Impact of broadband speed on economic outputs: An empirical study of OECD countries

Abstract

A number of studies have indicated that higher broadband penetration leads to greater economic impacts. Nevertheless other characteristics of broadband services such as different speeds are becoming more important to determine the economic impacts. This study estimates the relationship between broadband speed and economic outputs. The results show that broadband speed contributes positively to economic outputs such as GDP. The effects of broadband speed are also greater in countries with lower income. The policy recommendation is therefore that countries should focus on and encourage high speed broadband infrastructure and its adoption in their national broadband plans and policies.