There When You Need It: The Multiple Dimensions of Public Access ICT Uses and Impacts

Abstract

This article summarizes the findings of a study investigating the impacts of public access to information and communication technologies (ICTs). The research was conducted in seven low- and medium-income countries employing a range of survey, ethnographic, and experimental research approaches. The analysis revealed substantial first-order effects in terms of technology access, information access, and ICT skills development. Second-order effects in domains such as health, education, employment, and income varied considerably, although when public access users had a need in any of these areas, they were generally successful in achieving their goals. The study also found benefits among non-users, a group that includes former users, a largely unexplored dimension of public access.