New Pew Report Shows Importance of Broadband Connections

The continuing growth of high-speed broadband connections to the Internet is integral to the growth of Web 2.0 according to a new report at Pew Internet & American Life Project (Broadband: What’s All The Fuss About?). Broadband users are accessing more information than ever, and they are also more likely to post content online (messages, blogs, photos, videos, etc.) than non-broadband users.

The question seems to be whether broadband adoption is driving Web 2.0 usage, or all the buzz about Web 2.0 is driving more people to seek broadband service. Either way, the report outlines the mutual interdependence between Web 2.0 and broadband growth.

The report also reminds us that even two years ago, about half of online users cited the Internet as “important or crucial” when making important, large-purchase-price decisions. One can only assume that number continues to grow with better, faster access to the needed information.

In the B-to-B sector where broadband service is now becoming ubiquitous, an Enquiro study shows the number of users who cite research on the Internet as an important part of the purchase process is even higher: 85.3 percent.