Europe now accounts for 30% of global broadband and 51% of all IPTV customers, according to the Broadband Forum. Based on data provided by industry analysts Point Topic, global broadband grew by 12.9 million lines in the second quarter of 2009 to reach 445 million, while IPTV growth remained strong at 11% – reaching 26.9 million.

In the past twelve months, broadband subscription in Europe grew 13% overall, to
reach 135 million, which included an impressive growth of 29% in the Eastern
European territories. Europe is the second largest broadband region in the world, and holds four of the top 10 country spots.

Europe continues to lead the IPTV success story with 13,631,074 subscribers, a 51% growth over the twelve months leading up to July 2009. In the second quarter 2009, there was a healthy six per cent growth in Western Europe – where France remains the “champion” IPTV country with more than seven million subscribers – and 12% in Eastern Europe, where new services in countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Russia are in demand.

In terms of technology, fiber and wireless broadband continue to gain access technology market share. Consumer demand for IPTV seems to be driving the rollout of higher bandwidth options.

“This report shows that, while broadband adoption is not immune from the state of the world economy, the technology continues to move forward and I believe this year has shown that broadband expansion is not limited to the top industrialized countries, but is a key factor in assisting developing nations to gain a foothold in today's tough market,” said George Dobrowski, Chairman and President of the Broadband Forum.

Story filed 09.09.09