Meaning and Scope of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

The driving forces of the information revolution and the 'information society' are the development, diffusion and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in contemporary societies. The diffusion of ICTs has contributed enormously to the growth of economies in developed nations and developing nations are earnestly facilitating policy frameworks to ensure an equitable diffusion of these technologies.

ICTs refer to the various technologies that enhance the creation, storage, processing, communication and dissemination of information. ICTs also refer to the different infrastructures used in these processes, their applications and the numerous services these infrastructures render. We identify the following technologies as the elements of ICTs:

• Media of Communication (e.g radio, television,)
• Information machine (e.g Computers)
• Telecommunications technologies and equipment (Satellites, fibre optic cables, phones, Facsimile machines)

The development in telecommunications has impacted enormously on the applications of ICTs and their uses. Telecommunications technologies, coupled with computer technology have enhanced network-based information and communication platforms, such as the Internet. Telecommunications infrastructures in particular have become the driving forces of ICTs; they have the capability to link all various ICT elements together irrespective of locations and to provide a converging platform for these elements. The convergence of the various elements of ICTs has enhanced development in all spheres of human activities. Robin Mansell and Uta When (1998: 1) state, "advanced microelectronics-based information and communication technologies (ICTs) are at the heart of recent social and economic transformations in both the industrialised and many developing nations".

In 1995 and 1997, the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) investigated the benefits and risks of ICTs. The result of this investigation showed many instances where the use of ICTs affords widespread social and economic benefits. There were also many instances where ICTs were making no differences in the lives of people in the developing countries. The result also showed that the diffusion of these technologies is extremely uneven throughout the developing world. As a result of this, there is a high risk that technologies and services will deepen the disadvantages of those without the skills and capabilities to make the investments required for building innovative ICT-based societies (Mansell & Wehn, 1998:1).