Revitalizing the Quantitative Understanding of the Digital Divide: An Uptake on the Digital Divide Indicators

Abstract

Recent advances in ICT research have uncovered several facts regarding the nature of the digital divide. Following the renewed dimensions of the term, the need for universally accepted digital divide indicators has significantly heightened across the academic and policy discourses. Traditionally, researchers have subscribed to the belief that the digital divide is a mere separation between “have” and “have nots”; however, as the digital technology continues to experience innovation in the information age, digital divide is increasingly being understood as a multidimensional phenomena. The research to date has mostly focused on the qualitative rather than the quantitative nature of the digital divide. The few existent accounts of quantitative studies on the digital divide are often criticized for deploying unreliable data in their analysis. Inaccurate predictions significantly derail policymakers’ abilities to form appropriate action plans in combating the digital divide. OECD and ITU have been hitting on front lines with their extensive research in ICT. This paper seeks to emphasize the quantitative understanding of the digital divide by reviewing the relevant literature and acknowledging the top indicators in the field. Apart from OECD and ITU, there is a general lack of research in determining the ICT indicators. Along with reviewing the relevant literature on latest ICT indicators, this study has documented twenty-nine significant ICT indicators and highlighted the need for future research into quantitative nature of the digital divide.