Technological GINI: a study of the inequality in Ecuador

This paper introduces a Gini coefficient calculation for Ecuador in order to identify the inequality regarding the access to several ICTs and presents a new technological Gini for expenditure of ICT services by end users. A theoretical economic model is presented based on previous studies made by the International Telecommunications Union in order to understand the impact of technologies in a country´s economy, based on that model it is possible to identify the dual nature of ICTs. The present study interpret this model and make an analysis for the productive capacities of Ecuador based on its ICT infrastructure and ICT skills, but more importantly reviews the inequalities for the population to access and use ICTs as consumables. The technological Gini coefficient presented is an indicative of the consumption flow of ICT products and services taking into consideration socioeconomic levels, therefore new public policies can be design and implemented in Ecuador. These public policies aim to contribute to the affordability capacities of citizens to access technology. Increasing access to information in a given society can foster the development of digital services and applications.