The impact of Internet Para Todos (IPT) in providing connectivity in Peru

Abstract

Access to the internet in isolated areas is still a challenge for many developing countries, especially in those that present a complex geography such as Peru. In 2018, the Internet Para Todos (IPT) initiative was launched in the country as a public-private organization aimed at reducing the digital divide through an innovative business model based on interoperable technological infrastructure. This study analyzes the impact that IPT has had on the country's connectivity using differences-in-differences regression models. We rely on department-level coverage data provided by IPT, as well as on outcome variables from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI). Our results demonstrate that IPT has had a positive impact on reducing the digital divide in Peru, according to several metrics. Moreover, the territories more favored by the initiative seemed to be those with lower income, lower education levels, the less connected ones and those facing more difficult geographic conditions. These results provide support to initiatives aimed at replicating the IPT model in other countries with similar connectivity issues and characteristics to those of Peru.

Access to the internet in isolated areas is still a challenge for many developing countries, especially in those that present a complex geography such as Peru. In 2018, the Internet Para Todos (IPT) initiative was launched in the country as a public-private organization aimed at reducing the digital divide through an innovative business model based on interoperable technological infrastructure. This study analyzes the impact that IPT has had on the country's connectivity using differences-in-differences regression models. We rely on department-level coverage data provided by IPT, as well as on outcome variables from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI). Our results demonstrate that IPT has had a positive impact on reducing the digital divide in Peru, according to several metrics. Moreover, the territories more favored by the initiative seemed to be those with lower income, lower education levels, the less connected ones and those facing more difficult geographic conditions. These results provide support to initiatives aimed at replicating the IPT model in other countries with similar connectivity issues and characteristics to those of Peru.