Factors affecting the digital divide in Iran's provinces

Despite the significant role of ICT in various fields, equal opportunities have not been provided for all segments of society, and the digital divide has emerged as a new phenomenon on a global and regional scale. The digital divide is a complex and multidimensional issue that is defined by three factors: access to ICT, skills and competencies, and the social and economic effects of ICT use. Measuring the digital divide requires taking into account various variables. In this study, the digital divide was calculated using four factors: access to landline and mobile phones, internet access, and computer ownership. The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the factors affecting the digital divide at the provincial level in Iran. Using a combined data method for 31 provinces of Iran during the period of 2005-2020 and employing a generalized regression model, the study examined the effects of socio-economic factors on the digital divide. The results indicate that two variables, inflation and population, are insignificant, while other variables examined (income inequality, mobile phone access, gross domestic product, education, and urbanization) have a direct and significant impact on the digital divide. According to the results, allocating credit, encouraging private sector participation and investment, increasing citizens' interest in using digital services, and expanding the scope of service delivery to remote and deprived areas are effective solutions for reducing the digital divide.