Brussels, 07/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - Broadband Internet connections are growing very quickly in popularity. According to figures released on Wednesday by the European Commission, the EU currently has 40 million lines, which is an increase of 70% on last year. 16.5 million new broadband lines were opened in 2004 as against 10.7 million in 2003, which represents an average of 45,000 new broadband lines every day in 2004 compared to 29,000 in 2003. The arrival of new operators investing massively in broadband infrastructure in order to take on market share, and increasing competition, the consequence of which has been faster and cheaper access to the Internet, explain this important development. "Broadband figures are remarkable and very encouraging for the future", said Commissioner Viviane Reding, who is in charge of the Information Society and Media. "Broadband is of capital importance for Europe's competitiveness and prosperity. An appropriate regulatory framework is essential to follow up this breakthrough. This is why I renew my appeal for an integral and effective implementation of electronic communication rules in each Member State", the Commissioner continued (Belgium and Greece have still not transposed the rules: see EUROPE 8961). Although the EU's performance as a whole is good, the situation varies enormously between the Member States. The broadband penetration rate exceeds 10% in nine countries (compared to four in January 2004). The Netherlands and Denmark topped the list, with rates of 19% and 18% respectively, and also have some of the highest number of broadband lines in the whole world. Belgium, Sweden and Finland also have high penetration rates. The Netherlands has registered the fastest growth rates for broadband, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Denmark and Finland. Of the new Member States, Estonia has the best results . The new Member States recorded the worst results (especially Slovakia and the Czech Republic), but Greece remains at the bottom of the class. (For further information, please see: http: //europa.eu.int/information_society/topics/ecomm/all_about/implementation_enforcement/index_en.htm).