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OECD: U.S. broadband penetration almost 27%
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The global Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has announced its latest report on worldwide broadband penetration. Not surprisingly, the U.S. comes in just under 27 percent, a few points above the global average of slightly less than 23 percent, which is good for 15th place out of 30 countries listed. The numbers were valid as of the end of 2008.
The average monthly broadband subscription price in the U.S. is about $45.52, according to the OECD, which is slightly above the worldwide average of about $43.92.
Meanwhile and separately, the Federal Communications Commission claims to be moving ahead with developing a national broadband policy, even though it is short a couple of members and still awaiting confirmation of a new permanent chairman. While national planning will help the U.S. climb the OECD rankings, you have to wonder if the real key to imrpoving U.S. broadband penetration will lie in rural telco consolidation that has picked up recently and may allow rural customers left out of the broadband era by larger companies to join the party.
For more:
- The OECD report is available here
- The New York Times has this blog post
- Broadband Census has the FCC update
Related articles
Broadband adoption has slowed as penetration increased
Gartner predicted 77 percent broadband penetration by 2012
Comments
Posted by Curtis Maurand | July 15, 2009 - 7:41am
I would agree with Don Hammer. There was no broadband in this country until the little guys figured out how to do it on the public network that was thrown open under President Clinton and closed again under President Bush. The big telcos and cable providers weren't interested in providing broadband until the little guys started eating their lunch.
Posted by Don Hammer | May 21, 2009 - 3:04pm
Come to south western Wisconsin! The small independents have had broad band for over a decade. All we ever hear is how the big companies are the saviours in rural America which is far from the truth. If you are unlucky enough to have Verizon, AT&T, Century, and Frontier and live in the country you have the right to complain. If you live in the country and are served by a small independent or cooperative you will get the best service bar none.
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