Análisis de los indicadores de brecha digital en el periodo 2015 – 2021. Caso de estudio: zona rural del Ecuador.

Abstract

Digital gap can be understood as differences between those who can access, use and take advantage of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the Internet, and those who cannot do so due to various factors. Gap reduction approach seeks to reach reference targets for care, use or availability for people. Public policy use indicators established based mainly on international development concepts and frameworks. The aim of the investigation was to find out if indicators used in public policy make it possible to adequately measure digital gap in rural areas of Ecuador. Research started from a documentary analysis of policy issued by Ministry of Telecommunications and the Information Society in the period 2015 - 2021. In a second phase, semi-structured interviews were carried out and coded about the process of public policies and reduction digital divide in the rural sector. In third phase, case study was carried out on a rural area by means of coding semi-structured interviews. Predominance and maintenance of traditional and homogenizing dichotomous vision between urban and rural in public policy is evident. Presence of structural gaps and context issues affect available ICTs relative importance and real welfare to rural population. Findings show that greater understanding of contribution, appropriation and benefit that technology can provide to the rural population is necessary.