DSL SURGES AHEAD, U.S. STAYS BEHIND

The DSL Forum last week proudly proclaimed DSL as the globe's leading broadband access technology, boasting 18.7 million lines worldwide in 2001 compared with cable's 14 million. But while DSL penetration is increasing dramatically — growing 188% from 2000 to 2001 — its progress is slowing in the U.S. The Asia-Pacific region drastically increased its lead over the U.S. in 2001, more than doubling the number of lines installed. Although North America is still the No. 2 dog in overall lines installed, it's the slowest-growing region of the world, hindered as incumbent carriers lobby for more favorable legislation.
— Kevin Fitchard

Mapping DSL across the globe
Figure 1

Regional growth rates, 2000-2001

DSL is making big gains in developing regions where there were only a handful of lines to speak of in 2000. While Europe and Asia aren't growing as quickly, North America was the only region not to break double-digit growth in 2001.
Figure 2

BUSINESS VS. CONSUMER
Despite its slow deployment progress, North America has been successful in getting smaller enterprises interested in DSL. With 1.2 million lines, it has the highest number of business subscribers in the world.

Residential lines in 2001
Figure 3

Business lines in 2001
Figure 4

Business vs. residential in North America
Figure 5