The Impact of the Internet on Local Social Equity: A Study of a Telecenter in Aguablanca, Colombia

Abstract

This case study of a telecenter in Cali, Colombia examines the impacts of Internet access and use on local social equity. It proceeds with a livelihoods analysis of the neighborhoods surrounding the telecenter combined with an analysis of how telecenter users and other local residents are using the Internet and other ICTs. The study found that the telecenter was not improving local social equity through its services: its users were demographically similar to other Internet users and used the Internet primarily to further their formal employment options. Implications for the broader telecenter and ICT for development literature are discussed.