The base of broadband subs worldwide has breached the 150 million mark after adding 51 million since the start of 2004, according to data from IMS Research.

Noting that broadband growth is showing no signs of waning, IMS is forecasting that global broadband subscribers will breach 400 million sometime in 2009.

Although cable modems will continue to drive the market in North America, DSL technology will continue to dominate the global landscape. Of the 400 million broadband subs forecast by the end of 2009, about 83 million will be of the cable modem variety, IMS said.

But cable and DSL will see competition from others.

“Many of the telcos are considering fiber-to-the-premises for green field and selected builds, and emerging technologies such as Broadband Powerline (BPL), WiMAX, and even satellite, offer the potential to extend the reach of broadband into rural areas,” noted IMS Broadband Analyst Melissa Yocom, in a statement.