Title: Adoption and diffusion of free wireless internet parks in Qatar

Authors: Shafi Al-Shafi, Vishanth Weerakkody

Addresses: School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics, Brunel University, UK. ' Business School, Brunel University, UK

Abstract: The Qatari Government has launched free wireless internet parks (iPark) concept with a view of providing free internet access for all citizens while enjoying the outdoors. By offering free wireless internet access, the Qatari Government encourages its citizen|s to actively participate in the global information society with a view of bridging the digital divide. The adoption and diffusion of iPark services will depend on user acceptance and availability of wireless technology. This research presents the results of a survey undertaken in three public parks in Doha, the capital of Qatar to examine citizens| acceptance of the iPark initiative. The results of the survey showed that there is a positive level of relation between the independent variables, usefulness, ease of use, internet safety and internet speed/response time and one dependent variable, intention to use the iPark in Qatar. The paper provides a discussion on the key findings, research implications, limitations and future directions for the iPark initiative in Qatar.

Keywords: free wireless internet; Wi-Fi; iPark; Qatar; world wide web; internet access; citizen participation; global information society; digital divide; user acceptance; wireless technology; public parks; Doha; independent variables; ease of use; internet safety; internet speed; response times; dependent variables; diffusion; technology adoption; value chain management; ICT; information technology; communications technology; culture; socio-technical aspects.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2010.031802

International Journal of Value Chain Management, 2010 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.68 - 85

Published online: 24 Feb 2010 *

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