Abstract:
Aboriginal Australians have often been characterized as low users of modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This perception has arisen because of poor rates of adoption of fixed-line phones, computers and the Internet. In this study, we examine the various technologies available in a remote Aboriginal community in Cape York. Our findings demonstrate that Aboriginal people are highly selective, leapfrogging over some standard ICT to adopt 3G mobile phones and music technology such as MP3 players. Given that these are the technologies of choice, it is appropriate for governments to support their use by broadening mobile phone networks, improving supporting infrastructure and providing better technical support in the remote areas where many Aboriginal people live. In addition, these technologies could provide the platform on which to build applications to improve health, education and other services to their communities.
