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A micro-econometric evaluation of the ‘France Très Haut Débit’ plan

Project Status Completed

Context

Public and private investment in the roll-out of superfast broadband is considerable (around 20 billion euros in France). It is based on the assumption that superfast broadband will have a positive impact on business performance and the attractiveness of regions. Assessing the socio-economic impacts of high-speed broadband networks is therefore crucial in order to judge the appropriateness of the investment made and to estimate the National High-Speed Broadband Programme’s (PFTHD) ability to achieve its objectives in terms of promoting the competitiveness of the French economy and the uptake of digital technology.

Presentation

The aim of this research project is to conduct a quantitative analysis examining the multidimensional effects brought about by the roll-out of superfast broadband in different regions, in terms of both business and household behaviour.

Our study focuses in particular on changes in digital usage brought about by high-speed broadband (particularly within businesses), and aims, in a second stage, to estimate the impacts of these changes in usage on the structure of economic activity (business start-ups, relocation of business premises, and employment trends within firms), and on household income and expenditure (population, non-wage income, rents and property prices).

Given the health crisis that occurred during the course of this research project, part of this report uses very recent data to assess the resilience of areas
connected to high-speed broadband in a context of social and professional distancing.

This analysis draws on micro-econometric tools designed to estimate the causal effect of the roll-out of high-speed broadband in a defined area at a granular level (either the local authority area or the cadastral parcel), by comparing it with other similar areas not benefiting from superfast broadband during that period. In particular, comparing these two types of areas before and after the arrival of superfast broadband enables us to quantify the effect of this event.

Research Team

This project is led by the pole Firms.
Coordinator: Clément Malgouyres
Clément Malgouyres
Clément Malgouyres
Nicolas Ghio
Nicolas Ghio
Arthur Guillouzouic
Arthur Guillouzouic
Paul Dutronc-Postel
Paul Dutronc-Postel

Partners

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Last modified: July 20, 2026