Is employment growth affected by the introduction of broadband services? Evidence from firms in Ireland

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of deploying digital subscriber line (DSL) broadband on job creation within existing firms. We use spatial information on broadband and firm locations, exploiting geographical and temporal variation in broadband availability in Ireland during 2007-2014. This is linked to a panel of firm-level data on employment and other characteristics. Econometric models are used to explore the relationship between DSL and employment over time and across local economic and industry contexts. We also investigate whether effects might vary depending upon local educational attainment. We find little evidence of a general effect of DSL roll-out on employment in Irish firms.