Abstract:
Utilizes econometric tools to assess the impact of broadband on the Panamanian economy. The telecommunication sector in Panama equals 3.0% of the country's GDP and 1.2% of all jobs. Furthermore, the indirect contributions of fixed broadband usage generated 9.6% of economic growth in the country. Current mobile use in Panama is split between phones with Internet access and dedicated mobile broadband services. 45.4% of the population is estimated to adopt mobile broadband connections by 2016. Mobility use of 3G and LTE will also help connect rural regions of the country to the rest of the world thereby helping digital literacy. Future challenges include accelerating mobile broadband adoption and developing applications in education, public health, media, entertainment, and government services.
Author:
The Broadband Commission for Digital Development
Industry Focus:
Information & Telecommunication