Fact Sheet: United States Maintains Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Leadership and Economic Strength

In their recent announcement ranking countries on their broadband penetration, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) fails to take into consideration tens of millions of United States broadband users, including students, employees of corporations and United States Government employees, to name a few.  Additionally, by neglecting to count mobile wireless in its broadband numbers, the OECD overlooks the fastest growing segment of broadband subscriptions in the marketplace today.  The Administration will work with OECD in identifying these methodology shortfalls. 

Putting OECD numbers in perspective, the United States is:

#1 Total number of Broadband subscribers – 64.6 million
(Sources: FCC status as of June 2006 and PointTopic as of 4Q06)

#1 Total number of Internet Users – 211 million
(Source: Internet World Stats, March 2007)

#1 Total number of Wi-Fi Hotspots – 49,733
(Source: JiWire.com, April 2007)

Unprecedented Growth

Between June, 2001 and June 2006, the number of homes with broadband in the United States has increased by 599%, from 9.2 million high-speed lines 64.6 million.  During the same period, satellite and wireless broadband grew by 5,998%.  (Source: FCC)

As of June 30, 2006, DSL connections were available to 79% of households with telephone service available, and cable modem service was available to 93% of households with cable service available. (Source: FCC)

June 13, 2006, the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO), estimated that its members are presently capable of offering broadband to nearly 90% of their customers.

United States ICT leadership reflected in strength of economic data:

#1 2006 Gross Domestic Product – $13.2 trillion
(Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce)

7.8 million new jobs since August 2003 (more than Japan and the EU combined), and less than 4.4% unemployment
(Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, as of March 2007)

$59 billion in E-Commerce Revenues in 2004
(Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007)

$416 billion in IT Investment in 2005
(Source: The Digital Economy Fact Book of 2006)