An Evaluation of the Broadband Business Connection Across the Urban Hierarchy

Elizabeth Mack, Assistant Professor in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning at Arizona State University, will present as part of the AEDE Applied Economics Seminar Series on October 7th in Room 105 of the Agricultural Administration Building (2120 Fyffe Road). Her presentation will focus on her recent research: "An Evaluation of the Broadband Business Connection Across the Urban Hierarchy."

Abstract: The extent that information and communications technologies (ICTs) serve as a complement or a substitute for the agglomerative benefits of cities is a persistent topic of debate. Some studies assert that ICTs are a complement rather than a substitute for the agglomerative benefits of cities. Other studies suggest broadband facilitates the decentralization of firms from central locales because ICTs can substitute for the agglomerative benefits of cities. More recent studies have found these decentralization opportunities are only possible in specific locations that are within reach of major metropolitan areas.

Given this unresolved issue and the continued importance of high-speed broadband connections to people and businesses, this study will construct and estimate econometric models to evaluate the strength of the connection between broadband and businesses across the urban hierarchy for counties across the continental United States. Given the near ubiquity of broadband connections at present, the study will evaluate this relationship from a historical perspective using broadband availability data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Different definitions of the urban hierarchy will be used from a simple split of counties into metropolitan and non-metropolitan members, to more nuanced partitions of counties.

Learn more: www.elizabethmack.com

This event is open to the public and RSVPs are not required. If you have any questions, please contact us.