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Determinants of the Digital Divide: Evidence from France

Author

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  • Mathilde Aubouin

    (GAEL - Laboratoire d'Economie Appliquée de Grenoble - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - Grenoble INP - Institut polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis accelerated the digital transition and reinforced the existing digital divide. This paper aims to identify the determinants of internet inequalities in access, usage, and type of usage in France and the reasons behind the lack of access to the internet. Using French Institute of Statistics (INSEE) surveys between 2007 and 2019 and pseudo-panel methodology, we show that generation, education, and income are significant determinants of the probability of having an internet access and to use it. However, disparities in the type of internet use are less pronounced. The fight against the digital divide in France must therefore be directed at facilitating access to an Internet connection. The two main barriers are the lack of skills and the cost of internet access. Hence, we recommend investing in digital education and providing financial support to bridge the digital divide.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathilde Aubouin, 2023. "Determinants of the Digital Divide: Evidence from France," Post-Print hal-04430813, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04430813
    DOI: 10.2307/48744150
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital Divide; Internet Use; Internet Access; Pseudo-Panel Methods; France;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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