Different Paths to Universal Access: The Impact of Policy and Regulation on Broadband Diffusion in The Developed and Developing Worlds

39 Pages Posted: 17 Jan 2012

See all articles by Jeff Gulati

Jeff Gulati

Bentley University

David J. Yates

Bentley University

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: September 24, 2011

Abstract

We examine the broadband digital divide by analyzing the impact of policy and regulation on broadband Internet diffusion. Our multiple regression analysis shows that factors that determine broadband diffusion in technologically developed countries do not necessarily have the same impact in less developed countries. We show that in technological developed countries, there is greater broadband diffusion in countries that make a higher financial investment in information and communication technologies and have effective regulatory and administrative practices at the national level. While these results hold in technologically developing nations, a competitive telecommunications sector also lead to greater broadband diffusion but the presence of a national telecommunications regulatory authority has a negative impact. These results suggest that the path to widespread availability and use of broadband requires different strategies depending on a nation’s level of technological development.

Keywords: Broadband digital divide, diffusion of innovations, financial investment, global information society, governance indicators, national strategy, public policy, technological development, telecommunications competition, telecommunications regulation

Suggested Citation

Gulati, Girish and Yates, David J., Different Paths to Universal Access: The Impact of Policy and Regulation on Broadband Diffusion in The Developed and Developing Worlds (September 24, 2011). TPRC 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1985792

Girish Gulati (Contact Author)

Bentley University ( email )

175 Forest Street
Waltham, MA 02145
United States

David J. Yates

Bentley University ( email )

175 Forest Street
Waltham, MA 02145
United States

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