On Factors Affecting the Usage and Adoption of a Nation-wide TV Streaming Service

Using nine months of access logs comprising 1.9 Billion sessions to BBC iPlayer, we survey the UK ISP ecosystem to understand the factors affecting adoption and usage of a high bandwidth TV streaming application across different providers. We find evidence that connection speeds are important and that external events can have a huge impact for live TV usage. Then, through a temporal analysis of the access logs, we demonstrate that data usage caps imposed by mobile ISPs significantly affect usage patterns, and look for solutions. We show that product bundle discounts with a related fixed-line ISP, a strategy already employed by some mobile providers, can better support user needs and capture a bigger share of accesses. We observe that users regularly split their sessions between mobile and fixed-line connections, suggesting a straightforward strategy for offloading by speculatively pre-fetching content from a fixed-line ISP before access on mobile devices.Comment: In Proceedings of IEEE INFOCOM 201

The Mobile Generation: Global Transformations at the Cellular Level

Every year we see a new dimension of the ongoing Digital Revolution, which is enabling an abundance of information to move faster, cheaper, in more intelligible forms, in more directions, and across borders of every kind. The exciting new dimension on which the Aspen Institute focused its 2006 Roundtable on Information Technology was mobility, which is making the Digital Revolution ubiquitous. As of this writing, there are over two billion wireless subscribers worldwide and that number is growing rapidly. People are constantly innovating in the use of mobile technologies to allow them to be more interconnected. Almost a half century ago, Ralph Lee Smith conjured up "The Wired Nation," foretelling a world of interactive communication to and from the home that seems commonplace in developed countries today. Now we have a "Wireless World" of communications potentially connecting two billion people to each other with interactive personal communications devices. Widespead adoption of wireless handsets, the increasing use of wireless internet, and the new, on-the-go content that characterizes the new generation of users are changing behaviors in social, political and economic spheres. The devices are easy to use, pervasive and personal. The affordable cell phone has the potential to break down the barriers of poverty and accessibility previously posed by other communications devices. An entire generation that is dependant on ubiquitous mobile technologies is changing the way it works, plays and thinks. Businesses, governments, educational institutions, religious and other organizations in turn are adapting to reach out to this mobile generation via wireless technologies -- from SMS-enabled vending machines in Finland to tech-savvy priests in India willing to conduct prayers transmitted via cell phones. Cellular devices are providing developing economies with opportunities unlike any others previously available. By opening the lines of communication, previously disenfranchised groups can have access to information relating to markets, economic opportunities, jobs, and weather to name just a few. When poor village farmers from Bangladesh can auction their crops on a craigslist-type service over the mobile phone, or government officials gain instantaneous information on contagious diseases via text message, the miracles of mobile connectivity move us from luxury to necessity. And we are only in the early stages of what the mobile electronic communications will mean for mankind. We are now "The Mobile Generation." Aspen Institute Roundtable on Information Technology. To explore the implications of these phenomena, the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program convened 27 leaders from business, academia, government and the non-profit sector to engage in three days of dialogue on related topics. Some are experts in information and communications technologies, others are leaders in the broader society affected by these innovations. Together, they examined the profound changes ahead as a result of the convergence of wireless technologies and the Internet. In the following report of the Roundtable meeting held August 1-4, 2006, J. D. Lasica, author of Darknet and co-founder of Ourmedia.org, deftly sets up, contextualizes, and captures the dialogue on the impact of the new mobility on economic models for businesses and governments, social services, economic development, and personal identity

The Future of TV and Online Video Platforms: A Study on Predictors of Use and Interaction with Content in the Egyptian Evolving Telecomm, Media & Entertainment Industries

This study examines the future of TV and online video platforms in the evolving Egyptian market through using the predictors of use and interaction. Built on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, and the theory of technology discontinuities and platforms development, this study extends its framework to explore the relationship between the intention of use and the interaction with content behavior. A sample size of 396 university students answered the survey questions. Unlike other studies, the study found that the perceived ease of use (PEU) is the only variable that is positively correlated to the intention to use online video platforms, yet it shows a significant positive relationship between consumer characteristics (including instrumental orientation [IO], perceived behavioral control [PBC], online flow experience [FLOW]) and intention to use online video platforms. Results show that people are watching less TV, yet the low disposable income might be a serious challenge toward the growth of video platforms. This study offers valuable indicators about changing consumer behavior in the research-weak transitional Egyptian media system

Investigating consumer adoption, usage and impact of broadband: UK households

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Despite a large investment, the majority of countries especially the UK demonstrate a slow adoption of broadband. In order to enhance the adoption and use of broadband this research examines the factors influencing the decisions of household consumers. This research aims to address the two main areas of concern: first, to investigate consumer-level factors affecting the adoption of broadband in UK households; and second, to understand the usage of broadband and its impact upon household consumers in the UK. This research adopted a quantitative approach that was executed in the following steps. First, it developed a conceptual model by selecting and justifying relevant constructs from appropriate theories and models related to technology adoption, usage and impact. Second, it operationalised the constructs by developing and validating the research instrument by employing the content validity, reliability and construct validity approach. Finally, it empirically validated and refined the conceptual model by employing a survey research approach. The findings suggested that all the constructs included in the conceptual model, except knowledge, significantly influence the consumers when adopting broadband in a UK household. The significant constructs include relative advantage, utilitarian outcomes, hedonic outcomes, primary influence, facilitating conditions resources and self-efficacy. The rate and variety of Internet usage is significantly higher for broadband consumers than narrowband ones. It was also found that significantly more numbers of broadband consumers perceived changes in time allocation patterns on various daily life activities than narrowband ones. This research contributes towards theory, practice and policy. The contribution of this research towards theory is that it integrates and determines the appropriate information systems (IS) literature in order to enhance knowledge of technology adoption from the consumers' perspectives. An added contribution to theory is the development and validation of a research instrument that future studies can utilise to examine broadband and other similar technologies in household context. Considering the slow adoption of broadband, this research also provides implications for policy makers and the providers of broadband in order to encourage and promote homogenous adoption and usage

