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The Effect of Fibre Broadband on Student Learning

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  • Arthur Grimes

    (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research)

  • Wilbur Townsend

    (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research)

Abstract

We estimate the impact of ultra-fast broadband on schools’ academic performance using a difference-in-difference study of a new fibre broadband network. We show that fibre broadband increases primary schools’ passing rates in standardised assessments by roughly one percentage point. Estimates are robust to alternative specifications, such as controlling for time-varying covariates. We find no evidence that gender, ethnic minorities or students enrolled in remote schools benefit disproportionately. However, we find some evidence of a larger benefit within schools that have a greater proportion of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds

Suggested Citation

  • Arthur Grimes & Wilbur Townsend, 2017. "The Effect of Fibre Broadband on Student Learning," Working Papers 17_03, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:mtu:wpaper:17_03
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    File URL: https://motu-www.motu.org.nz/wpapers/17_03.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bulman, G. & Fairlie, R.W., 2016. "Technology and Education," Handbook of the Economics of Education,, Elsevier.
    2. Fabling, Richard & Grimes, Arthur, 2021. "Picking up speed: Does ultrafast broadband increase firm productivity?," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C).
    3. Lisa Barrow & Lisa Markman & Cecilia Elena Rouse, 2009. "Technology's Edge: The Educational Benefits of Computer-Aided Instruction," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 1(1), pages 52-74, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Eyal Apatov & Nathan Chappell & Arthur Grimes, 2018. "Is internet on the right track? The digital divide, path dependence, and the rollout of New Zealand’s ultra-fast broadband," Working Papers 18_04, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fibre broadband; UFB; Education; Difference in difference;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H43 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Project Evaluation; Social Discount Rate
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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