***Majority of Broadband Users Choosing DSL Over Cable But Cable
Modems Receive Higher Satisfaction Ratings
(February 1)
The majority of consumers are choosing DSL for their broadband
service, according to findings from the Strategis Group. Of the
55% of current broadband users who have a choice between DSL and
cable modems, 60% are choosing DSL services, said the firm in the
report - Broadband Users: Cable Vs. DSL.
Despite DSL's popularity, a greater percentage of cable modem
users than DSL users are satisfied with their service based on
several measures - overall quality, access speed and "always on"
connectivity. For example, the study found that 48% of cable
modem users are "extremely satisfied" with their service,
compared to 43% of DSL users. The contradiction between cable
modems' higher satisfaction scores and DSL's popularity
"indicates the superior marketing of DSL compared to cable
modems," according to the study.
The Strategis Group also found that cable modems' higher level of
satisfaction led to a lower churn rate compared to DSL. Potential
churn among DSL users is nearly twice as high as that of cable
modem users, 15% versus 8%.
The publication, Broadband Users: Cable Vs. DSL, is based on the
survey responses of over 1,600 broadband subscribers nationwide.
The publication looks at comparisons between cable modem and DSL
users, and at overall broadband user characteristics, such as
income, years of Internet experience and usage patterns.
Wave Issue 0106 2/2/01 Article 1-03