The number of broadband lines around the world has exceeded the 200 million mark, as developing countries have begun to see rapid uptake of high speed internet services.

The number of broadband lines around the world has exceeded the 200 million mark, as developing countries have begun to see rapid uptake of high speed internet services. Research company Point Topic estimates that there are now 205 million broadband lines worldwide. This is up nearly 35 per cent from the end of 2004. The fastest growth has come from the Middle East and Africa. Although the region has the smallest share of the world broadband market, it is catching up fast, with a 16.5 per cent growth in the third quarter of 2005, the last period for which there are verified numbers. This compares with a global growth rate of 7.3 per cent. Turkey, Morocco and South Africa saw the fastest growth, with an increase of more than 30 per cent in the third quarter.