Broadband Internet prices fall in Asia and elsewhere

Recession has affected economic growth but worldwide people are increasingly using information and communication technology (ICT) services, such as mobile phones and the Internet, according to a newly released report by international telecommunication union.

An increase in the usage has led to a decrease in prices for ICT services across the globe but despite this fall, broadband Internet remains outside the reach of many in poor countries.

The 'Measuring the Information Society 2010' report indicates that Macau (China), Hong Kong (China) and Singapore are the economies with the lowest price of ICT services relative to income.

Challenges in going online

Although going online is one of the most sought-after activities, it has not reached everybody because of the limited availability of fixed broadband access, which is currently available to Internet users in developed countries and some developing nations.

The report indicates that over half of fixed broadband subscribers in the developing region are in China, and this country was successful in overtaking the United States as the largest fixed broadband market in the world in 2008.

But efforts are being made to overcome these challenges and the mobile broadband sector is full of activities. Researchers who prepared this report believe the number of Internet users will increase in the developing world as soon as high-speed mobile Internet access is introduced in this region.

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