Global broadband Internet

In our digital age, the world has become a literal village – with broadband Internet as the streets, squares and boulevards. The world of global communication and information offers almost unlimited possibilities, and operates with scant regard for national borders. For a more detailed view of future global broadband trends, we asked a panel of international experts for their ideas on where digital technology is headed at the global level.

The insights gained from an assessment of the current situation in the triad regions (Asia, Europe, United States) provide a comprehensive perspective on the global broadband Internet market of tomorrow. This chapter will examine the fastest-growing markets and trendsetters as well as the resulting implications.

Core statements

• Broadband Internet will be a major factor in any country's international competitiveness and appeal as a business location.
• The growth of mobile Internet services is leading to increased global integration of Internet users.
• The information society will no longer be dominated by the United States: Asia and Europe are catching up, and will be almost level with the United States by 2015 at the latest.
• There is very high global growth potential for specific broadband Internet applications, particularly communication and entertainment services.
• The global significance of broadband Internet is set to increase even further on the political, social and economic plane, which will simultaneously trigger new processes of change.