Social, Political and Ethical Responsibility in Broadband Adoption and Diffusion

Abstract

There is considerable interest worldwide in broadband diffusion, with research focusing on aspects such as the provision of broadband in remote areas and the socio-economic factors that determine the likelihood of adoption. This chapter identifies the policies and initiatives used to encourage broadband awareness, availability, and adoption. Using the case study of a local broadband initiative in remote and rural Germany, the chapter asks the question of who can and should be responsible for broadband provision, and how such responsibility ascriptions are realized.