Broadband usage surpasses narrowband for first time

The Internet evolution reached a milestone in January when, for the first time, more hours were logged on the Internet via broadband connections than via narrowband in the U.S. According to Nielsen/NetRatings, broadband surfing accounted for 1.19 billion hours online--51% of the total time spent on the Internet in the U.S.

Broadband usage jumped 64% in January 2002 compared to 2001, while narrowband connection usage slipped 3%. The number of home broadband users increased 67% to nearly 21.9 million, accounting for 21% of the total online population at home. Similarly, the number of broadband users at work jumped 42% to 25.5 million, or 63% of the Internet-connected office population.

--Toby Weber, staff writer