Broadband, digitization and development

This chapter presents the findings of a series of studies conducted since 2009 on the contribution of broadband to development in Latin America. A first set of results focuses on measuring the economic impact of broadband on GDP growth, job creation and increases in average household income. A second set evaluates the contribution of broadband in terms of applications, services and content by means of a digitization index that measures both technology adoption in a country and the use of services associated with it —for example, e-government, e-commerce and social networking. On the basis of these findings, policy recommendations aimed at maximizing broadband’s economic impact are proposed.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development