Expanding broadband access through wireless networks would be cheaper than building fixed wireline networks, however the benefits would be smaller, according to the group's latest study.
Reaching 90% of the world's people with wireless service by 2030, up from 32% now, would produce economic gains of $17 for every $1 spent, it estimated. That's below the $21 in benefits from a building out fixed broadband networks.
Expansion of fixed broadband access would generate larger gains by boosting productivity in developed countries such as the U.S., while building mobile broadband networks would benefit poorer people in less developed countries, Lomborg said."