Outlook of the e xpansion of ICT in r ural a reas of Kermanshah County in Iran

        This paper used Delphi technique and SWOT model. To draw an outlook of the ICT expansion, in each part of the model, questions were presented and based on the received responses the required analysis were carried out in three rounds to draw an outlook A pretest was carried out in a statistical population which included all the ICT and rural development experts in Kermanshah county. Based on the received responses those who were not well familiar with ICT omitted. Simultaneously the rural and urban expert views were compared. The existence of electricity, telecommunication office, a young educated class and tourist attractions were counted as points of strength, and poor telecommunication facilities, high overhead, little attraction for private sector to invest, the lack of local experts and low educational level were viewed as points of weakness. Access to world markets, reducing the middlemen’s role, positive attitudes of those responsible, inclusion of ICT in fourth five year plan and enhancement of rural tourism were mentioned as points of opportunities, and increase in consumerism, abnormal behavior were counted as points of threats. In addition, the results indicated that the two groups of rural and urban expert shared a common view that the following completions would result from the expansion of ICT in rural areas: access to world market, enhancement of social participation, environmental conservation. However, they did not hold a unified view concerning point such as a rise in unemployment and poverty, and the existence of local knowledge. In sum, we are optimistic towards the expansion of ICT in the area under study.