DSL operators added 5.2 mln, cable companies gained 4.4 mln broadband subscribers in 2005

The largest DSL providers added 5.2 mln subscribers in 2005, according to Leichtman Research Group. The major cable companies gained 4.4 mln high-speed Internet subscribers in 2004, for a total of 24.3 mln. Cable retained a narrowing lead in total subscribers over the phone-line based DSL technology, or digital subscriber line, which had 18.5 mln customers. The numbers reflect the 20 largest broadband companies in the United States, with 42.8 mln total subscribers and about 94% of the market.