A scorecard published by ECTA (the European Competitive Telecommunications Association) released this week, shows the level and pace of broadband penetration across the European Union. The scorecard is based on figures obtained up until June 2003.

Some of the key findings ...

• UK is equal 1st (100%) with Denmark, Spain & Sweden for LLU lines having broadband usage. Germany is last with 29%.



• UK has just 8.6% of all European broadband lines. This equates to 5th place for the UK, behind Spain (10.2%), Italy (12%) and France (16.5%). Germany leads 30%.



• UK holds 1st place for the number of broadband lines retailed by an independant ISP, standing at 49%. This is conversely compared with Germany who has 0%, but 94% of lines are retailed by the incumbent.



• European average of 6% of DSL lines are from LLU. UK stands in joint 11th place with just %1 of all DSL lines coming from LLU. Greece stands in 1st place with 100%.