Akamai's State of the Internet report for 4th quarter 2008 is due to be released on Monday next week. In the meantime, the 3rd quarter 2008 provides some interesting statistics. Find the 3rd quarter report here.
Canada continues to lead Australia in broadband speeds. The statistics below indicate the difference for all Net connections:
Canada continues to lead Australia in broadband speeds. The statistics below indicate the difference for all Net connections:
Canada Stats:
Above 5mbps = 21%
Above 2 mbps = 74%
Below 256kbps = 2.9%
Australia Stats:
Above 5mbps = 9.1%
Above 2 mbps = 46%
Below 256kbps = 6.6%
I will report on the OECD penetration rates soon. The trouble with broadband statistics is how to define 'broadband'. In the early 2000s, broadband was considered to be an 'always on' connection of 256kbps or higher.
Clearly, this definition is past its use-by date. For example, to use broadband for real-time video conferencing, 1.5mbps download and upload (ie symmetrical) is recommended as the bare minimum. So if you have a 1500/256 ADSL connection, your broadband service would not be particularly useful for a commercial/tele-health/no-need-to-travel-for-a-conference application.
Clearly, this definition is past its use-by date. For example, to use broadband for real-time video conferencing, 1.5mbps download and upload (ie symmetrical) is recommended as the bare minimum. So if you have a 1500/256 ADSL connection, your broadband service would not be particularly useful for a commercial/tele-health/no-need-to-travel-for-a-conference application.