Global fixed broadband subscribers rise to just under 1 bln in Q2

The number of fixed broadband subscribers in the world rose 2.5 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, its highest growth in the past six quarters, according to the latest study from Point Topic, presented by Broadband Forum at the Broadband World Forum 2018. The number of subscribers reached 983 million at the end of June, with most new clients coming from less developed regions and countries. More developed and saturated markets with lower growth focused on improving offerings. 

In terms of regions, East Asia alone provided 70 percent of all net additions. The region had the largest regional market share of all subscribers at 46 percent, a bit off from the 47 percent recorded in the previous quarter. Western Europe’s market share lifted to 17 percent in Q2 from 15 percent in the first quarter, while for North America, the market share fell to 12.6 percent from 13.1 percent. 

China led in terms of fibre adoption, with the number of FTTH connections jumping 26 percent in the year to end June. This meant China made up 80 percent of global FTTH net adds in the period. Meanwhile, South Africa, Brazil, the UK and France were among those that recorded significant quarterly growth rates. Italy, New Zealand and Greece were among the top VDSL markets. 

Meanwhile, developed markets also showed ARPU growth, pushed by by improved offerings and services supported by gigabit-capable broadband. 

The study also showed that around 80 percent of global connections are fibre or cable based. FTTH/B/C connections increased by 30 percent while cable went up by 5 percent. ADSL connections continued their decline.