Synopsis
After a surprisingly slow start, broadband Internet access is finally taking off in the US amidst fierce competition between the various technologies and services. The market is dominated by cable modems, with DSL in second place – but the gap is closing. The third most common broadband access technology is fixed wireless broadband. Broadband over powerlines is starting to emerge, while FTTH has been hindered by cost and regulatory concerns. The take-up of broadband access is being driven by lower prices and the introduction of new applications and services. Over one in five US households subscribed to broadband by mid-2004.