Broadband Internet in Europe

Technology and the economy nowadays largely take place in networks that transcend strict national boundaries. This means it is very important to look beyond one’s own horizons and assess the progress of broadband Internet in other key countries. It is also the reason why, for the first time, “Deutschland Online 3“ consulted broadband experts from other European countries. The study focused on the leading European broadband markets of Great Britain, France, Spain, Italy and Sweden.

What is the current and future role of broadband Internet in these countries? How far along are these countries in the development of an information society? And above all: how competitive is Germany by such international standards? This chapter summarizes the key findings with regard to these questions.

Key Findings

• Over 90% of the European experts consulted regard a high-performing broadband infrastructure as the defining success factor in the globally competitive marketplace.
• Compared with the other European countries considered in the study, Germany only lies in a midrange position with regard to the penetration of broadband Internet applications.
• Two thirds of respondents expect broadband Internet to be taken for granted in Europe by 2015.
• Around 45% of respondents consider that, with the help of broadband Internet, the whole of Europe will become an information society by 2015.
• Factors influencing the development of the information society in Europe, apart from uptake by other groups of the population, include the increasing significance of information as an economic commodity and public confidence in information and communication technologies.
• Triple Play, broadband-based television and Voice over IP are seen by experts from other European countries as the chief drivers of broadband market growth.