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Exploring the Multi-Level Digital Divide in Mobile Phone Adoption: A Comparison of Developing Nations

Author

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  • M Vimalkumar

    (Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli)

  • Jang Bahadur Singh

    (Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli)

  • Sujeet Kumar Sharma

    (Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli)

Abstract

Mobile phones are the most accessible information and communication technology today, and they serve as the gateway to high-speed internet for large populations in developing economies. However, despite the progress, there remains a persistent disparity in mobile phone usage among users, and between users and non-users, in developing countries. However, the literature on the digital divide has paid limited attention to the multi-level nature of this gap in mobile phone adoption and use, particularly in developing countries. This research paper provides a comparative analysis of this divide in mobile phone usage in eight developing nations from Africa and Asia. Broadly, the study categorises individuals into three groups: mobile phone non-users, mobile phone users who do not use internet applications and mobile phone users who use applications that need internet access. The disparity between these users was analysed using micro-level survey data from each country. The study results show that the nature of the divide varies across countries and that the influence of socio-demographic factors is not consistent. Further, we find that there is a larger digital divide in terms of mobile phone usage in Asian countries when compared to African countries. The study recommends that policymakers and international agencies exercise caution while developing one-size-fits-all cross-country policies to address the multi-level digital divide.

Suggested Citation

  • M Vimalkumar & Jang Bahadur Singh & Sujeet Kumar Sharma, 2021. "Exploring the Multi-Level Digital Divide in Mobile Phone Adoption: A Comparison of Developing Nations," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1057-1076, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:23:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10796-020-10032-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-020-10032-5
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