No, The Internet Does Not Distract: Evidence from Tennessee for the Effects of Publicly Funded Gigabit Internet on Academic Performance

Abstract

Despite the importance of the internet within the lives of U.S. citizens, the nation still experiences an ongoing digital divide. This separation not only affects access to online services but also prevents individuals from receiving the educational spillover effects that ultimately influence societal productivity. This study focuses on Chattanooga, Tennessee and its neighboring counties to examine the academic effects of publicly funded fiber optic networks. Specifically, this occurs through an event study of Hamilton County’s EdConnect program and a difference-in-difference regression of Gig — a publicly funded fiber optic network started in Chattanooga — within select Tennessee counties. The results show a weakly positive relationship between the presence of EdConnect and academic performance, quantified by TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) test scores. Furthermore, Gig demonstrates a statistically significant positive effect on education within specific circumstances. All students receive a notable benefit in Mathematics learning, elementary school students experience a strong positive growth in ELA (English Language Arts) in addition to Mathematics, and high school students exhibit statistically significant positive impact across all subjects. Collectively, this demonstrates how online connectivity does not generate a detrimental distraction on student performance, countering contemporary political arguments that motivate legislative proposals that would limit internet access in schools. Instead, this study argues for the U.S. government to invest in publicly funded fiber optic networks in order to harness the economic benefits within both domestic and international markets.