Broadband: Gap between countries in Europe narrowing

Broadband penetration in Europe continues to grow, from 18.2% in July 2007 to up to 21.7% in July 2008, according to a report published on 28th of November by the European Commission.
The report also shows the gap between EU countries narrowing, from 28.4 percentage points in July 2007 to 27.7 this July. 
With 17 million fixed broadband lines laid in a year, reported figures show high-speed internet in the EU is more widespread, while mobile broadband is starting to take off, with 6.9% penetration.
Three quarters of broadband lines in the EU have download speeds of 2 millions of bits per second (Mbps) and above, a speed that supports TV over the Internet, for example.
Denmark and the Netherlands continue to be world leaders in broadband, with penetration over 35%. Nine EU countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, and Germany) are above the United States which stands at 25% according to June 2008 statistics.
The gap between the strongest (Denmark 37.2%) and weakest broadband performers (Bulgaria 9.5%) remains significant but is decreasing for the first time (penetration in Denmark was 34.1% in July 2007 while in Bulgaria it was 5.7%). The gap can mainly be explained by lack of competition and regulatory weaknesses.
The availability of broadband is a key indicator of the development of information and communication technologies. The Commission twice a year reports on the development of broadband markets in the EU with data validated by Member States.

News from the Delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine
http://www.delukr.ec.europa.eu/