Authors : O. Agbakwuru Alphonsus, A. Ukwandu Elochukwu and Iro Sylvanus
Abstract: The internet is arguably one of the most significant technologiccal advancement of the 20th century. Despite this breakthrough internet has remained an elusive tool to some rural dwellers creating a divide not only in forms of access but in availability. This study x-rays the level of Internet penetration in Orlu area of Imo state, its level of access and bottlenecks. The study is based on primary data. The questionnaire was designed in 3 sections. The section A of the questionnaire tried to find out social and economic status of individuals that do internet browsing. The section B also tried to find out the problems associated with internet browsing. While section C tried to find out how often people use internet services and whether they do it or other people do it for them. We produced and distributed 300 copies of questionnaire out of which 250 were returned. It was observed that some people do Internet browsing despite its challenges while others due to incessant power outages, low internet bandwidth, scarcity of Cyber cafe and high cost of browsing participate minimally. It is recommended that government should help the rural areas in having access, utilisation of internet services. A way of reducing cost of internet facility for rural dwellers to enable them meet up with the demand of information, thereby bridging the digial divide is also advocated.
O. Agbakwuru Alphonsus, A. Ukwandu Elochukwu and Iro Sylvanus, 2011. Internet Penetration and Diffusion in Orlu Zone of Imo State, Nigeria:Prospects and Bottlenecks. Asian Journal of Information Technology, 10: 149-153.