However, Gillett et al. ( With both points of view in mind, it would appear that the strength of the relationship is highest once the technology has achieved a certain critical mass but before it reaches saturation (see Figure 2). At low levels of broadband penetration, we believe the impact of broadband on the economy is minimal due to the "critical mass" concept. According to the "return to scale" theory, the impact of telecommunications infrastructure on the economic output is maximized once the infrastructure reaches a critical mass point, generally associated with levels of penetration of developed countries.