Does Providing Free Internet Access to Low-Income Households Affect COVID-19 Spread?

This paper evaluates whether a policy of providing free, at-home internet for lower-income households can reduce COVID-19 case rates among those households. Using data from a pilot program in Toronto, I find that the introduction of free, at-home internet in large apartment blocks within a low-income neighbourhood leads to a 13.5% reduction in weekly cases in that neighbourhood. Having in-home WiFi reduces the propensity of residents to visit businesses in the arts, entertainment, and recreation category, suggesting that WiFi benefits residents by providing in-home substitutes for leisure activities