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<p><i>This study&#xa0;</i>examines&#xa0;<i>the distribution of</i> information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in 341 Community Development Blocks in West Bengal, India. The study utilizes&#xa0;longitudinal&#xa0;tele-density data (2008–2020) alongside a&#xa0;structural spatial analysis&#xa0;based on the Census 2011 to establish baseline disparities. The data from 2008 to 2020 shows a digital divide between urban and rural areas, with urban tele-density rising to 174.12 per 100 people by 2020, while rural tele-density remained at only 49.67. A sectoral analysis shows that while wireline and public-sector contributions have been steadily declining, private and wireless communication services have been rapidly expanding. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to combine eight household-level indicators, including landlines, televisions, radios, mobile phones, and internet-enabled computers, into an ICT Diffusion Index in order to assess regional ICT accessibility. Significant regional disparities are revealed by the spatial classification of CD Blocks into five diffusion zones: almost half of the state is still in the least and very low diffusion categories, whereas only 6.87 percent of the state exhibits high ICT diffusion. The results highlight significant differences in digital infrastructure that are influenced by geographic and socioeconomic factors. Strategic policy efforts are necessary to support the objectives of the Digital India initiative and ensure balanced digital growth, especially in underserved, rural, and infrastructure-poor areas.</p>

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Decoding digital transformation in West Bengal: a block-level spatial analysis of ICT diffusion with tele-density trends

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月28日

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  • Sandip Satpati,
  • Kaushal Kumar Sharma

摘要

This study examines the distribution of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in 341 Community Development Blocks in West Bengal, India. The study utilizes longitudinal tele-density data (2008–2020) alongside a structural spatial analysis based on the Census 2011 to establish baseline disparities. The data from 2008 to 2020 shows a digital divide between urban and rural areas, with urban tele-density rising to 174.12 per 100 people by 2020, while rural tele-density remained at only 49.67. A sectoral analysis shows that while wireline and public-sector contributions have been steadily declining, private and wireless communication services have been rapidly expanding. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to combine eight household-level indicators, including landlines, televisions, radios, mobile phones, and internet-enabled computers, into an ICT Diffusion Index in order to assess regional ICT accessibility. Significant regional disparities are revealed by the spatial classification of CD Blocks into five diffusion zones: almost half of the state is still in the least and very low diffusion categories, whereas only 6.87 percent of the state exhibits high ICT diffusion. The results highlight significant differences in digital infrastructure that are influenced by geographic and socioeconomic factors. Strategic policy efforts are necessary to support the objectives of the Digital India initiative and ensure balanced digital growth, especially in underserved, rural, and infrastructure-poor areas.