Internet Use in Uzbekistan: Developing a Methodology for Tracking Information Technology Implementation Success

Abstract

This article reports on an ongoing investigation of Internet development in Central Asia. Begun in 2000, the research currently focuses on recent developments in Uzbekistan, including changes in legislation governing telecommunications. The results of two surveys conducted in November and December 2002 in Tashkent and Bukhara, Uzbekistan, are presented. These surveys of managers at Internet access points and information technology professionals provide a detailed picture of the current state of Internet infrastructure in Uzbekistan, particularly in contrast to official government figures. The article argues that effective survey research must incorporate an understanding of how culture, policy, and infrastructure affect patterns of Internet development.