Why broadband availability differs across states in the U.S.?

Exploring the role of state administrative capacity

Abstract

The U.S. government has made various efforts to increase broadband access, even before the pandemic. However, there is still a significant gap in broadband coverage across U.S. states, indicating the persistence of digital divides. Previous research has focused on geographic and socio-demographic factors, often overlooking the role of state governments, including state administrative efforts. In this paper, we explore how the administrative capacity of states influences the coverage of four broadband technologies across states in the U.S. Using secondary data, beta regression is employed to explore the impact of state administrative capacities, i.e., broadband plans, grantmaking, broadband offices, broadband maps, and state regulations, on the coverage of cable, fiber optics, fixed wireless, and fiber/cable at urban, rural, and state levels. The findings confirm the dominance of cable, followed by fixed wireless, while fiber shows limited coverage. Infrastructure-focused broadband plans negatively affect fiber optics’ coverage, highlighting implementation challenges. Conversely, grantmaking positively affects fixed wireless but not fiber, highlighting a tendency toward cost-effective, faster-deployment technologies.