Measuring the Socioeconomic Impact of Last-Mile Infrastructure in Jamaica

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Peer Reviewed icon Peer Reviewed
Date issued
Apr 2022
Subject
Broadband Service;
Public Expenditure;
Telecommunication;
Economy;
Infrastructure Development;
Educational Institution;
Internet;
Regulation
JEL code
G18 - Government Policy and Regulation;
G28 - Government Policy and Regulation;
L96 - Telecommunications;
L86 - Information and Internet Services • Computer Software;
L42 - Vertical Restraints • Resale Price Maintenance • Quantity Discounts
Country
Jamaica
Category
Technical Notes
This paper seeks to measure the economic and social impact (e.g., level of population spending and labor indicators) of the deployment of last-mile digital infrastructure in Jamaica. Having this information can help the Jamaican government make public policy decisions on the importance of extending last-mile deployment and creating incentives for household broadband adoption. The results demonstrate the importance of accompanying the deployment of broadband with public policies that promote an equitable benefit from technology. In this regard, the need to carry out actions to promote digital literacy in the less-educated population, as well as specific actions to narrow the gender gap, is highlighted.