Assessment of Broadband Internet Penetration and Its Socioeconomic Impacts in Rural Communities of Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Broadband internet penetration in rural areas is a key driver of socioeconomic development, and understanding its current state and impact in underserved North East Nigerian communities can inform targeted infrastructure investment decisions. This study assesses broadband internet penetration levels and evaluates perceived socioeconomic impacts in selected rural communities of Taraba State. A descriptive survey was conducted in six rural communities across two local government areas, with structured questionnaires administered to 230 household heads and community leaders selected through systematic sampling. Variables included internet access type, daily usage duration, access cost, and perceived changes in livelihoods, business income, educational outcomes, and healthcare information access attributable to internet availability. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were computed in SPSS. Literature from North East Nigeria identifies mobile broadband through 3G and 4G networks as the dominant internet access modality in rural areas, with satellite internet penetration minimal among low-income rural households. The Information and Communication Technology for Development framework provides the theoretical reference. Findings indicate broadband penetration of 28 percent across surveyed households, with mobile internet users reporting measurable improvements in market price information access and remittance receipt efficiency. The study recommends expanded Universal Service Provision Fund allocation to North East underserved communities, last-mile connectivity partnerships with state governments, and community-level digital hub establishment in Taraba State. Keywords: broadband penetration, rural communities, Taraba State, socioeconomic impact, North East Nigeria.