[UPDATE] The number of broadband connections in the Netherlands grew 0.9 percent in the third quarter to 6.33 million on 30 September 2011, according to Telecompaper's quarterly Dutch Broadband report. Growth was driven by a 2.2 percent increase in cable broadband subscribers and 13.3 percent growth in FTTH/B broadband subscribers, offsetting a 1.2 percent drop in DSL connections. DSL was still the most popular broadband technology in the Netherlands with 3.29 million lines, followed by cable with 2.695 million. Household broadband penetration reached 85 percent at the end of the quarter, and the market researcher expects this to grow to 92.5 percent in 2015. Overall, the broadband market is expected to show a CAGR of 2.7 percent through 2015. Telecompaper expects growth to come from operators offering triple-play packages via multiple networks. Examples include the recent launch by KPN brands XS4ALL and Telfort of triple-play offers via VDSL and FTTH, as well as Vodafone starting a triple-play offer over FTTH. Telecompaper expects Tele2 and T-Mobile Online to follow suit. The growing number of connected devices, such as internet-enabled TVs, smartphones, tablets and music systems, will also drive demand for broadband internet access in homes.
