The total number of broadband subscriber lines topped 557.8 million at the end of June 2011, up by over 29 million lines since the start of this year, according to figures from Point Topic released by the Broadband Forum. The second quarter outperformed the same period last year, continuing the trend of stronger growth set in the first quarter's results announced in June.
"Globally broadband continues to grow strongly and all indications are that as an industry it has weathered the financial uncertainties of the last two years very well. Increased competition, new markets and market sectors being developed and the recognition of broadband as a vital part of any household or business have all contributed to the continued expansion of the industry," said Robin Mersh, CEO of the Broadband Forum.
Some highlights:
- DSL alone, as distinct from the part copper plays in many hybrid deployments, was responsible for over 50% (52.65%) of the net broadband lines added in the twelve months to end June 2011.
- France still leads the IPTV market with 11.05M subscribers, 50% of Broadband lines, BBF.
- China has 10.5 million IPTV subscribers, about 7.6% of broadband lines.
- China accounted for about 46% of all newly deployed broadband lines last quarter.
