Introduction
Because of an exponential growth of information and communication technologies, the broadband users now have various choices for using broadband services. A cut-throat competition exists among the broadband service providers especially in the developed countries like United Kingdom. The availability of different choices has turned this simple decision to a complex one for the broadband users. The competitive environment has compelled the service providers to develop products or at least to differentiate their product from that of their competitors. This variety of products has provided unlimited choices to the broadband users. Various factors influence their decisions for selection and adoption of the broadband services.
This study will empirically investigate the factors affecting the adoption of the broadband services in United Kingdom. Computer literacy and basic infrastructure are the critical requirements for the adoption of the technology. The diffusion or the introduction of new technology at infancy is always full of uncertainties and risks. A lot of technologies, the world does not know, emerged and failed due to the lack of adoption. Many technologies got attention and made the revolutionary changes to the world. Broadband is one of the most significant developments of last century .It has changed the business and social models to great extent. Various applications such as social websites and software have changed the way of living and lifestyle. The use of technology has become a very important part of everyday life in this era. Use of broadband services is not only an important decision for the business enterprises but also for the household.
This study will provide insights into this important decision. Various factors which affect this decision will be empirically investigated to provide better understanding of the nature of this important decision. Existing literature provide sufficient knowledge about the product adoption and diffusion process by the consumers. Adoption of technology has some underlying factors which affect this decision making process including the knowledge of the technology and attitude toward innovative ideas. This study will highlight and investigate those factors and find out the most significant factors.
Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study include:
- To explore the factor affecting broadband adoption decision.
- To investigate the behavioural factor in adoption process of broadband services.
- To study the cognitive process in broadband adoption decisions.
- To find out the role of social and financial factors in broadband adoption decision
General objectives of the study include:
- To provide knowledge about the broadband adoption process
- To provide guideline to the broadband service providers about the factor which affect the adoption decision to enable them to concentrate on the most significant factor for product development and service quality.
- To develop awareness in the potential users to consider the most significant factors in the selection of broadband services.
- To help the society at large for the effective broadband infrastructure development.
Aim of the Study
The aim of this exploratory research is to provide the basis for future research in this area by providing initial understanding of broadband adoption decision. This study will explore the behavioral, cognitive, social and financial factors with respect to the broadband services adoption. The results of this research will provide understanding about the decision process and it will help to the broadband service providers in product development and improvement. This study will enhance the knowledge about the decision making process of the broadband users.
Literature Review
When there is a dispute of accepting a new technology there is an individual whose behavior is so much important while accepting a new technology the theory of planned behavior Ajzen and Madden (1986) is used to explain the individual’s behaviors and also the theory of reasoned action Fishbein and Ajzen (1975) is used for the same purpose.
There are several reviews of behavioral models existing but Jackson T. (2005) analysis of customer behavior is the most inclusive and reachable and the groundwork for many modern reviews. His report is an easy to get to the main drivers of behavior and hypothetical models so as to explain them.
The theory of planned behavior, technology acceptance model Davis (1989) which also usually supported the technology adoption and the flow of advance perspective serve as an excellent starting points in inspecting individual-level factors affecting the adoption of technology.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that the addition, adaption and amalgamation of strong theories will help to shed light on the deep structures of broadband adoption and present significant information to both the company that compete in the Internet market of broadband and the authorities that work at broadband diffusion.
In elaborating the rate of adoption of technology, Rogers (1983) acknowledged five characteristics of an innovation: its relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trial ability and observe ability. This study also identified five characteristics which are perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived resources, trial ability and compatibility.
Rogers (1983) also defines the compatibility as it is the extent to which an innovation is supposed as reliable with the accessible values.
It’s important to think that compatibility itself does not show the way to hi-tech innovation (Oh, Ahn, Kim 2003).
Perceived ease of use is the level to which the consumer anticipates the target innovative technology and perceived usefulness is the consumer particular prospect that using a precise technology that will enhance the efficiency of the consumer Davis (1989).
Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use arbitrate the possessions of compatibility to attitude as the technology acceptance model sustain.
This study inspects individual-level issues influence the acceptance of broadband admittance technologies and the interaction between those issues.
Data and Methodology
The population of the study consists of everybody living in the area of Wales. The study is not limited to specific groups or sections of the population. The objective of this general study is to generalize the results to all of the U.K. People from all age groups, professions and different educational background have been investigated. The primary data collected from the respondents through the research instrument has been analyzed and interpreted to find out which factors have significant influence on the broadband adoption and usage decision.
