One quarter of the world's computers will be connected via broadband, the tech firm has predicted.
Broadband continues to grow across the world, with 25 percent of computers to be using the connections by 2012.
This is the main finding of new research from Gartner, which predicts a rise in global broadband usage from 323 million in 2007 to 499 million in four years' time. Then, as now, the highest level of broadband penetration is expected by the tech firm to be found in South Korea, Holland and Hong Kong.
By 2012, all three countries should have over four in five of their internet-connected computers using broadband. For the UK, however, broadband penetration is expected to grow from its current level of 58 percent to hit 74 percent over the four years.
"Depending on the specific market conditions, availability of internet-enabled devices and the continued impact of broadband on consumer lifestyles, we expect some markets will have a broadband ceiling at 80 percent penetration or greater," said principal research analyst at Gartner, Amanda Sabia.
The broadband expert also forecast future trends in the market which could come to the fore by 2012. "Newer ventures…are primarily entertainment [such as internet video content and games], Internet Protocol television (IPTV) and home networking, which will bring these devices and services into one integrated system within the home," she added.
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