Understanding the Trend to Mobile-Only Connections for Internet Access: A Decomposition Analysis

26 Pages Posted: 27 Apr 2017 Last revised: 15 Aug 2017

See all articles by Jacob Manlove

Jacob Manlove

Tarleton State University

Brian Whitacre

Oklahoma State University

Date Written: April 25, 2017

Abstract

Household internet access via a mobile-only connection increased from 8.86% in 2011 to 20.00% in 2015. This paper uses national data to model the propensity of a mobile-only connection via logistic regressions. An inter-temporal non-linear Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition is then used to determine the driving factors behind this trend. The results show that while changing characteristics over time account for less than 1% of the trend, behavioral relationships changed dramatically as specific groups were much more likely to be adopters of mobile-only in 2015. The primary behavioral relationships leading to increased mobile-only connections are those associated with age (50.55%), race/ethnic background (4.75%), and non-metro status (1.88%). The finding that these demographic groups are becoming more willing to adopt the internet via the mobile-only connection can have important implications for future broadband policy.

Keywords: Broadband, Decomposition, Internet, Technology adoption

JEL Classification: L86, O14, Q43

Suggested Citation

Manlove, Jacob and Whitacre, Brian, Understanding the Trend to Mobile-Only Connections for Internet Access: A Decomposition Analysis (April 25, 2017). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2958436

Jacob Manlove (Contact Author)

Tarleton State University ( email )

Stephenville, TX 76402
United States
2549689200 (Phone)

Brian Whitacre

Oklahoma State University ( email )

504 Ag Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
United States

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