A questionnaire was designed to collect data from the target population of the study. The questionnaire includes questions from the different perspective of the study to extract the most useful data. The questions about the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived resources, trial ability, comparability and the attitude have been included in the questionnaire along with the certain demographical questions. The demographical questions have been included to assess the profile of the respondents of the study.
Convenient sampling technique is used for collection of data from the respondents of the study. Due to the scale and scope of the study and the time constraints, the data could not be collected using the most scientific and the advanced sampling techniques. Since it is an exploratory research and it is not focused on any one segment of the population, therefore the aforementioned technique is used.
The questionnaire was personally distributed to only those people who agreed to take part in this investigation. Therefore, the response rate in this sense is 100%. Few people refused to respond and the questionnaire was not given to such people.
THE MODEL:
Graphical presentation of the Model
Statistical expression of the study:
Statistical expression of the study:
Where:
Attd= Attitude
PUS= Perceived usefulness
PES= Perceived Ease of Use
PRS=Perceived resources
COM= comparability
TRL= Trial Ability
VSB=Visibility
= alpha which represents constant of the equation
=Beta which represents parameters
= Error term
Using the linear regression equation, the magnitude and the nature of the relationship has been found between the dependent and independent variables.
Results
Table (1) Some descriptive statistics of the study data ranked by relative importance of items mean with in each sub-scale
| Items | Strongly disagree | Disagree | Slightly Disagree agree | Slightly Agree | Agree | Strongly Agree | Total | Mean | Std. D | Ranke |
| x1-Using broadband Internet is a good idea | 5 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 85 | 100 | 250 | 4.9200 | 1.23275 | 1 |
| 2.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 12.0 | 34.0 | 40.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| x3-Using broadband Internet is beneficial | 4 | 6 | 19 | 160 | 32 | 29 | 250 | 4.1880 | .93603 | 2 |
| 1.6 | 2.4 | 7.6 | 64.0 | 12.8 | 11.6 | 100.0 | ||||
| x2-Using broadband Internet is pleasant experience | 10 | 51 | 25 | 39 | 102 | 23 | 250 | 3.9640 | 1.43490 | 3 |
| 4.0 | 20.4 | 10.0 | 15.6 | 40.8 | 9.2 | 100.0 | ||||
| Attitude | 4.3573 | 1.12509 | ||||||||
| x8-Using broadband Internet can make work easier | 7 | 13 | 56 | 83 | 91 | 250 | 4.9520 | 1.02464 | 1 | |
| 2.8 | 5.2 | 22.4 | 33.2 | 36.4 | 100.0 | |||||
| x7-Using broadband Internet can enhance work effectiveness | 2 | 14 | 86 | 66 | 37 | 205 | 4.5951 | .89496 | 2 | |
| 1.0 | 6.8 | 42.0 | 32.2 | 18.0 | 100.0 | |||||
| x4-Using broadband Internet enables me to finish my work more quickly | 1 | 9 | 26 | 90 | 71 | 53 | 250 | 4.5200 | 1.07247 | 3 |
| .4 | 3.6 | 10.4 | 36.0 | 28.4 | 21.2 | 100.0 | ||||
| x6-Using broadband Internet generally increases productivity | 3 | 13 | 50 | 102 | 77 | 5 | 250 | 4.0080 | .95266 | 4 |
| 1.2 | 5.2 | 20.0 | 40.8 | 30.8 | 2.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| x5-Using broadband Internet can improve my work performance | 20 | 29 | 30 | 68 | 89 | 14 | 250 | 3.8760 | 1.36972 | 5 |
| 8.0 | 11.6 | 12.0 | 27.2 | 35.6 | 5.6 | 100.0 | ||||
| x9-Using broadband Internet is useful to my work | 15 | 20 | 45 | 95 | 60 | 15 | 250 | 3.8400 | 1.22491 | 6 |
| 6.0 | 8.0 | 18.0 | 38.0 | 24.0 | 6.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| Perceived usefulness | 4.3272 | 1.04842 | ||||||||
| x14-It is easy for me to become skillful in using broadband Internet | 6 | 33 | 100 | 60 | 51 | 250 | 4.4440 | 1.10078 | 1 | |
