Bridging the Educational Divide: The Effects of Mobile Network Connectivity on Student Enrollment and Academic Performance
40 Pages Posted: 9 Oct 2024
Date Written: July 01, 2024
Abstract
We examine the impact of mobile network connections on schooling decisions and academic performance, utilizing the nationwide installations of telecommunication infrastructure across India. We find an annual increase of 1.2% in primary student enrollments after installation, with a cumulative effect of 8.4% by the fourth year, benefitting approximately 4.8 million students. We find larger effects among lower-caste students compared to their general-caste counterparts, particularly in upper primary education, urban and private schools, and villages with a higher share of marginal workers. These findings provide suggestive evidence that mobile network connections improve economic outcomes, promoting educational attainment among marginalized children.
Keywords: Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mobile Network, Education, Enrollment
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