This report assesses whether policies to raise broadband availability will contribute, as hoped, to local economic development. PPIC analysis relies on the fact that broadband technology has diffused unevenly throughout the United States, thus allowing us to compare economic indicators between areas with greater and less growth in broadband availability. Using broadband data from the Federal Communications Commission and economic data from several government and proprietary sources, researchers examine broadband availability and economic activity throughout the nation between 1999 and 2006.