The rural economic development implications of telecommunications: Evidence from Pennsylvania

摘要

This study quantitatively examines the impact of telecommunications infrastructure investment on rural society in Pennsylvania. Analysis shows that access to advanced telecommunications services in Pennsylvania varies by geographic region. Telecommunications service prices mirror this disparity, semi-urban and urban residential and business customers with greater access to advanced services experience significantly higher local prices than other Pennsylvania customers. This paper quantifies the impact of telecommunications network infrastructure investment, service availability and pricing. In addition, the paper analyzes the interdependent relationship between economic activity and telecommunications infrastructure investment at the state and county levels.