323 mln broadband users in 2007, 499 mln by 2012

Worldwide consumer broadband connections will grow from 323 mln connections in 2007 to 499 mln in 2012, according to Gartner. Worldwide consumer broadband connections penetrated 18% of households in 2007, and by 2012, households with a broadband connection will reach 25%. Five countries exceeded 60% broadband penetration into the home in 2007; and, this is expected to grow to 17 countries by 2012. The five countries with broadband penetration into the home above 60% are Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland, South Korea and Hong Kong.