Digital Roots or Digital Routes? Broadband Expansion and the Rural-Urban Migration in China

Shuang Ma () and Ren Mu ()
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Shuang Ma: Guangzhou University
Ren Mu: Texas A&M University

No 17752, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This study investigates broadband internet's impact on rural-urban migration in China, using the Universal Broadband and Telecommunication Services pilot program as a quasi-experimental setting. Analyzing China Household Finance Survey data (2013-2021) through difference-in-differences estimation, we find that improved internet access significantly increased rural-urban migration. Effects were strongest in villages with initially low migrant populations, locations closer to county centers, and those with better road infrastructure. At the individual level, impacts were most pronounced among females, younger people, the more educated, and those from higher-income households. Increased attention to economic information, rather than enhanced e-commerce opportunities, appears to drive these migration decisions. Our findings suggest broadband creates “digital routes” facilitating outmigration rather than “digital roots” anchoring residents to rural areas.

Keywords: migration; urbanization; information and communications technology; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L86 O15 R2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-03
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