High-speed lines equal dial-up

High-speed linesequal dial-up
NEW YORK -- The number of Americans who get on the Internet via high-speed lines has now equaled the number using dial-up connections.
July measurements from Nielsen/NetRatings placed the broadband audience at 51 percent of the U.S. online population at home. That's up from 38 percent a year ago.
Marc Ryan, senior director of analysis at the Internet research company, said many people are initially lured by deals from broadband providers. After the promotional rate ends, he said, "to go backward (to dial-up) is very difficult."
Nielsen/NetRatings found broadband penetration highest among those under 35 years old -- and particularly the 18-to-20 age group, at 59 percent. Those 65 years and older have the lowest penetration, at 34 percent.
The numbers are based on the company's panel of 40,000 Internet users who report what sites they visit and what type of connections they have. The panelists were recruited randomly using telephone-based methods.
A May-June phone survey from the Pew Internet and American Life Project had placed the residential broadband population at 42 percent, though its director, Lee Rainie, said the number of broadband users increased since that study was completed.
Associated Press
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