Study of Broadband Penetration Levels and Socioeconomic Determinants in Osun State

Broadband internet penetration is widely recognized as a key enabler of socioeconomic development, and understanding the demographic and economic factors that shape access patterns is essential for targeted policy interventions. This study examines broadband penetration levels and their socioeconomic determinants in Osun State, South West Nigeria. A household survey design was employed, with structured questionnaires administered to 420 households across urban, peri-urban, and rural communities in Osogbo, Ife, and Ede local government areas. The survey captured data on internet access type, frequency of use, monthly expenditure on connectivity, household income, education level, and occupation. Secondary data from the Nigerian Communications Commission's state-level subscriber database were used for triangulation. Results indicate that broadband penetration in Osun State was 34%, with mobile broadband constituting 91% of all broadband connections. Fixed broadband penetration was negligible at 2.7%. Household income was the strongest predictor of broadband adoption, with low-income households having one-fifth the probability of adoption compared to middle-income households. Education level above secondary school correlated significantly with broadband use. Geographic proximity to urban centers reduced barriers to access. The study recommends income-linked broadband subsidy programs, public Wi-Fi hotspot deployment in market centers and local government headquarters, and digital literacy training targeting low-income communities. Keywords: broadband penetration, socioeconomic factors, Osun State, digital access, household survey.