Lower prices, particularly of PCs, led to higher levels of PC penetration, both in homes and businesses. This is combined with an entrepreneurial and risk-taking spirit which feeds on very dynamic capital markets. In the United States, Internet start-ups are proliferating. According to a study of the University of Texas, over one third of existing Internet businesses didn't exist before 1996. Not to mention the considerable indirect impact on employment.
Internet usage is in average low, but picking up steadily.
But the starting level is lower. Still, some European countries are doing just as well as the US, namely the Nordic countries. But lasting inequalities between European countries are a matter of concern. Decisive steps should therefore be taken to promote wider Internet take-up. And European industry is the undisputed mobile market leader.