PONE-D-23-44061Using a Theory-Driven Agent-Based Model to Explain Rural Broadband Adoption DynamicsPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Canfield,

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: “Using a Theory-Driven Agent-Based Model to Explain Rural Broadband Adoption Dynamics”

First and foremost, I suggest that you rephrase your full title to “Analysis of Rural Broadband Adoption Dynamics: A Theory-Driven Agent-Based Model.”

Referring to the introduction section, you may use questions to state your research question, or to clarify an issue that requires future research. Normally, however, you should avoid using questions in your formal or academic writing.

Do not use “i)” within paragraphs. Instead, use discourse markers. Similarly, the discussion section includes “a)” etc. in-text. Please note that these are used as bullets. Use discourse markers like “one, secondly, moreover” only.

In the introduction section, there are many statements that do not have a reference. Make sure that you reference every statement properly. For example, the paragraph where you have talked about the pandemic has zero in-text citations.

As per PLOS guidelines, the introduction section must include a brief review of the key literature. I found that in the start of the “Modelling Broadband Adoption” section.

It is imperative to include the GitHub repository URL in references instead of in the main text. Simply include the author and year of publication as in-text citation. The URL goes in the corresponding reference list entry.

Kindly rephrase figure 1 title as per the PLOS guidelines. Include the description as part of the legend (instead of the title). Same case in figures 3, 4, and 6.

Lastly, for clarity purpose, separate the discussion and conclusion sections. Alternatively, make sub-sections in the mixed section.

All in all, this is a very good paper and has considerable potential to get published. Good luck!

Reviewer #2: 1. Rewrite the abstract to reflect the work.

2. The introduction is lack of research gap and questions.

3. I the model is design by authors?

4. What re the contributions?

5. What type of software or technology are used for the implementation of model?

6. The author should compare the results with literature.

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Reviewer #1: Yes: Bilal Aftab

Reviewer #2: No

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Analysis of Rural Broadband Adoption Dynamics: A Theory-Driven Agent-Based Model

PONE-D-23-44061R1

Dear Dr. Canfield,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Muhammad Nasir Khan, PhD

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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