Explore the accessibility and connectivity among communities in Tanjong Karang

Abstract

The advancements in digital connectivity have proven difficult for rural areas to keep up with (Malecki, 2003, Strover, 2003, Velaga et al., 2012. The importance of ICT in rural and urban areas is emphasized to the population, especially in Malaysia, where ICT services are widely accessible in rural areas. This study focuses on the readiness of rural communities to adopt ICT, emphasizing the importance of urban telecentres as ICT resources and the government's efforts to increase awareness and acceptance in rural cultures to accept change. Rural communities find it difficult to finance expensive technology expenditures such as those required for learning pathways due to the low population. The adoption time frame in rural areas tends to be slower than in urban areas, which hinders the economic growth in demand needed to finance the installation of infrastructure. Accessibility and connectivity ensure that technology can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities and allows devices and systems to communicate and data, but it’s difficulted for rural communities. This study was conducted using a qualitative method by holding face-to-face interview sessions with respondents from rural communities in Tanjong Karang. Three women of various ages have been respondents to carry out this study. The UTAUT theoretical model suggests that actual technology use is determined by behavioral intentions and the perceived probability of accepting technology use is dependent on the direct effects of four main constructs. The implications of this research emphasize the need for appropriate interventions to address the multifaceted nature of ICT readiness in rural communities.