Krzysztof JANC, University of Wroclaw, Poland
Dariusz ILNICKI, University of Wroclaw, Poland
Wojciech JURKOWSKI, University of Wroclaw, Poland
Nowadays the digital divide has started to be considered not so much in the context of internet access itself or the skills of internet users, but in terms of internet performance. From a spatial perspective, an important benefit arising from the use of digital technologies is the reduction of information asymmetry, that is, equal opportunities for the functioning of entities and communities regardless of location and physical access to information sources. Therefore, it is among the elements that eliminate locational discrimination, which affects many areas, primarily peripherally located in relation to the centres of economic and social development.
The aim of this study is to identify spatial regularities in internet performance on a local scale. The reference point for the analysis of research results is the relations between metropolises, which are treated as the cores, and their surroundings, with particular emphasis on the situation of rural areas. This study is based on a set of data generated by internet users (crowdsourced speed tests). The information about internet (mobile and fixed) speed and latency obtained in this way shows the actual internet speed experienced. The presented analyses have indicated significant characteristics of spatial differentiation of internet performance. In the case of the internet, the core–periphery dimension is not universal and obvious, as regional systems are strongly marked. From the perspective of creating development foundations, it indicates the possibility of reducing unfavourable conditions resulting from the peripheral location of rural areas. Regional internet providers who make significant investments in infrastructure allow the digital divide to be significantly reduced.
This research was funded by National Science Centre, Poland. Grant number 2020/39/B/HS4/00423.
Mots clés : Internet performance|digital divide|local scale|Poland
A103279KJ