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  3. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
  4. August 2021
  5. Wired and Hired: Employment Effects of Subsidized Broadband Internet for Low-Income Americans

Wired and Hired: Employment Effects of Subsidized Broadband Internet for Low-Income Americans

  • George W. Zuo
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
vol. 13, no. 3, August 2021
(pp. 447-82)
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Abstract

I present evidence on the relationship between broadband pricing and labor market outcomes for low-income individuals. Specifically, I estimate the effects of a Comcast service providing discounted broadband to qualifying low-income families. I use a triple differences strategy exploiting geographic variation in Comcast coverage, individual variation in eligibility, and temporal variation pre- and postlaunch. Local program availability increased employment rates and earnings of eligible individuals, driven by greater labor force participation and decreased probability of unemployment. Internet use increased substantially where the program was available.

Citation

Zuo, George W. 2021. "Wired and Hired: Employment Effects of Subsidized Broadband Internet for Low-Income Americans." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 13 (3): 447-82. DOI: 10.1257/pol.20190648

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • I32 Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
  • J22 Time Allocation and Labor Supply
  • J31 Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
  • L82 Entertainment; Media
  • L86 Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
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