Broadband is going worldwide. According to estimates from Gartner, globally, consumer broadband connections will grow from 323 million in 2007 to 499 million in 2012.

Put another way, 18% of households had a broadband connection in 2007, and by 2012 the penetration rate will reach 25%.

"Depending on the specific market conditions, availability of Internet - enabled devices and the continued impact of broadband on consumer lifestyles, we expect some markets will have a broadband ceiling at 80% penetration or greater," said Amanda Sabia, a Gartner analyst, in a statement.

In 2007, five countries - Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Korea and Hong Kong - exceeded 60% broadband penetration into the home, and Gartner projects that the number will grow to 17 countries by 2012.