Report finds fibre broadband uptake slowed in H1 2011

The global growth in fibre optic broadband subscriptions slowed in the first half (H1) of 2011, but is expected to rise at a faster rate over the coming months.

A report from the DigiWorld Institute revealed the worldwide fibre broadband customer base increased by 15 per cent to more than 112.6 million between January and June, markedly slower than the 39 per cent rise seen in the previous half-year.

However, Point Topic chief executive Oliver Johnson told European Communications that the levelling-off in uptake of fibre broadband - or FTTx - is likely to be more of a blip than a long-term trend.

"The evidence from mature markets in particular is that people are prepared to pay for FTTx. We are moving to a mass adoption phase," he explained.

His comments come shortly after ABI Research broadband research analyst Khin Sandi Lynn claimed the uptake of fibre-based connections has risen "rapidly" in recent years, driven by demand for bandwidth-heavy services.