The Broadband Digital Divide and the Nexus of Race, Competition, and Quality

34 Pages Posted: 22 Aug 2007

See all articles by James E. Prieger

James E. Prieger

Pepperdine University - School of Public Policy

Wei-Min Hu

Peking University - Shenzhen Graduate School of Business

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

Prieger, James E. and Hu, Wei-Min, The Broadband Digital Divide and the Nexus of Race, Competition, and Quality (August 17, 2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1008309 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1008309

James E. Prieger (Contact Author)

Pepperdine University - School of Public Policy ( email )

24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
United States
3105067150 (Phone)
3105067494 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://sites.google.com/a/pepperdine.edu/jprieger/

Wei-Min Hu

Peking University - Shenzhen Graduate School of Business ( email )

University Town
Nanshan District
Shenzhen, 518055
China

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