The mobility value of internet services in a wireless city: the case of Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract

This research investigates whether the provision of citywide outdoor wireless Internet services (WISs) in the world's first wireless city, Taipei in Taiwan, creates mobility value for its users. In addition, demographic trait differences between current WISs users and local residents in this modern Confucian city are also explored. The research employs a survey method to collect data from Taipei Wi-Fi service users. A total of 1543 subjects participated in the survey. In the study, 22 WISs items are identified and six WISs modes are drawn. The findings show that only five WISs items from three WISs modes are used more frequently following the introduction of the Taipei Wi-Fi service. This implies that the current Taipei Wi-Fi service construction only provides limited mobility value to its users. The findings also show that Taipei Wi-Fi service users and Taipei residents exhibit different demographic traits in gender, education and age.

Keywords:

• mobility value
• wireless city
• Wi-Fi
• wireless Internet service
• information communication technology
• Confucian culture
• Taipei

Acknowledgements

The support of the Taiwan's National Science Council is gratefully acknowledged. The current research is a part of the research project NSC 96-2918-I-008-002.