No Need for Speed

Communication technologies, including cell phones and social media, increase awareness and connections to resources. A UN panel addressing broadband inclusion concluded that the technology is an essential infrastructure that could reduce poverty. Funding fiber-optic cable for broadband in developing nations may speed connections, but not be the fastest route to eliminating poverty, contends economist Charles Kenny in an essay for Foreign Policy. Take India for example: The nation doesn’t rank among the top 100 nations for average connection speed, yet its IT industry has the largest share of the business process offshoring market. There’s little evidence that broadband contributes to economic growth; instead, economic growth may encourage investment in the service. Studies in the US show subsidized loans for rural broadband had little impact on employment or business establishment. Kenny concludes that speed spurs entertainment options, while health, education, business and governance have more pressing priorities than broadband access. – YaleGlobal