Date of Conferral

3-9-2026

Degree

Doctor of Information Technology (D.I.T.)

School

Information Systems and Technology

Advisor

Nawaz Khan

Abstract

Broadband access remains a critical driver of digital participation and economic inclusion; however, many rural communities continue to lack adequate connectivity and remain excluded from the digital economy. Although Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policymakers, regulators, and operators prioritize expanding broadband infrastructure, limited research exists on the strategies these stakeholders use to successfully bridge rural broadband gaps. Drawing on Jan van Dijk’s resources and appropriation theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore the strategies employed by ICT policymakers, regulators, and operators to bridge the broadband gap in rural areas. Eight telecommunications industry players who had successfully provided broadband access to rural communities in Africa participated in this study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and 12 public-domain documents and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes emerged: (a) gap analysis, (b) collaboration and government support, and (c) infrastructure deployment. A key recommendation is the establishment of policy and regulatory frameworks that de-risk rural broadband investment and promote cross-sector collaboration. The implications for positive social change include the potential for ICT policymakers, regulators, and operators to implement evidence-based strategies that expand rural broadband access, thereby increasing digital participation among rural residents through improved access to e-government, e-health, e-commerce, and other essential online services and contributing to reduced social and economic disparities.

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