Fixed Broadband Subscriptions

Number of fixed broadband Internet subscriptions per 100 people.

Quick Reference

Unit

per 100 people

How It's Calculated

Total number of fixed broadband subscriptions (residential and organizational) divided by population, multiplied by 100. Includes subscriptions with download speeds ≥ 256 kbit/s via cable modem, DSL, fiber-to-the-home/building, satellite broadband, terrestrial fixed wireless broadband, and other fixed (wired) technologies. Based on administrative data from Internet service providers reported to ITU. Does not include mobile broadband.

Why It Matters

Fixed broadband provides higher-quality, more reliable Internet access than mobile networks, essential for bandwidth-intensive activities like remote work, online education (video conferencing), telemedicine, cloud computing, and streaming. It is a key infrastructure indicator of digital economy readiness. Low fixed broadband penetration in developing countries reflects reliance on mobile-only Internet access, which has limitations for productivity and inclusion.

Understanding the Values

Very Low: < 5 per 100 (minimal fixed infrastructure - mobile-only access) Low: 5-15 (limited fixed broadband - urban concentration) Moderate: 15-25 (expanding access - suburban/peri-urban growth) High: 25-35 (widespread access - most urban households connected) Very High: > 35 (near-universal urban coverage - fiber rollout) Global average: ~19 per 100 (2023) High-income: ~30-45 per 100 (Switzerland 48, France 47) Low-income: < 1 per 100 (mobile-first markets) Note: Many households share one subscription. Per-household metrics (not captured here) are often more meaningful than per-capita.

Related Metrics

Access to Electricity

Percentage of population with access to electricity.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions

Number of mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people.

Internet Users

Percentage of population that used the Internet in the past three months.

Data Quality & Coverage

Coverage: 217 countries Update frequency: Annual Sources: World Bank / ITU World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database Limitations: Does not measure actual usage, speed tiers (256 kbit/s minimum is very slow by modern standards), or reliability. Geographic availability varies greatly (urban vs rural). Organizational subscriptions (businesses, schools, governments) counted equally to residential. Does not capture shared access (households, Internet cafes). Fiber vs DSL vs cable distinctions not tracked. Affordability (cost as % of income) not reflected.