Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Kim, Ayoung

Committee Member

Mills, Devon

Committee Member

Green, John J.

Date of Degree

8-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 2 Years

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Agricultural Economics

Abstract

The study aims to summarize and synthesize 236 mean willingness to pay (WTP) estimates from 22 studies on WTP for broadband while exploring factors driving heterogeneity using a meta-regression analysis. Employing weighted least square regression, it identifies factors contributing to heterogeneity, including publication characteristics, study-design characteristics, consumer characteristics, and broadband attributes. Key findings reveal higher WTP in working papers and survey reports compared to peer-reviewed journal articles. WTP for broadband after 2015 is lower compared to pre-2007, potentially reflecting a shift in consumer perception over time. Higher download speeds are associated with increased WTP, and rural areas exhibit a nearly $2 higher WTP than urban areas. Households with income below $75,000 exhibit lower WTP than higher-earning counterparts. These findings are valuable for policymakers, extension specialists, researchers, and internet service providers to address broadband adoption barriers and bridge the availability-adoption gap.

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