Interest is growing quickly in home networking and in-home devices that connect to the Internet, according to the initial findings of a study released Tuesday by Parks Associates.

The study found that one-third of U.S. homes that currently subscribe to dial-up Internet access want to upgrade to broadband in the next 12 months. The study also found that 28 percent of current broadband subscribers say they will purchase in-home networking in the next year.

The study estimates that, as of the end of June, 2001, 8.6 million U.S. homes subscribed to broadband service and 5.5 million homes had networks. However, while those numbers will increase, even early adopters are looking for value in their upgrades, the study said.

"The early adopting consumer is ready to purchase networks and adopt broadband but must wait on excellent product with rational pricing," said Tricia Parks, president of Parks Associates.

The company based the study on interviews of 2,500 U.S. households. The findings are part of the forthcoming report: Bundled Services & Residential Gateways.

From the article "Device-centric Home Called On Track."

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