State of Public Policies on ICT and Their Impact on the Rural Digital Divide

Abstract

The rural digital divide remains a persistent challenge for territorial development and social inclusion, particularly in Amazonian contexts where geographical, institutional, and sociocultural conditions limit the effectiveness of public policies on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). In this context, this study analyzes the state of ICT public policies implemented between 2009 and 2016 in rural parishes of the province of Pastaza, Ecuador, and their impact on the rural digital divide. The research adopts a qualitative approach with a descriptive–analytical design, incorporating a methodological triangulation strategy based on documentary analysis of public policies, review of secondary statistical data, and semi-structured interviews with key local stakeholders. The results show that the analyzed policies achieved partial improvements in connectivity access and technological infrastructure; however, they exhibited significant limitations in terms of productive ICT use, digital skills development, and territorial relevance. Furthermore, the persistence of second- and third-level digital divides related to limited use and low technological appropriation was identified. The study concludes that reducing the rural digital divide in Amazonian territories requires comprehensive public policies that integrate connectivity, service quality, digital training, territorial relevance, and impact evaluation mechanisms to achieve sustainable digital inclusion and territorial development.