| 2.4 | 13.2 | 40.0 | 24.0 | 20.4 | 100.0 | |||||
| x12-I clearly understand how to use broadband Internet | 1 | 8 | 32 | 111 | 40 | 50 | 242 | 4.3678 | 1.07840 | 2 |
| .4 | 3.3 | 13.2 | 45.9 | 16.5 | 20.7 | 100.0 | ||||
| x11-It is easy to perform work using broadband Internet | 3 | 29 | 46 | 86 | 39 | 47 | 250 | 4.0800 | 1.29006 | 3 |
| 1.2 | 11.6 | 18.4 | 34.4 | 15.6 | 18.8 | 100.0 | ||||
| x15-I find broadband Internet easy to use | 23 | 21 | 30 | 90 | 36 | 50 | 250 | 3.9800 | 1.49551 | 4 |
| 9.2 | 8.4 | 12.0 | 36.0 | 14.4 | 20.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| x10-Learning to operate broadband Internet is easy for me | 13 | 25 | 55 | 99 | 50 | 8 | 250 | 3.6880 | 1.15063 | 5 |
| 5.2 | 10.0 | 22.0 | 39.6 | 20.0 | 3.2 | 100.0 | ||||
| x13-I find broadband Internet inflexible to interact with colleagues and family members. | 25 | 109 | 28 | 50 | 20 | 18 | 250 | 2.9400 | 1.41719 | 6 |
| 10.0 | 43.6 | 11.2 | 20.0 | 8.0 | 7.2 | 100.0 | ||||
| Perceived ease of use | 3.9253 | 1.21302 | ||||||||
| x18-I have access to the resources I would need for using broadband Internet | 10 | 17 | 27 | 74 | 70 | 52 | 250 | 4.3320 | 1.32241 | 1 |
| 4.0 | 6.8 | 10.8 | 29.6 | 28.0 | 20.8 | 100.0 | ||||
| x17-I would be able to use broadband Internet if I wanted to | 7 | 15 | 41 | 91 | 53 | 43 | 250 | 4.1880 | 1.23562 | 2 |
| 2.8 | 6.0 | 16.4 | 36.4 | 21.2 | 17.2 | 100.0 | ||||
| x16-I have the resources, opportunities and knowledge for using broadband Internet | 7 | 6 | 51 | 80 | 88 | 18 | 250 | 4.1600 | 1.08217 | 3 |
| 2.8 | 2.4 | 20.4 | 32.0 | 35.2 | 7.2 | 100.0 | ||||
| x19-There no barriers to my using broadband Internet | 29 | 44 | 50 | 48 | 49 | 30 | 250 | 3.5360 | 1.55511 | 4 |
| 11.6 | 17.6 | 20.0 | 19.2 | 19.6 | 12.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| Perceived resources | 4.0540 | 1.26451 | ||||||||
| x20-Using broadband Internet is Compatible with most aspects of my work | 26 | 39 | 44 | 50 | 51 | 40 | 250 | 3.7240 | 1.58552 | 1 |
| 10.4 | 15.6 | 17.6 | 20.0 | 20.4 | 16.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| x22-Using broadband Interne fits well with the way I like to work | 21 | 50 | 39 | 55 | 45 | 40 | 250 | 3.6920 | 1.56426 | 2 |
| 8.4 | 20.0 | 15.6 | 22.0 | 18.0 | 16.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| x21-Using broadband Interne fits my work style | 22 | 41 | 48 | 60 | 40 | 39 | 250 | 3.6880 | 1.52840 | 3 |
| 8.8 | 16.4 | 19.2 | 24.0 | 16.0 | 15.6 | 100.0 | ||||
| Compatibility | 3.7013 | 1.55162 | ||||||||
| x27-Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband I know a place I would be able to try it out | 30 | 50 | 49 | 50 | 41 | 30 | 250 | 3.4480 | 1.55724 | 1 |
| 12.0 | 20.0 | 19.6 | 20.0 | 16.4 | 12.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| x24-Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband I would be able to try it out properly | 30 | 120 | 60 | 36 | 4 | 250 | 2.4560 | .93572 | 2 | |
| 12.0 | 48.0 | 24.0 | 14.4 | 1.6 | 100.0 | |||||
| x26-Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband I would be able to try its various uses | 66 | 99 | 85 | 250 | 2.0760 | .77500 | 3 | |||
| 26.4 | 39.6 | 34.0 | 100.0 | |||||||
| x23-Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband I would be able to use it on a trial basis | 116 | 41 | 51 | 42 | 250 | 2.0760 | 1.15740 | 4 | ||
| 46.4 | 16.4 | 20.4 | 16.8 | 100.0 | ||||||
| x25- Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband I would be permitted to use long enough to see what it can do | 130 | 63 | 48 | 9 | 250 | 1.7440 | .89086 | 5 | ||
| 52.0 | 25.2 | 19.2 | 3.6 | 100.0 | ||||||
| Trial ability | 2.3600 | 1.01681 | ||||||||
| x29-Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I have seen many people Internet around | 14 | 34 | 55 | 52 | 50 | 45 | 250 | 3.9000 | 1.47877 | 1 |
