Influence of spatial factors on the diffusion of mobile internet in rural areas

Abstract

In the conditions of the continuing sanctions regime of unfriendly countries, the problem of digital development of Russian society is urgent. Especially important is the digital transformation of rural areas, where the wider introduction of information and communication technologies can neutralize the problems of socio-economic development. One of the constraining factors for the digitalization of the village is the low quality of Internet coverage. The process of diffusion of mobile Internet technology in rural areas was assessed on the materials of the Kaliningrad and Pskov regions according to data from telecom operators for the fourth quarter of 2022. The research methodology included an assessment of the geography of mobile Internet coverage in rural areas and subsequent typologization of rural areas by the level of growth of mobile Internet technology. The key centers of technology distribution in the center-peripheral model are identified. It is shown that the diffusion of mobile Internet occurs hierarchically (from cities and towns towards large villages) and contagiously (in areas adjacent to them). The main drivers of the spread of the Internet have been identified: an increase in Internet speed due to frequency refarming, an improvement in the quality of the Internet with the help of state support.