Capital expenditure was also up on the year, but not as substantially, with a growth of only 12% in 2009. This was still markedly higher than the 0.04% recorded in 2008. Total capital expenditure was $16.49bn.

US capex levels in ICT and internet infrastructure have been varied in recent years, making results difficult to predict. While investments were up steadily during the most recent recession, they collapsed

in 2006 to a total of only $805m. However, they roared back to life

the following year to $14.69bn, representing a remarkable

growth of 1724%.