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Title:
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A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE PERCEIVED DRIVERS OF THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY |
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Author(s):
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Ayanda Magida and Brian Armstrong |
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ISBN:
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978-989-8704-44-3 |
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Editors:
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Hans Weghorn and Pedro Isaias |
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Year:
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2022 |
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Edition:
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Single |
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Keywords:
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Drivers of the Digital Divide, Internet Access, Developing Country, Qualitative Study |
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Type:
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Short Paper |
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First Page:
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232 |
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Last Page:
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236 |
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Language:
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English |
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Cover:
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Full Contents:
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click to dowload 
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Paper Abstract:
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The study aimed to assess the perceived drivers of the digital divide in developing countries. In-depth interviews were collected with the public members to understand their perceptions and drivers of the digital divide. A total of 12 qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted for the study. The participants believed that the internet and data costs were exorbitant and made it difficult for those living below the poverty line to afford data. The participant also highlighted the infrastructure challenges, such as spectrum availability and load shedding, as potentially driving the digital divide. Most participants believed that the digital divide challenges are deeply embedded in the societal and economic challenges that continue to affect the country. Although studies support that the access divide has been bridged in other countries, in South Africa, access issues continue to be challenging and are driven by the above factors. The study provided some insights into digital divide perceptions. |
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