Streamyx

The average American citizen has gradually become acclimated to broadband being a part of life. We use it to search for information, banking, checking utility, mortgage and stock accounts. But with high speed internet access being such a huge factor in our economy, is everyone converting fast enough to this new technology? In 2005, 30 percent of US households subscribed to these in-home services. That number increased to 42 percent household use in 2006 and gained again to total 47 percent in 2007. Accurate measurement of use in the USA is not clear, partly because of the scarcity of publicly available data.

Recent reports show that people increase activities online the more time they are connected. Dial-up subscribers are more likely to switch to services, the longer they spend online. Those people who do not want to make the switch are typically those with fewer computer skills and who are less online savvy. Users who sign up for services do so to process more information at greater speeds, but may be reluctant because of the overall price of services.

Scientific advances have improved wireless technology by leaps and bounds. Use of wireless technology has caused a serious transformation of rules concerning broadband on the public airwaves. This is because airwaves which were once ruled by only television and radio broadcast personnel are now instantly accessible to the public.

In the 109th Congress session, Congress voted to require a deadline for a mass transition to digital television. This brought to light many of the choicest portions of the electromagnetic spectrum and encouraged proposals to be entertained before the Federal Communications Commission concerning building commercial and public safety wireless networks to increase availability.

The 40 percent leap in growth of use and availability from 2006 to 2006 was unanticipated. Among the reasons that were found to support the increase are as follows:

• Those with a lower level of education, in addition to African Americans, and Hispanics became convinced that broadband was a necessity
• Companies marketing DSL online services became more aggressive in trying to achieve market share.
• The use of Voice Over Internet services grew 86 percent as an inexpensive alternative to landlines.
• The Federal Communications Commission says that high speed service was made available via DSL to 79 percent of local telephone company subscribers, and cable modem availability to 93 percent of cable television subscribers.

It is increasingly clear that there are two major groups of people who have not yet subscribed to broadband: dial-up users, and non-Internet users.

The dial-up users may be content with dial-up speed because they get have lower usage expectations and it may fit their budget. Or they may want service, but it is too pricey and not available in their area, or;

Non-Internet users are those who have written off using this "newfangled technology". Those who eventually decided to take the next step into the 21stcentury were probably enticed by bundling telephone, cell phone, cable and high speed Internet services.

Andrew Morris helps you find the best and cheapest broadband services at http://www.broadbandzen.com

// posted by Streamyxch-5038 @ 12:29 PM