Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Economics

First Advisor

Lisa George

Second Advisor

Karna Basu

Academic Program Adviser

Karna Basu

Abstract

Broadband speeds have important effects on firms and households. Using data from the FCC ``Form 477" database, the Census Planning database, and Google's solicitation to communities interested in high-speed internet (Google Fiber RFI), I estimate the effect of Google Fiber rollout on internet download speeds offered by incumbent firms to consumers. I implement a difference-in-difference approach using census Metropolitan Statistical Areas as my definition of a broadband market. My approach captures both the direct and spillover effects of Google Fiber rollout. My findings show that average incumbents’ speed is 20 percent higher in markets where Google Fiber entered; the results are statistically significant

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