The two most common forms of broadband access are DSL and cable modems. Cahners In-Stat Group forecast that consumer cable modem and DSL access will grow 77 percent between 1999 and 2004. Today's consumer broadband customer is young, single, well educated, and has an above average income.
Promotions play an important role in the initial sale of broadband services.
Over 60 percent of consumers reported being offered a sign-up promotion and said that it influenced their decision to go with broadband services. Just over half of all consumers reported an installation interval of under one-week for broadband services. This number will increase as more consumers get involved in the service installation. Today over 60 percent of installation still required a service technician to come out to the home. Broadband consumers are heavy users of the Internet.