An outgoing publishing head who helped build up a £15 million per year online news operation has highlighted the impact broadband has had on the market over recent years.

John Bradshaw Johnston Press' head of digital publishing, has told journalist news provider HoldtheFrontPage that the emergence of broadband has seen the business grow dramatically since 1996.

He said: "In those early days, computer penetration was relatively low and focused around London but broadband has changed that considerably. The growth of broadband has brought the growth of our internet sites a long way as well."

Meanwhile, a recent study has predicted that broadband will help spark a growth of the internet in Africa, with operators launching 'triple play' campaigns, offering TV, voice and internet to customers in one package.

The possibility of a faster broadband services market has been opened up by demand for Pay TV online, research from African internet developers Balancing Act says.