A GIS-based analysis of geographical accessibility to shared information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in a remote region of Nigeria

Abstract

Shared ICT facilities provide alternative channels for accessing ICT services especially for the disadvantaged people who cannot afford the premium paid for personalized services. This study presents a GIS-based evaluation of geographical accessibility to shared internet and phone service centres in a remote and lagging region in Nigeria. Global Positioning System (GPS) location data were captured for settlements, phone and internet service centres and road network data were obtained for the study. Closest Facility solver in ArcGIS Network Analyst was employed to measure the accessibility of demand centres to existing phone service centres (telecentres) and Public Internet Access Centres (PIACs). The results showed that private actors are the main providers of shared ICT facilities in the study area. Moreover, a patron of ICT service needs to travel an average distance of 8.6 km to the nearest phone service centre and 17.2 km to the nearest PIAC to access these ICT services. The average distances that prospective patrons traverse to access phone and internet services are longer than the 5 km maximum prescribed by the universal access policy. Accessibility to shared ICT facilities remains poor in the remote rural areas. The government should consider innovative service delivery options like mobile telecentres to provide shared ICT facilities in these areas to foster inclusiveness in the new information society.