Carlo Cambini

Investments in high-speed broadband have received considerable attention from policymakers and researchers. Governments are committing to increasing available internet connection speeds through massive public investments. These policies are motivated by arguments according to which improvements in broadband connections play an important role in fostering productivity, economic growth, innovation, and knowledge.

In recent years, and in line with European Commission plans, telecommunication operators have been facing the need to deploy high-speed, fiber-based infrastructure. What is the socio-economic impact of these new investments on growth and local development? What are their effects on the labor market outcomes, in terms of firm productivity and entrepreneurship? What is the role of regulation and competition in spurring the deployment and the adoption of ultra-fast broadband networks?