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Digital divide among the Indian households: extent and correlates

Author

Listed:
  • Ankush Agrawal

    (Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi)

  • Chavi Asrani

    (Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi)

Abstract

Access to devices is fundamental to appropriate benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). India's ICT adoption has been rapid but with substantial disparities. This study examines the correlates of possession of two ICT devices, mobile phones and computers, using large-sample household surveys from India. The device with a higher level of adoption (mobile phone) was characterised by relatively weak association with socioeconomic and demographic factors whereas the device with a lower level of adoption (computer) witnessed strong association with these factors. Our findings highlight the differences in characteristics of early and late adopters and endorse the theory of diffusion of technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Ankush Agrawal & Chavi Asrani, 2018. "Digital divide among the Indian households: extent and correlates," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 38(4), pages 2444-2466.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-18-00345
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ICT adoption; India; mobile phone; computer; digital divide;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L9 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy

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