Shortcomings to Globalization: Using Internet Technology and Electronic Commerce in Developing Countries

Information and communications technology (ICT) has become an indispensable tool in the fight against world poverty. ICT provides developing nations with an unprecedented opportunity to meet vital development goals, such as poverty reduction, basic healthcare, and education, far more effectively than before (UNDP, 2000). Nations that succeed in harnessing the potential of ICT can look forward to greatly expanded economic growth, dramatically improved human welfare, and stronger forms of democratic government. The unequal access to technology between groups due to differences in demography, economic status, and locations, has been suggested to affect worldwide globalization through Internet connectivity. Other speculations in addition to these factors that are crucial to the adoption and use of ICTs include the number of ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and/or OSPs (Online Service Providers) in a given country. The present study investigates the impact of information technology (IT) infrastructure, ISPs, and socio-economic factors on ICT access and use. Statistical analyses show that there is an empirical relationship between these factors and the Internet adoption in different countries; which may help explain the gaps between groups with respect to Internet use. [End Page 151]