Regional telecommunications infrastructure: A multivariate analysis

Abstract

Background: Telecommunications services are provided with infrastructure that has a multifactorial character and that is relevant for its impact on economic performance and, therefore, on employment and the standard of living of the population. To date there is no proposal in the academy, which exclusively measures the infrastructure and has been applied at a local level. The purpose of this study is to define a quantitative index to determine the sectoral infrastructure that the different states in Mexico have. Methodology: The index is estimated through the weighted average of indicators, proving the suitability of the sample through tests and multivariate analysis techniques, and calculating the specific weights of each indicator through principal components. Results: The estimated composite index allows for a measurement designed exclusively to detect the advance or lag in infrastructure provision. Conclusions: An index to determine the sectoral infrastructure at state level is estimated. This measurement provides useful information for the definition of specific public policies.