According to a recent research by ABI there is a soaring increase in the broadband customers in the recent years. In the year 2009 the broadband users touched to 430.7 million which is thirtenn percentage higher than that of 2008. Vice president of forecasting said that, “Fixed broadband is an attractive platform for the delivery of IPTV, gaming services with low latency, rapid access to Web content and secure access to nonbuilding access points (e.g. vehicular traffic monitoring units).

He also quoted that, “Technologies such as fiber to the home, VDSL and GPON are helping to keep fixed broadband relevant to end users both in the home and office.” He also quoted that, “The DSL platform still dominates the market with 65 percent market share; cable and fiber represented 24 percent and 11 percent market share respectively in 2009. South Korea and Japan are the countries with highest fiber broadband penetration. In Japan, approximately 55 percent of broadband subscribers are using fiber broadband. In Korea, fiber broadband customers represent 49 percent of overall broadband users. ABI Research forecasts that fiber broadband subscribers will total almost 134 million by 2015, due to the growing customer demand for speed.North America has the highest broadband penetration of any region. According to analyst Khin Sandi Lynn, “We expect broadband penetration in North America to be accelerated by federal government initiatives which aim to roll out broadband access in rural areas of the U.S.”

Based upon the study by ABI the fixed broadband customers would raise three percent every year and would reach 548 million in 2015.

Telstra has planned to provide ipad along with broadband to all its customers. Most of the customers will benefit from these plans as they have to pay half the amount for their wireless broadband services. Telstra will sell out the Apple ipad 3 G along with prepaid mobile plans. For 1GB data per charge it starts at $20 which is half the $40 the regular broadband service provided by company.

Ross, executive director, Telstra Mobility products said that, “Telstra’s pricing for iPad 3G gives customers control and flexibility to access the Internet on-the-go while connected to the Telstra Next GTM network.” He also quoted that, “Telstra is providing Australians the ability to enjoy 3G on iPad in more places than on any other network.”
Telstra’s plan expire after 30 days, Pricing are as follows

All of Telstra’s prepaid iPad plans expire after 30 days, with pricing as below.
•    $20 1GB
•    $30 3GB
•    $60 6GB
•    $80 9GB
•    $100 12GB
Telstra’s Prepaid Mobile Broadband plans however are considerably more expensive for the same data allowance:
•    $20 225MB
•    $30 400MB
•    $40 1GB
•    $50 2GB
•    $60 3GB
•    $80 4GB
•    $100 6GB

Starcomm Plc has unveiled its broadband connection iZAP to the various cities including Ilorin, Kaduna, Abeokuta and Zaria. Tushar Maheswari, the Chief Commercial Officer of Starcomm said that, “the launch is a testimony that the company is committed to helping more Nigerians have the benefit of its superfast broadband service.”

The Nigerian cities will experience fast, effective and reliable broadband service. The Starcomm Plc said that, With the launch in the new cities with Jos and Kano soon to come, the subscribers would be able to experience the thrill of the iZAP superfast broadband services that data subscribers in Ibadan and Calabar, Warri, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Benin City and Abuja have hitherto been enjoying since it came to those cities.”
Tushar also quoted that, “iZAP is capable of providing high speed internet connectivity, Since the company’s deployment of Ev-Do internet broadband services in 2006, the first in the entire West Africa, the communication outfit has not looked back in deploring state-of-the-art data modems and devices of world class standards in the sector.”

The National Broad band Network of Australia has proposed to expand its broadband network with $43 billion to provide remote education. The Northern territory would experience vast benefits with the upgrade of the broadband services said Gould, Director of Information Technology, Charles Darwin University.

Mr.Gould also said that, “To be kind to the current system, we’ve essentially been operating with technology worthy of the Dark Ages,” He also added that, “An upgrade of current limited bandwidth in the Territory has been long overdue, and will essentially bring us on to a level playing field with other states and universities.”The Governments $25 million for implementation broadband services will create a turning point around the country.

University main markets were overseas and interstate and this upgrading will result in great benefits to online education said Mr.Gould. He also quoted that, “The possibilities surrounding online education and the delivery of remote education to communities in the NT will be multiplied tenfold, it’s an upgrade we desperately need and one that should have the support of every IT enthusiast in the country.”