Future of Analog Modems Secure

The analog modem will still be the primary means of accessing the Internet in the US in 2003, according to a study by the Gartner Group.

The study predicts that the number of Internet access lines in the US will reach 46 million by 2003, and 63 percent of US consumers will continue to connect to the Internet via an analog modem.

Of the remaining 37 percent using higher speed connections, 14 percent will use a cable modem, 12 percent will use an XDSL line, 8 percent an ISDN line, while 3 percent will access the Internet via hybrid satellite connection.

Almost 48 percent of those that responded to the 9th GVU survey have upgraded their modem in the past year, and 37.6 percent plan to upgrade their modems in the coming year.

Changes are in store, however, as Gartner expects that by 2004 the majority of companies will begin to provide extensive Intranet service, available in-house, and extranet services, available to paying clients.