The Federal Communications Commissions says that high-speed internet use among U.S. households and businesses increased 34 percent in 2004 to 37.9 million lines.

During the first six months of 2004, high-speed internet usage went up 17 percent while the second half of 2004 experience a 15 percent increase, according to the FCC.

In 2004, digital subscriber line (DSL) increased 45 percent to 13.8 million lines. Cable modem use rose 30 percent last year to 21.4 million lines.

"The dramatic growth in broadband services depicted in this report proves that we are well on our way to accomplishing the president's goal of universal, affordable access to broadband by 2007," FCC Chairman Kevin Martin told the Wall Street Journal.

In August 2004, Nielsen//NetRatings released a study that found for the first time 51 percent of at-home internet users have broadband connections.

Jeffrey Cole, director of the Center for the Digital Future, USC Annenberg School for Communication, told iMedia winter 2004 summit attendees that broadband determines how long and what consumers do online.

"There's also a strong correlation between broadband use and purchasing behavior, and overall satisfaction with the internet. And broadband users are on about 17.3 hours a week versus 10.6 for dial-up users. And broadband users, interestingly, do more of everything on the internet, with two exceptions," says Cole.

Nielsen//NetRatings says the FCC numbers are based on subscription figures. The online research company says it tracks the number of individuals or the percentage of unique visitors who connect to the internet via broadband. In May 2005, Nielsen//NetRatings reported an 18 percent increase in the active internet population connecting via broadband compared to a year ago.

Additional resources:

Jeffrey Cole on Internet Trends (1 of 3)