Abstract:

The telecentre in Baling is one of the telecentre models in Malaysia that is established under the Universal Service Provision fund. The aim of this particular model is to provide rural community with broadband access and training programme focusing on e-application. Baling telecentre has been operating since 2007, and can be considered as one of the successful implementation of telecentre initiative. Based on the impact analysis that has been done in previous study, we have come to the conclusion that this telecentre has given a positive impact for the rural communities’ life, especially to the teenagers and school children. The stakeholders have initiated several strategies to sustain the telecentre as sustainability is always an issue for any telecentre model. Thus, this study will highlight the initiative of Baling telecentre in order to sustain. A total of 34 respondents, inclusive of 2 operators, 29 users and 3 non users were interviewed using structured questionnaires during the data gathering process. Critical success factors will be discussed. Outcome of the study can be used as a strategy to sustain the operation of telecentres, as well as to develop a new model of telecentre.

Keywords:

Telecenter, Digital divide, Rural ICT development, Community center.