Building Better Broadband: Analysis of the Effect of Demand-Side Policies on East African Internet Access

Abstract

This research examines the link between country broadband policies and broadband penetration. It delves into the ways that central governments might influence the supply and demand of broadband while focusing on the efficacy of increasing information and communications technology-enabled education. The countries considered in the study are Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The specific research question articulated is: does the deployment of additional ICT-led education investment result in greater broadband access and affordability in those three countries? Relevant broadband background is provided in the opening section, with additional context lent to demand- and supply-side stimuli as well as a discussion of markets, regulation, and ICT education as levers for broadband access. Next, the three country case studies are presented, with each highlighting past policies undertaken by the considered countries in addition to dissecting forward-looking documents provided by the same. Analysis of the three countries’ ICT-led education investment against their broadband penetration using an OLS regression model suggests that increased proportional ICT funding within education results in greater penetration. The integrity of the data is discussed, after which the report concludes that ICT-enabled education contributes to broadband affordability in the three countries. The study furnishes a brief recommendation for the implementation of a firm, outcomes-oriented policy to facilitate broadband-centered investment in education.