30 December 2005

The UK is set to have the highest number of broadband connections in Europe by New Year's Day, reveals a new study.

According to industry analysts from Point Topic, the UK is leading the way in broadband take-up across the continent.

By this Sunday, there will be 9.8 million broadband lines in the UK, beating the current leader, France, who has just 9.7 million connections.

However, the new year is uncertain for the British broadband market, as it has been suffering from a relative slowdown following a record first quarter in 2005 where over a million new lines were set up.

It is hoped, however, that the market will benefit from the increased "unbundling" of telephone lines.

The UK is currently falling behind its fellow European nations, only setting up 122,000 unbundled lines compared to 2.5 million lines in France.

Worldwide, the US is still the largest force in the broadband market with over 40.9 million connections.

© Adfero Ltd

Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.