U.S. Broadband Connections Cross into the Majority of Users

Nielsen//NetRatings reported that broadband connections for the first time reached 51% of the American online population at-home during the month of July, up from 38% of the online population a year ago.



The research company reported a plateau in the overall growth of Internet access in the U.S..



Sixty-three million Web users connected to the Internet via broadband during July 2004 as compared to 61.3 million accessing the Internet through narrowband. Overall growth for broadband connections rose 47% year-over-year, while narrowband dropped 13% annually.



Broadband penetration rated highest among those between ages two through 34 years as compared to those 35 years and older. The 18 to 20 age group possessed the highest penetration of broadband surfers at 59%, followed by kids at 58%, 25 to 34 year olds at 55% , and teens and 21 to 24 year olds both at 53%. In comparison, seniors between the ages of 65 to 99 years have the lowest penetration of broadband connections at 34%. http://www.netratings.com