Mapping Enablers and Barriers for
Mobile and Digital Connectivity
in Meghalaya: Scoping Study
Project Lead
Sharon Buteau
Project Team
Subhra Sen
Yashita Jhurani
Location
Meghalaya
Partners
Government of Meghalaya
The digital revolution has significantly enhanced human efficiency and livelihood opportunities over the past two decades. In Meghalaya, digital connectivity holds great promise for socio-economic development and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, especially with English as the official language. However, challenges such as difficult terrain, concerns over mobile tower radiation, and below-average tele-density hinder progress. As of January 2023, Meghalaya’s tele-density stands at 80.38%, lower than the national average of 84.61%, with UPI transaction volumes remaining low.
To address these gaps, the Meghalaya Telecom Infrastructure (Amendment) Policy 2024 was introduced to boost telecom infrastructure, fast-track 5G rollout, and ensure equitable access to digital services. Understanding the barriers and enablers for women is crucial to addressing gender disparities in digital access and adoption.
Against this backdrop, the hub is undertaking a study is to map the factors impacting digital connectivity in Meghalaya and examine how connectivity barriers and benefits affect women in the region.
Research
Questions
Enablers and Barriers to Access and Usage
Socio, economic and demographic characteristics of households and individuals
Physical connectivity of the place
Migration status of spouse, parents, and children
Impact on Accessing Health and Financial Services
Penetration of digital health and financial services
Association between access and usage of mobile devices and access to these services
Gender Divide in Access and Usage
Education, occupation and income of men and women
Financial barriers such as device and data plan costs
Safety and security concerns in using digital devices
Enablers and Barriers to Access and Usage
Socio, economic and demographic characteristics of households and individuals
Physical connectivity of the place
Migration status of spouse, parents, and children
Impact on Accessing Health and Financial Services
Penetration of digital health and financial services
Association between access and usage of mobile devices and access to these services
Gender Divide in Access and Usage
Education, occupation and income of men and women
Financial barriers such as device and data plan costs
Safety and security concerns in using digital devices
Research
Questions
Policy
Implications
