Considerations on broadband policy in Brazil: a case study of overlapping programs

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of the current Brazilian broadband policy and identify the key factors that could contribute to its successful implementation and avoid duplication of support and infrastructure and save public money.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an exhaustive survey was carried out on all broadband programs active in Brazil, listing the main objectives, beneficiaries and budget. As a qualitative and quantitative method, FODG (fragmentation, overlap, duplication and gaps) analysis was applied to the 17 programs identified, and then a case study of overlapping was presented. Finally, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the potential financial benefits resulting from correcting the overlapping broadband programs.

Findings

Results show that the current broadband policy implemented in Brazil has signs of fragmentation, overlap and duplication between programs and a great focus on the dimensions of deployment and universalization of broadband service, to the detriment of those related to meaningful communication.

Research limitations/implications

The scarcity and incongruity of panel data are the main research limitations for a more extensive comparative study.

Practical implications

The findings indicate the need to implement a national broadband strategy with a long-term vision, instrumentalized in a plan, and multisectoral and interfederative coordination based on efficient planning.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to compare broadband programs in Brazil from various perspectives of public policy and estimate financial benefits using a mathematical model.

Citation

Paula, R.S.d. and Fraidenraich, G. (2025), "Considerations on broadband policy in Brazil: a case study of overlapping programs", Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-09-2024-0222