Adults 45 and Older Trading in Dial-Up for Broadband Internet Service Parks Associates latest research suggests that an increasing number of older adults are answering the call of broadband Internet service

High-speed Internet service is attracting a wider consumer demographic, according to a new Parks Associates survey, which found that people 45 and older now comprise more than 40 percent of all U.S. broadband households. This age segment represented 7.1 million of the 16.5 million U.S. households with broadband Internet service at year-end 2002. The survey report Broadband Access @ Home III cites this trend as indicative of a growing appreciation among older consumers for the value of a broadband connection.

Adults 45 and Older Trading in Dial-Up for Broadband Internet Service

Parks Associates latest research suggests that an increasing number of older adults are answering the call of broadband Internet service.

Dallas, Texas February 13, 2003 -- High-speed Internet service is attracting a wider consumer demographic, according to a new Parks Associates survey, which found that people 45 and older now comprise more than 40 percent of all U.S. broadband households. This age segment represented 7.1 million of the 16.5 million U.S. households with broadband Internet service at year-end 2002. The survey report Broadband Access @ Home III cites this trend as indicative of a growing appreciation among older consumers for the value of a broadband connection.

In a very short period of time, we have witnessed a considerable increase in the number of broadband subscribers over the age of 45," said Michael Greeson, senior analyst and director of broadband research for Parks Associates. The most significant percentage growth from 2001 to 2002 occurred in the age segment of 65 and older, which increased from 5 percent to 7.5 percent among total U.S. broadband households. This increase is due in large part to the aggressive marketing efforts of service providers as well as growing consumer awareness of the benefits of broadband connectivity."

In terms of net subscriber additions, the number of broadband subscribers between the ages of 45 and 54 added 1.5 million households, and those between the ages of 25 and 34 added 1.6 million. However, the number of broadband subscribers between the ages of 35 and 44 increased by only 300,000 households, from 3.4 million to 3.7 million. This age segment now represents only 22.2% of all broadband households, down from 30.8% at year-end 2001.

Parks Associates latest consumer study, Broadband Access @ Home III, is the largest long-form Internet survey conducted in the U.S. to date, with more than 10,500 Internet households participating. The study includes surveys of 4,500 narrowband and 6,000 broadband households and offers statistically significant samples for most residential services, including digital cable, satellite TV, Internet, home networking, Internet telephony, home security, home management, and many others.

For additional information about Parks Associates Broadband Access @ Home III, please contact sales@parksassociates.com or call 972-490-1113.

About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm that provides information and analysis to its clients on emerging residential, small office, and light commercial technologies. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, multiclient studies, consumer research, workshops, and custom-tailored client solutions.

Its market expertise encompasses the full range of connected-home solutions, including home networks, digital entertainment, broadband and Internet services, and home systems. Parks Associates also hosts two industry events, Forum and CONNECTIONS (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association), each year. www.parksassociates.com.