| 5.6 | 13.6 | 22.0 | 20.8 | 20.0 | 18.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| x28-Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I see using broadband | 11 | 50 | 49 | 48 | 41 | 51 | 250 | 3.8440 | 1.53528 | 2 |
| 4.4 | 20.0 | 19.6 | 19.2 | 16.4 | 20.4 | 100.0 | ||||
| x31-Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I have seen using broadband Internet around | 22 | 37 | 42 | 70 | 30 | 49 | 250 | 3.7840 | 1.55532 | 3 |
| 8.8 | 14.8 | 16.8 | 28.0 | 12.0 | 19.6 | 100.0 | ||||
| x30-Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I see many people using broadband Internet around | 37 | 22 | 41 | 60 | 40 | 50 | 250 | 3.7760 | 1.66400 | 4 |
| 14.8 | 8.8 | 16.4 | 24.0 | 16.0 | 20.0 | 100.0 | ||||
| Visibility | 3.8260 | 1.54232 | ||||||||
| Total of the Questionnaire | 3.7737 | 1.20365 | ||||||||
Results and Discussions
Descriptive Statistics
The total sample size is 250 respondents. The majority of our sample consists of the students studying in various institutions. The second largest group is professionals which are 25% of total sample. The businessmen are 23% of sample and the smallest group is housewives. The composition of the sample shows that this is a balanced sample because the majority of the broadband users are students followed by professionals and businessmen.
Out of 250 respondents majority is male which represents 62% of the total sample. Female respondents are 38%.
The summary data given below in the table indicates the normal data. The dispersion is not high and is within the acceptable range. The maximum standard deviation is found in the last variable which is visibility. The high value of the standard deviation indicates that people have different views about the visibility as the determinant of the broadband usage decision. All measures of central tendency indicate a positive attitude and strong yes to many of the questions under different variables.
| Attitude | Perceived usefulness | Perceived ease of use | Perceived resources | Compatibility | Trial ability | Visibility | |
| Mean | 4.3573 | 4.3272 | 3.9253 | 4.0540 | 3.7013 | 2.3600 | 3.8260 |
| Std. Error of Mean | .07116 | .06631 | .07672 | .07997 | .09813 | .06431 | .09754 |
| Median | 4.5365a | 4.4148a | 3.7500a | 3.9955a | 3.8639a | 2.0714a | 3.9279a |
| Mode | 4.33b | 5.40 | 3.67 | 3.75 | 4.00 | 1.40b | 4.00b |
| Std. Deviation | 1.12509 | 1.04842 | 1.21302 | 1.26451 | 1.55162 | 1.01681 | 1.54232 |
| Range | 5.00 | 4.67 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 3.40 | 5.00 |
| Minimum | 1.00 | 1.33 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Maximum | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 4.40 | 6.00 |
Redression Analysis
The six independent variables are regressed with the dependent variable which is “Attitude” towards the broadband usage. After the extensive literature review, these six variables have been selected to test the impact of these factors on the broadband usage intentions.
| Regression Statistics | |
| R | .990 |
| R Square | .981 |
| Adjusted R Square | .980 |
| Std. Error of the Estimate | .15783 |
It is found that the set of these six variables explains 98% variation in independent variables. The value of adjusted R Square i.e. 98% also indicates that the model is best fit. Less than 2% variation in the dependent variable is due to other factors which have not been included in the model. As per the summary statistics the model is best fit model and clear indication that the selected variables are relevant factors. In other words, it can be said that the selected factors affect the broadband usage decisions to great extent.
The results show that all factors except one factor have positive relationship with the attitude to use broadband services. The results indicate that Trial ability has negative relationship (β = -0.048) with the attitude but the relationship is not statistically significant as the t Stat is 0.387.
