By MARILYN GEEWAX
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/09/06

WASHINGTON — Back in the old days — say, three years ago — most Americans online were satisfied to dial up an Internet service provider to check their e-mail or look up recipes.

But today, the great majority have high-speed access and want to do much more, such as exchange video clips, play interactive games, make phone calls, teleconference and even download movies.

Consumers are rapidly adopting high-speed Internet service.

Broadband users
May 2005,May 2006
78.5 million, 102.5 million
(57% of total), (72% of total)

Dial-up users
58.8 million, 40.3 million
(43% of total), (28% of total)

Source: Nielsen/NetRatings

Broadband providers say these new demands are taxing the Internet's aging infrastructure. To keep pace, companies must spend billions to upgrade networks and run fiber-optic cable into homes.

But who will pay for this makeover? Broadband subscribers? Phone and cable company shareholders? The Internet-based companies that offer customers advanced Web sites and services?

That question is the most contentious aspect of a telecommunications reform bill facing Congress as it returns this week from its Fourth of July recess.