Significant differences in mobile broadband penetration rates exist among countries. This dissertation studies whether public policies influence these differences. It does so by examining the factors that are related to mobile broadband penetration. Within this framework, it aims to understand what kind of policies/regulations, if any, are necessary and/or sufficient conditions for higher mobile broadband (high speed mobile Internet) penetration rates. Although many studies have probed the factors influencing fixed broadband penetration, few studies have focused on mobile broadband. Because policy, supply, and demand factors interact with each other, it is difficult to examine the complexity of multiple interactions among these factors by only using economic approaches or case studies. In order to capture the complicated interactions among these factors, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) was utilized in addition to econometric approaches to analyze the policy and economic factors that affect mobile broadband penetration. This allows a detailed examination of how broadband-related regulations/policies and other economic factors (both on the supply and demand side of broadband markets) affect mobile broadband penetration in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries.Using QCA, the dissertation found six necessary conditions for higher mobile broadband penetration: 1) technology neutrality, 2) higher quality of regulation, 3) higher fixed broadband penetration rates, 4) higher mobile competitive intensity, 5) higher urban population, and 6) higher education. Analyzing sufficient conditions showed several paths for a country to have higher mobile broadband penetration, all of which were combinations of factors. This indicates the complexity of the interaction of various conditions for mobile broadband penetration. According to the sufficient solutions, high education, high income, higher fixed broadband penetration, a competitive mobile market, and higher urban population were the most important factors for a country to have higher mobile broadband penetration rates. The results of econometric analyses were largely consistent with these findings and also found income, education, and competition to be important determinants of mobile broadband penetration. Overall, the dissertation shows that policy makers may be able to contribute to increased mobile broadband penetration if they can improve the six conditions necessary for such an outcome. However, it is more difficult to find conditions that are sufficient. The analysis suggests that the sufficient conditions to improve mobile broadband penetration vary depending on the specific circumstances. For example, if a country does not have high income, it is important for the government to include mobile broadband into the universal service objective. Although some factors can be affected by policy makers in the short run or long run, some factors such as education are outside of the remit of broadband regulators and therefore require broader policy coordination.
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