Internet resources: Broadband Internet strengthen positions in Russia

According to report of the iKS-Consulting research company, broadband Internet popularity across Russia is approaching levels of Moscow and St. - Petersburg. 

Thus, for instance, in 2009 the highest level of penetration of the broadband Internet was reported in Chelyabinsk and Izhevsk, reaching 62%, unlike the year 2008 (45% and 55% accordingly). In Ufa its level of penetration increased to 57% against 47% in 2008. Whereas in Penza this figure amounted to 56% vs 44%. iKS-Consulting experts report that these results can be compared to those of both Russian capitals – in Moscow there are 71% broadband Internet users, and in St. – Petersburg the figure totals 62%.

Analytics explain that the growing popularity of broadband Internet is caused by increased competition between providers and decrease of traffic costs. “VympelCom” representative informed that in 2009 price for Internet traffic in regions of Russia decreased almost two times. AC&M-Consulting experts add that ARPU (Average revenue per user) from Internet services in 2009 reached 370 rubles.

Moreover iKS-Consulting stress that in Russia in 2009 the number of home broadband Internet users increased 36% - thus reaching 13,2 million people. The increase of connection was observed in regions, where the share of new users totaled 79% from the general number of Internet users in Russia in 2009.