New figures released this week by DSL Forum show that worldwide digital subscriber line (DSL) penetration topped 35.9 million in 2002, a near doubling of the figure recorded twelve months earlier. The US retained top spot with 6.45 million lines despite having a penetration of only 3.4%, and South Korea, which boasts the highest DSL penetration anywhere with 28.3%, closed the gap by connecting 6.43 million lines. Taiwan increased penetration to 15.8%, followed by Hong Kong with 10.29% and Europe’s best performer Belgium at 10.26%. DSL is expected to accelerate again in 2003 as new standards such as ADSL2 and SDSL come on stream.