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Those earning between $75,000-100,000 increased to 26.4 million
in March 2004, as compared to 20.7 million a year ago. Internet
users with upper incomes ranging from $100,000-150,000 rose by 24
per cent since March 2003.
While in India Reliance is talking about realising the dream of
Broadband Bharat, the survey says that broadband adoption rates
in the US are highest among the affluent surfers. Broadband surfers
made up 69 per cent of the total audience for those with incomes
of $150,000 and above, as compared to 31 per cent accessing through
the dial-up route.
As income levels go down so also does the use of broadband. Those
earning between $100,000-$150,000 showed a 61:39 split in favour
of high speed. Due to the expenses incurred, broadband consumption
is much less for those who make less than $25,000. Just 25 per cent
access the net through cable, DSL or other high speed connections.
Nielsen noted that while broadband had become much less expensive
over the past few years, it is still a significant cost as compared
to narrowband. When you combine the cost of high-speed access with
other utility expenses, households with tight budgets simply would
not be able to afford the luxury of having broadband.
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