Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Arthur Grimes
Author-X-Name-First: Arthur
Author-X-Name-Last: Grimes
Author-Email: arthur.grimes@motu.org.nz
Author-Workplace-Name: Motu Economic and Public Policy Research
Author-Name: Wilbur Townsend
Author-X-Name-First: Wilbur
Author-X-Name-Last: Townsend
Author-Email: wilbur.townsend@motu.org.nz
Author-Workplace-Name: Motu Economic and Public Policy Research
Title: The Effect of Fibre Broadband on Student Learning
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
Length: 24 pages
Creation-Date: 2017-04
File-URL: https://motu-www.motu.org.nz/wpapers/17_03.pdf
Number: 17_03
Classification-JEL: H43; H54; I28
Keywords: Fibre broadband, UFB, Education, Difference in difference
Handle: RePEc:mtu:wpaper:17_03