The Broadband Digital Divide and the Nexus of Race, Competition, and Quality
34 Pages Posted: 22 Aug 2007
Date Written: August 17, 2007
Abstract
We examine the gap in broadband access to the Internet between minority groups and white households with geographically fine data on DSL subscription. In addition to income and demographics, we also examine quality of service and competition as components of the Digital Divide. The gaps in DSL demand for blacks and Hispanics do not disappear when income, education, and other demographic variables are accounted for. However, lack of competition is an important driver of the Digital Divide for blacks. Service quality is an important determinant of demand, and is related to the DSL gap for some groups.
Keywords: DSL, broadband, electronic redlining
JEL Classification: L96, D12, D63
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation