The welfare effects of mobile broadband internet: Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract

This paper estimates the impacts of mobile broadband coverage on household welfare in Nigeria. The analysis exploits a unique data set that integrates a longitudinal household survey with information from Nigerian mobile operators on the deployment of mobile broadband internet between 2010 and 2016. Overall, estimates show that mobile broadband coverage had large and positive impacts on household consumption thereby reducing poverty significantly. This effect is if anything stronger among poorer households. Labor force participation explains a big part of this welfare-enhancing effect.