Perceived Usefulness has positive and statistically significant relationship as indicated by the value of beta (β=0.239) and t Statistics 1.516 significant at 85% confidence interval. Perceived Ease of use has positive but statistically insignificant relationship with the dependent variable. This statistical finding indicates the perceived ease of use is not a relevant variable to the broadband usage decisions. Perceived resources have positive and very significant relationship with the broadband usage. Comparability and visibility both have positive and statistically significant relationship with the independent variables.
| Coefficients | Standard Error | t Stat | P-value | Lower 95% | Upper 95% | |
| Intercept | .195 | .077 | 2.536 | .012 | .044 | .346 |
| PUS | .317 | .055 | 5.750 | .000 | .208 | .425 |
| PES | .076 | .056 | 1.354 | .177 | -.034- | .185 |
| PRS | .837 | .058 | 14.455 | .000 | .723 | .951 |
| COM | -.018- | .046 | -.403- | .687 | -.109- | .072 |
| TRL | -.309- | .049 | -6.319- | .000 | -.405- | -.213- |
| VSB | -.026- | .046 | -.575- | .566 | -.116- | .064 |
Conclusion and Recommendations
On the basis of the findings, it is concluded that perceived usefulness, comparability and visibility are most significant factors for broadband usage decisions. Perceived ease of use and trial ability is not significant factor in such decision. Our results are consistent with the past research and theory. Since the technology has great influence over the lives of people especially in the developed countries like U.K., people are familiar with the broadband. So ease of use and trial ability is not relevant in broadband usage decisions. The people don’t think that broadband is difficult to use therefore they are also not interested in trying the service before they start using this. Therefore, it is concluded that these two factors are not important in Wales. May be these two factors are important or have some relevance in those societies where broadband or other technologies are new phenomenon or where the computer literacy or the general literacy rate is not very high. At this point of time it cannot be said with certainty. If more research is done with reference to developing countries then on the basis of the results of those studies something can be said with sufficient certainty.
References
- Ajzen, I. and Madden, T.J. (1986) Prediction of goal directed behavior: attitudes, intentions and perceived behavioral control. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 22, 453–74
- Davis, F.D. (1989) Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–40.
- Fishbein, M. and Ajzen, I. (1975) Belief, Attitude, Intentions and Behavior: An Introduction to Theory and Research, Addison-Wesley, Boston.
- Jackson, T. (2005) ‘Motivating sustainable consumption: a review of evidence on consumer behaviour and behavioural change’. A report to the Sustainable Development Research Network. January 2005.
- Oh S., Ahn J., Kim B. (2003) Journal of Information Technology 18, 267–280: Adoption of broadband Internet in Korea: the role of experience in building attitudes
- Rogers, E.M. (1983) Diffusion of Innovation, Free Press, New York.
APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Dear Respondent!
We are doing our M.S Research project at the University of Glamorgan. Please take few minutes and fill this questionnaire, we assure you that the information provided by you will be used only for academic purpose. Your cooperation in this respect will be highly appreciated.
Demographics:
Age: ________________________ Sex: ____________________________
Education: ___________________ Profession: ________________________
(1) Strongly disagree (2) Disagree (3) Slightly Disagree (4) Slightly Agree (5) Agree (6) Strongly Agree
| Attitude: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Using broadband Internet is a good idea | |||||||
| Using broadband internet is a pleasant experience | |||||||
| Using broadband internet is beneficial |
| Perceived usefulness | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Using broadband Internet enables me to finish my work more quickly | |||||||
| Using broadband Internet can improve my work performance | |||||||
| Using broadband Internet generally increases productivity | |||||||
| Using broadband Internet can enhance work effectiveness | |||||||
| Using broadband Internet can make work easier | |||||||
| Using broadband Internet is useful to my work |
| Perceived ease of use | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Learning to operate broadband Internet is easy for me | |||||||
| It is easy to perform work using broadband Internet | |||||||
| I clearly understand how to use broadband Internet | |||||||
| I find broadband Internet inflexible to interact with colleagues and family members. | |||||||
| It is easy for me to become skillful in using broadband Internet | |||||||
| I find broadband Internet easy to use |
| Perceived resources | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| I have the resources, opportunities and knowledge for using broadband Internet | |||||||
| I would be able to use broadband Internet if I wanted to | |||||||
| I have access to the resources I would need for using broadband Internet | |||||||
| There are no barriers to my using broadband Internet |
| Compatibility | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Using broadband Internet is compatible with most aspects of my work | |||||||
| Using broadband Internet fits my work style | |||||||
| Using broadband Internet fits well with the way I like to work |
| Trial ability | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband I would be able to use it on a trial basis. | |||||||
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I would be able to try it out properly | |||||||
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I would be permitted to use it long enough to see what it can do | |||||||
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I would be able to try its various uses | |||||||
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I know a place where I would be able to try it out. |
| Visibility | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I see using broadband | |||||||
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I have seen many people Internet around | |||||||
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I see many people using broadband Internet around | |||||||
| Before deciding on whether or not to use broadband Internet I have seen using broadband Internet around. |