Why do people use telecentres in the age of mobile technologies? Answers from Malawi

Abstract

AbstractTelecentres provide access to Information and Communication Technonology (ICT) services to disadvantaged communities. With the coming of mobile technologies such as smartphones, some services that telecentres provide such as internet can easily be accessed through mobile technologies. This, therefore, questions the relevance of telecentres in the age of mobile technologies. Two main questions exist: are telecentres still relevant? If yes, why do people still use telecentres in the age of mobile technologies? This paper aims at answering these questions. It also discusses the challenges that users face in using telecentres. Qualitative data were collected from telecentre users and managers of two telecentres in Malawi through focus groups and interviews. Gioia methodology was used to analyze the data. The study reveals four main reasons why people still patronize telecentres: (i) to socialize with fellow users; and (ii) that it is cheaper to access services in the telecentre as compared to using smartphones for the same services; (iii) telecentres provide services compatible with users' needs such as library services and computers; (iv) and to attain ICT skills some of which are applied in using smartphones. However, users face numerous challenges such as limited space within telecentres and unreliable power. The study is valuable as it provides insights into why governments should continue investing in telecentres. It also comes at a right time when the government of Malawi plans to abandon the community telecentre model to adopt the school managed model that may limit the number of users thereby limiting the benefits of telecentres in the presence of mobile technologies.