Bridging the digital divide in rural Thailand: Understanding potential factors influencing Starlink's satellite internet adoption

Abstract

Digital technologies have driven global development, offering transformative opportunities across sectors. Satellite-based Internet services, like SpaceX's Starlink Project, hold promise in bridging the digital divide for remote and underserved areas worldwide. In Thailand, rural regions face challenges accessing reliable Internet due to limited infrastructure. Starlink's high-speed broadband via satellite offers a potential solution This study aims to identify socio-demographic, technological, and behavioral factors affecting Starlink adoption and propose strategies for enhancing rural connectivity. A quantitative approach involved an online questionnaire with 806 participants. Binary regression analysis identified key factors impacting service usage, including score, age, education, device ownership of tablets and wearables, and Twitter engagement. The findings highlight the significance of these factors in shaping Starlink's data service adoption in rural Thailand. Policymakers, service providers, and stakeholders can leverage this valuable information to tailor strategies that promote equitable data service access in rural areas, fostering socio-economic development and technological empowerment. Starlink's satellite-based Internet service has the potential to transform connectivity in Thailand's rural regions. By understanding the factors driving its adoption, targeted interventions can enhance Internet access and digital inclusion, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of rural communities.

Keywords

• O33
• O57
• L86
• L96