Telephone mainlines take at least four years to be installed from the time their orders are placed.

It takes over six months for reported mainline problems to be resolved, if ever.

Very few or no software developers, programmers or computer technicians are present in the community.

Mainlines take at least six months for installation.

It takes over one month for reported mainline problems to be resolved. Providers pay no explicit attention to customer service.

A small community of software developers, web designers, network administrators and other technical personnel exists.

Mainlines take at least one month to be installed.

It takes over one week for reported mainline problems to be resolved. There is a growing customer service ethic among service and support providers, although it is not a priority for most. Some ICT maintenance and technical support services are available.

A nascent software industry is present in the community, and there is a growing number of hardware technicians, web designers and network administrators.

Mainline installation is usually completed within a few days.

Service providers can be contacted in a number of ways (e-mail, telephone, mail). Reported problems are usually resolved within 48 hours. Online help is available and may allow for immediate resolution. Customer service is considered a source of competitive advantage for the service provider. ICT maintenance and technical support are widely available.

A competitive and sophisticated web design market exists, incorporating the latest development technology.