Broadband and Mobile Opportunities: A Socio-Technical Perspective

Authors

Steve Sawyer, School of Information Sciences and Technology, The Pennsylvania State University, 2J Thomas Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
J. P. Allen, School of Business and Management, University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Heejin Lee, Department of Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

The growth of broadband connectivity expands what can and might be transmitted across the World Wide Web and Internet. Coupled with the increasing levels of mobile Internet connectivity, broadband may allow for a new round of changed patterns in the ways computers are used. Direct effects models of the deployment, use, value and futures of broadband connectivity are unlikely to cope with the social and technological complexity of broadband. A socio-technical theoretical perspective, with its emphasis on the complex relations among social and technical aspects of a phenomenon, can provide useful insight into the potential societal impact, institutional effects and changes to individual work and life behaviours that may arise from the increasing level of bandwidth available. This paper provides a brief overview of broadband and mobile technologies from a socio-technical perspective, organizes and surveys relevant literature and focuses on emerging issues with broadband connectivity where research will help shape policy, strategy and the use of broadband networks.

DOI

10.1080/0268396032000101171

Recommended Citation

Sawyer, Steve; Allen, J. P.; and Lee, Heejin (2003) "Broadband and Mobile Opportunities: A Socio-Technical Perspective," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 18: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: 10.1080/0268396032000101171
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol18/iss2/4