The effects of telecommunications infrastructure on Latin America’s economic growth

Resumen

We examine the effects of telecommunications infrastructure on economic growth in 15 countries of Latin America (LA) for the period 1995-2016. We estimate the aggregate relationship of economic growth with electricity access, individuals using the internet, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) imports, while accounting for other key macroeconomic variables using a static and dynamic model. The results confirm that there is a positive relationship between economic growth and electricity access, internet accessibility, and ICT imports. These results provide evidence to conclude that telecommunications infrastructure contributes to economic growth for LA countries.