Digital Divide in Pakistan: Barriers to ICT Usage among the Individuals of Pakistan

Abstract

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) revolution has radically improved connectivity across the globe and pervaded into most aspects of modern human life. The fourth industrial revolution is currently taking place, and it will be digital. Pakistan has made significant progress in the last few years in IT, but currently, Pakistan is ranked 135 out of 144 in access to the internet. This low level of ICT usage depends on the multiple factors affecting the individual's decision to ICT usage. For this purpose, this study surveys the correlates of ICT use capabilities in Pakistan. ICT usage is composite of specified digital skills. The data sourced from PSLM – HIES survey (2018-2019) was used for empirical analysis. The empirical evidence is based on the Logit model. The marginal effects of the Logit model suggest that socioeconomic, demographic, regional, and supply-side factors well explain the variation in the ICT usage capabilities of the individuals. Moreover, the leading determinants of the digital divide are ICT infrastructure and access to focal technology. We found a sizeable digital divide among the individuals of Pakistan. This study is an implication of target 9c of the ninth goal of sustainable development goals related to increasing access to ICT and striving to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least-developed countries. The study's findings help the researcher highlight the factors hindering the ICT use capabilities of individuals and bridging Pakistan's digital divide diffusion.