USA: sharp rise in broadband, now reaching 63% of adults

[bbc] Some 63% of adult Americans now have broadband internet connections at home, according to the Pew Internet Project.

The results surprised researchers, showing a 15% increase from a year earlier.

Net services seem to have escaped the with Americans more willing to cut back on mobile phone usage or cable TV than broadband.

Of those who still were not connected, 17% said it was because the technology was not available in their area.

Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said they had cancelled or cut back on cable TV services or mobile phone services but only 9% said they had cancelled or cut back on broadband services.

"For many Americans a home broadband connection is a conduit for connecting to community and economic opportunity," said John B Horrigan, associate director of the Pew Internet Project.

"That puts broadband in the 'must keep' category for most users, even when economic times are tough."

US broadband usage rises sharply