Beyond Signal Coverage: Assessing Urban–Rural Inequality in Digital Infrastructure in Sumedang Regency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62503/sfr.1.2.65-91Keywords:
Digital infrastructure, Digital divide, Spatial inequality, Sumedang Regency, Urban-rural disparity, Policy responseAbstract
Equitable access to digital technology and services depends on more than network coverage. In areas with diverse geographical characteristics and levels of connectivity, gaps in digital infrastructure remain a challenge. This study assesses urban–rural inequality in digital infrastructure across the sub-districts of Sumedang Regency, using a descriptive quantitative approach combined with policy document analysis. The quantitative analysis draws on 2025 sub-district data on cellular internet network availability, the distribution of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), mobile signal strength, and supporting communication facilities. The policy document analysis reviews the Sumedang Regency RPJMD, relevant regional strategic plans, and national policies on digital infrastructure development and digital transformation to identify equity challenges and government responses. The results show that most villages and sub-districts are already covered by 4G/LTE networks, yet sub-districts still differ in network conditions, BTS availability, signal strength, and supporting communication facilities. Administrative network coverage alone therefore does not capture the real differences in digital infrastructure between urban and rural areas. The policy analysis identifies four key challenges: geographical conditions, regional connectivity, uneven network availability, and the need for stronger telecommunications infrastructure in relatively remote areas. The local government has responded by developing telecommunications infrastructure, improving regional connectivity, expanding digital-based public services, and supporting digital transformation. These findings call for needs-based planning that looks beyond signal coverage and considers geographical characteristics, network conditions, BTS availability, signal quality, and supporting facilities when setting digital infrastructure development priorities.
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