Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Anthony Lolas

Abstract

Living without access to a steady and reliable source of electricity is one form of energy poverty, and living without access to the Internet is one definition of the digital divide. In many rural and remote areas around the world, residents struggle with energy poverty and the digital divide. However, off-grid renewable energy electricity systems are being installed in these areas to provide electricity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify management barriers that affect the maintenance of these off-grid systems and the possibility of using them to provide Internet connectivity. This was a qualitative phenomenological study with semi-structured interviews of key informants, who were individuals who had experienced the phenomenon of an off-grid renewable energy system installation. Thematic analysis was used to discover emergent themes. Emergent themes that provided best practices for a successfully maintained off-grid system included adequate and cohesive maintenance procedures, thorough requirements analysis and system design, use of a village-centered model, and robust communication among all key stakeholders throughout the process. Emerging themes identified for successfully using the off-grid system for Internet connectivity included procuring the required technologies, finding a reliable source of Internet signal, recognizing that each site has specific issues concerning connectivity, managing the affordability of Internet-ready devices and technologies and data usage, and having community acceptance and adoption of new technologies. The positive social implications of access to the information on the Internet include economic growth, increased education, and a general improvement in the quality of life for people living in rural and remote areas.

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