A Dynamic Perspective of Internet Service Provider Adoption of Emergent Network Technology: A Case Study of Tribal Digital Village

Abstract

Technological mediation describes the process where internet service providers (ISPs) translate telecommunications network innovations from the “technological frontier” to their particular commercial context. Although the original conception defined three obstacles during this process (technical, commercial, and structural), how these obstacles unfold has yet to be fully investigated. Using a qualitative case study with a rural ISP, we identify extensions to the model, in particular emotional response during mediation and their relationship to the dynamic elements mediation process. This illuminates how commercial market maturation impacts the organizations adopting these technologies, and the impacts of experience on the dynamic nature of technological mediation.