Broadband for Socio-Economic Development: A Case Study: Broadband in the State of Pará, Brazil

Abstract

Broadband telecommunications have been shown to make a positive impact on socio-economic development. This paper presents a case study: Broadband development in the state of Pará, Brazil. Pará has undertaken a major project to expand and extend its broadband network to cover not only the urban areas, but the river dwellers and remote populations in the vast Amazon region. The paper discusses Pará's socio-economic development plan and how broadband is expected to contribute to achieving the goals of the plan. The situation prior to implementation of the broadband project is outlined, and the elements of the project expansion are set forth. Finally, the impact on the state's socio-economic development is discussed, with particular focus on the verticalization of agriculture and enhanced educational opportunities. The expected benefits are supported by evidence from programs in other Brazilian states and from other countries.