Briefs: U.S. broadband usage up 28 percent in year

A new study Tuesday said home broadband usage in the United States grew 28 percent in the past year to more than 95.5 million homes.

The report from the Nielsen company said the number of U.S. homes using broadband grew from 74.3 million in February 2005 to 95.5 million this past month. That translates to 68 percent of U.S. home Internet connections.

The faster speeds and ability to keep phone lines open apparently appeals to consumers who, according to Nielsen, spend more than 30 hours per week on their computers.

Favorite activities include downloading music and watching video.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International