(15 July 2009 9:15 pm)

MUMBAI: Among all the countries across the globe, it is the Asian countries that have seen rapid broadband penetration, reveals a report published by analyst firm Strategy Analytics.

According to the report, South Korea (95 per cent), Singapore (88 per cent) and Holland (85 per cent) lead in terms of global broadband penetration. India, meanwhile, is ranked number 57 with only a two per cent penetration.

South Korea’s dominance in broadband penetration is attributable in part to its highly urbanised population as well as to the existence of a comprehensive government-backed broadband policy.

Strategy Analytics VP David Mercer admits that country-level broadband rankings are not without their share of controversy. “Broadband rankings are often the subject of great debate and hand-wringing. Though our rankings may differ from those of other organisations, it is because we are looking at the appropriate metrics,” Mercer says.

According to Strategy Analytics Multiplay Market Dynamics service director Ben Piper, household broadband penetration, rather than per-capita broadband penetration, is the appropriate measurement.

“Residential broadband is overwhelmingly consumed on a household basis—not individually. Reporting broadband penetration on a per-capita basis misses the mark and can provide grossly misleading results,” Piper adds.

According to the report, 2009 doesn’t look good for the US. Strategy Analytics estimates that the US, which is in the 20th spot with 60 per cent penetration will fall to the 23rd place worldwide this year.