DSL IN DEMAND

The global DSL industry recorded its best quarter so far in Q1 2004, notching an additional 9.4 million subscribers across the globe, according to new data released by the DSL Forum. For once, the U.S. made a major contribution, racking up 1.18 million subscribers. But it still was knocked out of first place by China, which saw an extreme surge, adding 2.85 million lines and increasing its total subscriber base by more than 25% in just three months. European countries also saw big gains in penetration, according to the forum's data. France grew its total DSL lines by 35%, and Portugal and Italy saw 25% increases in the same quarter. Overall, the impressive numbers increased to worldwide penetration levels of 7.3%. If DSL continues its rapid expansion rate, adding about 10 million lines per quarter, worldwide penetration will easily crack the 10% mark by the end of the year.