October 11, 2017
Fixed broadband networks around the world have become an integral part of societies, economies and communities, with all things internet relying heavily upon broadband. Worldwide, digital technologies are driving economic growth, leading-edge innovation and public service delivery. And countries with sophisticated broadband infrastructure are reaping digital dividends as they adopt smart city policies, innovations surrounding the internet of things, M2M and big data.
Underpinning the delivery of these ever-emerging technologies? Fiber broadband networks. According to Global Market Intelligence, fiber is predicted to grow from 4.5 percent to 23.2 percent by 2025, while cable remains about the same and DSL drops 50 percent to 23.5 percent. Broadband deployment continues to progress around the world, with an emphasis on fiber infrastructure. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), fixed-line broadband subscriptions in the 35-country OECD area reached 387 million in December 2016 ( (up from 372 million the year before). And DSL is steadily being replaced by fiber, which has increased from 15 percent to 21.2 percent.
Recent research indicates fiber-based fixed broadband services are shaping up to define the broadband market of the future.
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- Fiber-based fixed broadband services continue to be the most used delivery of the internet to households and businesses.
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- Through bundled services, broadband is the fastest growing sector of the overall telecommunications market in the U.S.
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- Asia leads the world in internet penetration with South Korea and Japan reaching over 90 percent in 2017.
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- Significant fixed broadband infrastructure investments remain steady in the Middle East.
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- Many African nations have implemented advanced national broadband plans.
Service providers in the United States are committed to continued investment in broadband deployment and upgrading existing networks. Combined with public policies that reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, the United States will remain atop the global broadband leaderboard.