Understanding ICT adoption in SAARC member countries

This study analyzes the four key information and communications technology (ICT) indicators (fixed-line subscribers, mobile cellular subscribers, fixed broadband subscribers and individuals using the internet) in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries and finds the mobile telecommunication services are highly adopted. Further, considering mobile subscribers’ data from 2000 to 2017, we compare the Bass, Gompertz, and logistic econometric diffusion models to identify the best adoption diffusion pattern of mobile telecommunication technology. The seven SAARC members of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka follow the Gompertz model, while India follows the logistic pattern. The main contribution of this study is offering a supporting material for telecommunication policymakers and stakeholders to design a sustainable ICT strategy for the SAARC countries.