There are many forms of Internet access by which users connect to the Internet.  The most common methods of home Internet access include dial-up, landline broadband (over coaxial cable, fibre optic or copper wires), Wi-Fi, satellite and cell phones.

Broadband Internet access is the most popular today and offers many advantages over the other options.  It is often shortened to broadband and is a high data-transmission rate Internet connection.  The broadband technologies of DSL and cable modem are both typically capable of transmitting 256 kilobits per second or more.  This is approximately nine times the speed of a regular modem using a standard digital telephone line.  This super fast speed is the main reason for choosing a broadband connection. 

Broadband Internet access is a massive, burgeoning market that has been growing strongly from the early 2000s to now.  A US study showed a growth from 6% in June 2000 to over 30% in 2003.  The low cost and fast speeds of this Internet connection have attracted millions of people worldwide, both in the workplace and at home.