Effects of Public Policy on the Quality of Broadband Services: A Comparative Analysis of Internet Download Speeds

• In Event: Assessing Internet Access: Content, Connection, and Speed

Abstract

With the rapid diffusion of fixed and mobile platforms, access to broadband services has become widely available in most OECD countries. Access continues to be an issue in rural and remote areas and for certain disadvantaged groups but harnessing the benefits of advanced information and communication services is increasingly dependent on the quality of the available connectivity. This paper examines the factors that influence the quality of broadband access, measured by the average and peak download speeds that are supported by the network infrastructure. It focuses on the role of public policy decisions in facilitating quality upgrades of access networks. Because policy instruments typically interact with each other, the paper adopts a novel empirical method that is better suited to systematically explore these interactions. Using a cross-national sample of OECD countries, we find that certain policy constellations are more likely to support continued quality improvements than others. Moreover, the findings provide evidence that the best policy approach is dependent on the specific context of a country.

Authors

• Hsin-yi Sandy Tsai, Michigan State University

• Johannes M. Bauer, Michigan State U