There is likely to be almost 60 percent of broadband internet connections using DSL technology and nearly 500 million broadband users by the coming year. These are the findings of Futuresource Consulting, a research firm. It also said that the broadband is here to stay, at least for the next 5 years, with the world increasingly adopting its use. Internet cable systems would continue to be used by around 40 percent of total broadband users.

Patrick Pfandler, Senior Market Analyst for Futuresource Consulting predicted that India would lead the market for broadband internet connections for the coming four years. With a meagre fixed household broadband penetration figure of a little over 2 percent, the numbers are expected to grow by at least five times in 2012, amounting to 25 million connection lines.

Developed markets are expected to face a slowdown in the number of broadband internet connections, as they inch near their maximum limit but African and Middle Eastern markets show a lot of promise in the next five years due to a newfound interest in broadband amongst the people. A growth figure of 33 percent is expected in the coming year.

Ofcom recently pointed out that UK consumers had to make do with average download speeds of only 3.6MB(click broadband comparison for more info) while their Japanese and South Korean counterparts enjoyed quickest internet speeds in the world, with download speeds of around 30MB.