services. It is a powerful source of productivity gains, improvements in living standards, employment and social cohesion. About 16.5 million new broadband lines were added in 2004, which compares with 10.7 million lines added in 2003. Growth accelerated during the second half of the year, with 9.9 million lines added.
New players in the market have increased their market share, which is now at 46 percent overall, up from 43 percent one year ago.
However, while overall European performance is strong, the picture across individual member states is diverse. Broadband take-up is higher than 10 percent in nine countries compared with only four such countries in January 2004. The Netherlands, with take-up of 19 percent, and Denmark with 18 percent, top the list and are among the best-performing countries in the world in terms of broadband take-up. Belgium, Sweden and Finland also show strong take-up.
There is a second group of countries where the take-up rate is around 8 percent. In the third group of countries, the penetration rate is below 6 percent of the population.
The Netherlands is also the fastest growing country for broadband with the UK, France, Denmark, and Finland also growing rapidly. Among the new member states, Estonia is performing very well.
