22 May 2003 London--Oftel, the regulator for the UK telecommunications industry, announced today that the country now has two million broadband connections.
David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said, "The UK now has two million broadband connections, with new connections running at 35,000 each week. Our research shows that many broadband connections are people upgrading from narrowband, as they recognise the benefits of fast, always on Internet access.
"It took two years to reach one million connections, but only seven months to reach two million, as increased competition and lower prices have boosted connection rates.
"Our creation of one of the most competitive broadband markets in Europe means consumers are benefiting from increased choice and lower prices. Broadband services can be accessed over DSL, cable networks, fixed wireless and satellite with over 100 ISPs offering broadband services to consumers."
Oftel collects information from network operators on the number of broadband connections. In line with statistics on broadband connections compiled in other countries, these include connections at speeds of 128 kbit/s and above.
The regulator recently published the following quarterly research reports: Consumers' use of Internet - residential survey - Q12 February 2003, and Business use of Internet - small and medium business survey - Q12 February 2003. All Oftel's research reports are available on Oftel's website.
Oftel (www.oftel.gov.uk)
The Office of Telecommunications, Oftel, was set up under the Telecommunications Act 1984. Its goal is to make sure consumers receive the best quality, choice and value for money in telephone services.
The organisation has three directorates - Regulatory Policy, Compliance and Business Support. Regulatory Policy Directorate is responsible for developing policies on telecommunications. Compliance Directorate makes sure phone companies meet their obligations under telecoms and competition laws and regulations. Business Support Directorate supports the entire organisation.