The quantity of EU broadband connections grew by 20 per cent last year

The quantity of broadband connections in the European Union (EU) countries grew by around 20 per cent last year, new research reveals.

According to the European Competitive Telecommunications Association (Ecta), there are now around 110.5 million broadband lines throughout the EU.

Figures from the Ecta's Broadband Scorecard indicate that the number of active connections now covers 22.5 per cent of the EU population.

Moreover, broadband now reaches 28.1 per cent of the UK population, which represents an increase of 3.2 per cent on the figure for 12 months prior.

While presenting the findings, Ecta chairman Innocenzo Genna highlighted the issue of regulation in the broadband industry.

"Light touch regulation has not worked in the banking sector and there is no reason to assume it will work to consumers' benefit in telecoms," Mr Genna said.

"What is particularly disingenuous is that, at the same time, they are threatening governments and European politicians that they will not invest in next generation access unless there is a relaxation of competition rules that allow rivals to offer services over these networks."

According to Analysys Mason, the number of mobilebroadband connections in Europe will grow to 148 million by 2014.