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Development of the ICT sector and the determinants of Internet use in the Southern Caucasus

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  • Doyar, Bayram Veli
  • Rzali, Shamsi
  • Dikkaya, Mehmet

Abstract

This paper examines Internet use in the Southern Caucasus by qualitative and quantitative methods. Firstly, as the developments in ICTs affect Internet use, the macroeconomic problems faced in the development of the sector are qualitatively analyzed. It is seen that high Internet service prices, government dominance, and lack of competition in the ICT sector as well as the wars in some regions are obstacles to Internet use. Finally, the determinants of Internet use are explored using survey data and employing microeconometric techniques considering sample selection. The empirical findings, inter alia, indicate that key variables contributing to frequent Internet use are computer ability in Armenia and computer ownership in Azerbaijan, and mobile phone ownership in Georgia.

Suggested Citation

  • Doyar, Bayram Veli & Rzali, Shamsi & Dikkaya, Mehmet, 2023. "Development of the ICT sector and the determinants of Internet use in the Southern Caucasus," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:47:y:2023:i:1:s0308596122001574
    DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2022.102455
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Internet; Innovation; ICT; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Georgia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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