Analysis of rural broadband adoption dynamics: A theory-driven agent-based model

Ankit Agarwal, Casey Canfield · 2024 · PLoS ONE

Summary. Rural broadband adoption lags behind demand, especially after COVID-19 exposed digital divides. This paper develops an agent-based model grounded in behavioral theory to predict how rural residents adopt broadband internet. The model shows that adoption rates rise when more neighbors already use internet and when prices drop. Policymakers and internet providers can use such simulations to target infrastructure investment and design subsidies that effectively reduce the digital divide.

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Agarwal, A., & Canfield, C.. (2024). Analysis of rural broadband adoption dynamics: A theory-driven agent-based model. PLoS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302146

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  title   = {Analysis of rural broadband adoption dynamics: A theory-driven agent-based model},
  author  = {Ankit Agarwal and Casey Canfield},
  journal = {PLoS ONE},
  year    = {2024},
  doi     = {10.1371/journal.pone.0302146},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302146}
}

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TI  - Analysis of rural broadband adoption dynamics: A theory-driven agent-based model
AU  - Ankit Agarwal
AU  - Casey Canfield
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Details

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302146
Countries: United States
Regions: North America
Categories: broadband-and-digital, policy
Added: 2026-04-28