Toward Universal Broadband in Rural Alaska

The TERRA-Southwest project is extending broadband service to 65 communities in the Bristol Bay, Bethel and Yukon-Kuskokwim regions. A stimulus project funded by a combination of grants and loans from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), TERRA-Southwest has installed a middle-mile network using optical fiber and terrestrial microwave. Last-mile service will be through fixed wireless or interconnection with local telephone networks. The State of Alaska, through its designee Connect Alaska, also received federal stimulus funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for tasks that include support for an Alaska Broadband Task Force “to both formalize a strategic broadband plan for the state of Alaska and coordinate broadband activities across relevant agencies and organizations.” Thus, a study of the impact of the TERRA project in southwest Alaska is both relevant and timely. This first phase provides baseline data on current access to and use of ICTs and Internet connectivity in rural Alaska, and some insights about perceived benefits and potential barriers to adoption of broadband. It is also intended to provide guidance to the State Broadband Task Force in determining how the extension of broadband throughout the state could contribute to education, social services, and economic activities that would enhance Alaska’s future. Results of the research could also be used proactively to develop strategies to encourage broadband adoption, and to identify applications and support needed by users with limited ICT skills.Connect Alaska. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration. General Communications Incorporated.Part 1: An Analysis of Internet Use in Southwest Alaska / Introduction / Previous Studies / Current Connectivity / Analytical Framework and Research Methodology / Demographics / Mobile Phones: Access and Use / Access to the Internet / Internet Useage / Considerations about Internet Service / Interest in Broadband / Sources of News / Comparison with National Data / Internet Use by Businesses and Organizations / What Difference may Broadband make in the Region? / Conclusiongs / Part 2 Literature Review / Reference

Digital Infrastructure: Overcoming the digital divide in China and the European Union. CEPS Research Report, November 2017

This study is the result of collaboration among a group of researchers from CEPS and Zhejiang University (ZJU), who decided to team up and analyse the experience of China and the EU in bridging the digital divide. While acknowledging that both China and Europe have undertaken major efforts to reduce socio-economic and geographical disparities by providing network access to ever more citizens, the authors found that investing in physical access alone is not sufficient to enhance inclusion in the information society. They argue that public authorities should also adopt corollary policies to spur social and economic cohesion through innovations that enable disadvantaged regions to catch up with more developed urban areas. In this context, the report calls upon governments to promote digital innovation and entrepreneurship, foster coordinated efforts and adapt their educational systems to the changing labour market

Modeling Internet Diffusion in Developing Countries

Despite the increasing importance of the Internet, there is little work that addresses the degree to which the models and theories of Internet diffusion in developed countries can be applied to Internet diffusion in developing countries. This paper presents the first attempt to address this question through modeling Internet diffusion via a set of variables from social, technical, and environmental determinants. A set of regression analyses and a radar graph are used to analyze the hypotheses. The findings suggest that the factors affecting the Internet diffusion in developed countries do not provide a good fit for modeling Internet diffusion in developing countries. Alternative approaches to modeling Internet diffusion in developing countries are suggested

Broadband diffusion in households of South Africa

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (p. 272-281).This research attempts to investigate the adoption, use and impact of broadband services from a holistic point of view encompassing the factors influencing the adoption, use and impact of broadband. This study explores the broadband developments in South Africa and discusses the challenges faced in increasing the broadband penetration rate within the country

A study to investigate the uptake of digital technology in Ruben FM radio station

Having realized the potential of digital technologies, radio stations in Kenya have embraced technology to improve “interactivity with their listeners”. However, the extent to which digital technologies are used at radio stations and existing challenges and opportunities in uptake is yet to be established. The research\u27s primary goal was to investigate technology uptake in Ruben FM radio stations. Specifically, the study sought to examine the extent of use of the existing digital technologies in Ruben FM radio station, explore other digital technology opportunities for uptake in Ruben FM radio station and establish challenges facing digital technology uptake in Ruben FM radio station. The study was based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. The target and sample size were 20 employees at Ruben FM. The primary data was collected using both questionnaires and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Qualitative data generated from open-ended questionnaires and focus group discussions were analysed using content analysis. The study established that existing digital technologies are used daily to a greater extent at Ruben FM, including social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, twitter, Instagram and YouTube, podcasts, and radio websites. The study found various challenges facing digital technology uptake by Ruben FM radio station. These include power supply interruptions and limited access to the internet, among others. The study recommended that the management of Ruben FM radio station should ensure the installation of a backup generator to solve power supply interruptions. The study also recommended that the management of Ruben FM radio station should create an offline radio mobile app that will enable more people with android phones to access radio programs without using the internet