Telecommunications and rural economies: Findings from the Appalachian region

Abstract

This research investigates the relationship between telecommunications infrastructure, economic conditions, and federal and state policies and initiatives. It presents a detailed look at the telecommunications environment of the Appalachian region, particularly focusing on broadband technologies. A strong, positive association exists between telecommunications infrastructure and economic status. The effects of federal and state universal service policies are examined, as well as some of the ways states have leveraged their own infrastructure to improve telecommunications capabilities in their region. Other state and local telecommunications-related programs are noted.