IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Development Impacts of Free Public Wi-Fi in Johannesburg

Development Impacts of Free Public Wi-Fi in Johannesburg
View Sample PDF
Author(s): Judy Backhouse (United Nations University, Portugal)and Hlelo Chauke (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa)
Copyright: 2020
Pages: 22
Source title: Handbook of Research on Managing Information Systems in Developing Economies
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Richard Boateng (University of Ghana, Ghana)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-2610-1.ch018

Purchase

View Development Impacts of Free Public Wi-Fi in Johannesburg on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) promise development gains, yet the complexity and opacity of the relationships between ICT initiative and development effect makes it difficult to identify these development gains or to theorize connections. This case study does both. First, it identifies the connections between the roll-out of free public Wi-Fi by the City of Johannesburg and changes that have resulted in city residents' lives. Second, it uses the choice framework to explain how these changes come about. This qualitative case study conducted interviews with users of the city's free public Wi-Fi service to understand how the service has changed the choices they have, leading to development in the sense of increased capabilities. Benefits identified included easier communications, savings in time and money, social and psychological benefits, as well as increased knowledge, business ideas, access to markets, access to job opportunities, and increased income. This study demonstrates how the linkages can be understood, albeit not in a linear fashion.

Related Content

Sonal Linda. © 2024. 24 pages.
Yasmin Yousaf Mossa, Peter Smith, Kathleen Ann Bland. © 2024. 40 pages.
Ugochukwu Okwudili Matthew, Jazuli Sanusi Kazaure, Charles Chukwuebuka Ndukwu, Godwin Nse Ebong, Andrew Chinonso Nwanakwaugwu, Ubochi Chibueze Nwamouh. © 2024. 29 pages.
Shruti Jose, Priyakrushna Mohanty. © 2024. 20 pages.
Richa Srishti. © 2024. 15 pages.
Aleksei Alipichev, Liudmila Nazarova, Yana Chistova. © 2024. 21 pages.
Mustafa Öztürk Akcaoğlu, Burcu Karabulut Coşkun. © 2024. 18 pages.
Body Bottom