Consumer attitudes and behavior regarding communication services have dramatically changed over the past decade. Evidence of this change can be seen with the growing popularity of Instant Messaging (IM), text messaging, and online social networking applications. Regardless of age, income or geography, broadband households across the US and Canada rate high-speed Internet access of higher value than even mobile telephony or pay TV service.

Teenagers and young adults are embracing key technology enablers, such as personal addresses, profiles, and presence, which will drive the adoption of next-generation network services. Yet, to be successful, carriers will need to broaden their product portfolios to appeal to all broadband households. Research shows great diversity in the interests and behavior among households. Understanding the lifestyles of broadband households, and how technology buying decisions are made, will be vital to future market success.

To better understand the attitudes and behavior that will drive the adoption of next-generation applications and services, In-Stat conducted a survey of over 1,000 North American households that currently subscribe to broadband Internet access service. This free paper takes the results of this research project, and paired with additional In-Stat data answers the following
questions:

• With regards to technology adoption, how has the pace sped up, and how are consumer attitudes changing?
  
  
• What attributes define the major categories of North American broadband households?
  
  
• How can service providers use defined broadband household groups to assess potential next-generation applications, define service bundles/pricing and develop business strategies?

Figures Included:

• Households Willing to Upgrade Primary Fixed Lines with FMC Service
  
  
• Household Attributes (Teens & Twenties, Empty Nester, Wired, Wireless & Wealthy, Broadband Boomer, Toddlers & TiVos, Deals & Discounts)
  
  
• Current Market Penetration of Service Bundles
  by BB Subscribers in North America
  
  
• Consumer Interest in Selected Voice/IPTV Applications
  
  
• Interest in Interactive and Personal Content Applications on TV
  
  
• Consumer Interest in a “See What I See” Application