University / Organisation : Telecom Paris

Paper or project ? project

Title : Connecting Votes, Exploring the Impact of Broadband Infrastructure Deployment on Voter Behavior

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Abstract : Implemented in 2013 in France, the Plan France Très Haut Debit (PFTHD) is meant to support the global broadband coverage (fiber coverage) in France, subsidizing the municipalities where deploying the network is not cost effective for private actors. While the objective is to cover 100% of french territory, mayors may be interested in using their local power to influence priority on this process, for re-election purposes. Thus, the aim of this project is to focus empirically on local effects of broadband network deployment, as municipal elections capture satisfaction on local infrastructure projects Using data on broadband network availability and municipal elections, we estimate the probability of reelection of a mayor depending on the broadband network availability and other related variables. Overall, the effect of fiber deployment on reelection is positive (except for 2015), with an increasing trend. However, the magnitude of the effect is sensible, being globally inferior to 1 point of percentage in vote share. Even though mayors at municipal level are not directly involved in fiber deployment policies, they can play a significant part in allocating deployment priorities in their best interest. This kind of electioneering behaviour is not new when we consider infrastructure deployment, but considering fiber deployment it may have democratic implications due to the "informational" effect of broadband network infrastructure