EU broadband penetration grows

Broadband penetration has continued to grow in the EU, according to the latest official figures.

A report from the European Commission (EC) revealed that penetration grew from 18.2 per cent in July last year to 21.7 per cent for the same month in 2008.

Additionally, the gap in penetration between member states has narrowed, from 28.4 per cent to 27.7 per cent over the same period.

Some 17 million fixed lines were added over the course of the year and mobilebroadband has reached 6.9 per cent penetration.

"Broadband growth remains strong, with the top EU countries firmly remaining world leaders in broadband penetration," said EU telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding.

"I am also glad that other countries in Europe are catching up."

Denmark and the Netherlands lead the EU numbers and also perform admirably on the world stage, with penetration of over 35 per cent.

However, the UK, along with eight other EU countries, has outperformed the USA, which has penetration of 25 per cent according to statistics for June from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.