Determinants of consumers knowledge on their rights in telecommunication markets : case of Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy and Industry Research Collaboration Center (AIRCC)
Abstract
In modern telecommunications markets, consumers play an important role in maintaining competitive forces in the markets. Consumers shape the industry by either opting to consume services from the most efficient produces, or seeking for redress whenever service providers perform below the set standards which results in breach of consumer rights. Particularly on the later, consumer assertiveness to seek redress is hinged on their knowledge of consumer rights in the telecommunications industry, ability to recognize when their rights are breached, and understanding the institutions to follow in seeking redress. This paper uses the ordered logit (Ologit) regression model to study determinants of consumer knowledge on their rights in the telecommunication industry in Tanzania.
The results of this study show that populations living in rural areas, of old age and low income are the least knowledgeable on their rights as telecommunications consumers; thus, the most vulnerable. Further, the awareness of the National Regulator Authority (NRA) in communication, which is the central institution in dealing with consumer empowerment and protection, and usage of social media have positive influence on consumer knowledge on telecommunications rights. The study concludes with policy recommendation for policy makers, to address the lack of consumer knowledge on the telecommunications sector particularly among the most vulnerable consumers who constitute larger part of the country population.
Description
Abstract. full-text article available at http://dx.doi.org/10.5121/ijmpict.2016.7202
Keywords
Telecommunications, Modern telecommunications markets, Telecommunications markets, Consumers shape, National Regulator Authority, NRA, Telecommunication industry, Tanzania telecommunication industry, Telecommunications consumers
Citation
Mwakatumbula, H., Moshi, G. C., & Mitomo, H. (2016). Determinants of consumers’ knowledge on their rights in telecommunication markets: Case of Tanzania. International Journal of Managing Public Sector Information and Communication Technologies, 7(2), 09-21.