Progressive Web Apps: An Optimal Solution For Rural Communities In Developing Countries?

ICTs can play a key role in addressing the challenge of energy access in rural areas of developing countries. It is essential to choose the right technology to suit the context, as these areas have characteristics that must be considered for the correct appropriation of solutions, such as the instability of the network or the age of the devices. The aim of this study is to analyze which devices and which development technologies are the most suitable for the development of digital solutions in rural areas of developing countries. To this end, on the one hand a comparison is made between mobile and fixed terminals, with the result that mobile devices are the most suitable due to penetration figures, availability of mobile networks and affordability. On the other hand, mobile development solutions such as, Native Apps, Hybrid Apps, Mobile Web Apps and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are analyzed. After analyzing the technologies from the user's point of view, considering aspects such as adoption, affordability and usage, it is concluded that the optimal solution is PWA technology, as it combines the favorable aspects of web and application development. Finally, a successful case of the development of an energy access management tool developed with PWA technology for a rural electrification project in Ngäbe Buglé, Panama, is presented.