California - report assesses whether policies to raise broadband availability will contribute, as hoped, to local economic development

[Public Policy Institute of California] The federal government and the state of California, as well as other states throughout the nation, have made universal access to broadband service a public policy goal, assuming that multiple economic and social benefits will accrue from increasing broadband access. This study assesses whether policies designed to increase broadband availability—especially to unserved and underserved communities—will contribute to local economic development. It finds a positive relationship between broadband expansion and employment growth, but the benefits for local residents are ambiguous.

Does Broadband Boost Local Economic Development?