Title: Public/private partnerships for broadband buildout

Authors: Carol C. McDonough

Addresses: Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, USA

Abstract: Public-private partnerships for the development of broadband infrastructure have been proposed as a method of increasing buildout, while addressing such issues as the digital divide and network externalities. This paper begins with a summary of the history of public/private interplay in the telecommunications industry. The defining parameters of a public/private partnership are then identified and discussed. These parameters include ownership vs. control, the role of government regulators, foreign participation, laws and legal precedents, the maturity of the existing network, and risk perception. The paper concludes with recommendations on the formation of public/private partnerships for broadband buildout.

Keywords: network economics; public-private partnerships; PPP; broadband buildout; telecommunications infrastructure; telecommunications industry; telecommunications history; risk perception; legal precedents; government regulation; foreign investment; broadband infrastructure; digital divide; network externalities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMNE.2009.030593

International Journal of Management and Network Economics, 2009 Vol.1 No.3, pp.299 - 307

Published online: 24 Dec 2009 *

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