Internet Boom Continues, More in US are Online

It's been a good month for the Web, insofar as "good" refers to a popularity contest.

By Jayson Matthews
of siliconvalley.internet.com
[October 16, 2000]

Twenty-one of the top 35 local Internet markets have more than half of their population online, according to the latest Internet ratings report from Milpitas-based Nielsen//NetRatings. Seven months ago the firm reported only six Internet local markets had such a level.

The heart's in San Francisco
Topping off the list of the most dot-savvy citizens was San Francisco, with 66% of households having access to the Internet from a personal computer at home. San Francisco was followed by Seattle, San Diego, Portland and Washington D.C.

"The Internet boom for cities across the U.S. in the past seven months signals a growth pattern of maturity for the Web," says Allen Weiner, VP of analytical services, Nielsen//NetRatings.

The boom's in the big cities
Of the 20 Internet markets measured by the firm last March, New York had the largest percentage gain in September, growing nearly 22% to reach its current 50% penetration. Internet penetration in the South and Southwest has also risen, according to Nielsen//NetRatings, with Atlanta, Dallas, Tampa, Miami, Houston and Phoenix all showing more than 15% growth.

"U.S. markets have developed beyond the western high technology region, and there is less of a digital divide between the west coast and the rest of the United States," adds Weiner. "Low-cost computers and other plug-and-play Internet appliances have contributed to the significant rise in home Internet access for wired cities across the country."

—End