Steady rise predicted for European ADSL services

The roll-out of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) services across Europe over the next five years will be "steady, but not dramatic", according to the latest report from The Phillips Group.

Despite ongoing arguments about the availability of ADSL - especially in the UK where BT has been widely criticised - the telecoms consultancy forecasts 6.6 million homes will have the high-speed service by 2004.

Germany emerged as the country most advanced with its DSL roll out, while Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK will have the most direct competition between ADSL and cable modem services.

However, given varying levels of liberalisation across Europe and the presence of competing cable-based services, The Phillips Group believes even operators have little idea how the market will evolve.