Abstract
Broadband is a relatively new technology and its adoption in the United Kingdom has been an issue due to its perceived benefits for businesses and more so for small/medium size enterprises (SMEs). In this chapter we argue that previous research focuses on home uses of broadband, particularly for educational purposes with little attention to its adoption by SMEs. We argue that the existing diffusion of innovation theories are inadequate for the study of broadband diffusion and we propose a more sociotechnical approach for that purpose. This study can be useful for SMEs considering adoption of new technologies such as broadband as well as policy makers that seek to apply effective technological adoption policies.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Dial-up: Internet access which uses a modem to connect a computer to a telephone line and dials an Internet service provider to establish a link to the Internet.
Innovation Diffusion: An innovation is an idea, practice, or object perceived as new by an individual or other unit of adoption and diffusion is the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among members of a social system.
SMEs: Small and medium size enterprises are enterprises with fewer than 250 employees with an annual turn over not exceeding 10 million euros.
SCOT: Social construction of technology is a response to technological determinism. Social constructivists argue that technology does not determine human action but human action shapes technology.
Broadband: Broadband technology is an umbrella term which covers varying high-speed access technologies including Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), cable modems, satellite, and Wireless Fixed (Wi-Fi) Networks. Broadband provides an “always on” and provide faster Internet connection than dial up
Internet: Worldwide system of computer networks. It is a network of networks.
Social groups: Relevant social groups related to the development of a technology that have shared meanings about the technology.