Broadband access continues its upward march, comScore reports
Researchers are reporting differing penetration of broadband Internet access among U.S. consumers, but one fact remains consistent no matter who’s doing the research: Broadband is on the rise.
The latest report from comScore Networks Inc. reports that 36% of Internet users accessed the web via broadband in Q4, up 2 points from 34% in Q3. More telling about the spread of broadband, however, is comScore’s report that San Diego has become the first metropolitan area where more than half the users are accessing the Internet via broadband. 52% of San Diego residents are linked via broadband, followed closely by 50% in Boston, and 49% in New York City.
How consumers access the Internet has broad implications for retail web site content and functionality as broadband access can make retailers more comfortable with rich media, including video, at their sites.
Comcast is the leader in broadband connectivity, with 19% of broadband users and 7% of all online users. SBC, the country`s largest DSL provider, accounts for 11% of consumer broadband connections and 6% of total ISP subscriptions.
63% of broadband subscriptions are cable connections, while DSL subscriptions account for approximately 37%.
ComScore also reports that more than one in four Internet users intend to switch ISPs in the next six months, with the majority reporting they would be selecting a broadband provider. The most common reason for switching was a desire for a faster connection.
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