The increasing demand for faster internet access, specially from emerging economies, would increase the global broadband subscriber base by nearly 60% by 2015, with about 350m new consumers coming online, according to a report from IHS named IHS iSuppli Broadband & Digitally Connected Home Market Tracker.
2012 will see broadband subscribers increase by 13% from 2010 to reach 676m, says the research firm.
IHS senior analyst for broadband and digital home said Lee Ratliff said global broadband subscriber activity serves as a long-term barometer of the overall health of the broadband industry, as well as an accurate prognosticator of prospects for the space’s associated markets in broadband equipment and broadband-related semiconductors.
"With demand for Internet access rising quickly in China as well as in other fast-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, the broadband supply chain is set for strong growth in the coming years," said Ratliff.
According to IHS, most new subscribers came from China and other emerging economies in AsiaPacific region in 2011.
China alone accounted for 38% of all new subscribers worldwide, followed by Asia-Pacific with 14%.
However, developed countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan would see slower increase in broadband subscribers compared to markets such as China, India and Indonesia.
Eastern Europe, Latin America and the collective region of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) will also witness rapid growth, with CAGRs ranging from 16 to 33% during 2010 to 2015.
North America and Europe, which have the highest broadband penetration in the world, will see expansion at a slower rate, with CAGRs of 5 and 7%, respectively, during the same period.
