Consumers are getting inspired by advanced broadband products to invest in equipment that can take advantage of the greater data transmission rates. Fifteen percent of consumers with a direct fiber optic connection indicated they had purchased an HD television specifically to take advantage of HD programming.

Others reported purchases of wireless networking equipment, computers, inside home wiring, and cameras, according to survey information released today by RVA Market Research. RVA, which is often commissioned by the Fiber To The Home Council to generate FTTH research, makes the case that fiber is driving the phenomenon.

RVA determined that 80 percent of those with direct fiber connections say they would be interested in one or more “futuristic applications,” such as telemedicine (videoconferencing with doctors), advanced entertainment options, and multiplayer gaming. That’s statistically equivalent, however, to the 78 percent of broadband users in general that RVA found feel the same.

RVA reports that while 43 percent of Americans now have some type of broadband connection, fewer than 1 percent have advanced broadband through direct fiber, although increases in fiber-connected homes is exceeding 200 percent, primarily due to the efforts of AT&T or Verizon.