Sunday, May 27, 2012

Mobile Technology & Economics

Mobile phone has fast become a part of our global culture - the world is becoming more integrated.[1] It’ s use, specifically among low income population creates a sense of well-being, equity in access to services and goods, efficiency and connectivity.[2] The high demand has stimulated the global economy.[3] Investors and entrepreneurs are interested to develop mobile-based solutions in marketing new and relevant products to the consumers, therefore increasing the value of mobile phone technology. The low cost, increased supply, and high consumer demand has positively stimulated the regional economy as well, by providing infrastructure services, improving efficiency of marketplace and efficiently of service delivery to the poor.[4] 
In 2004, the number of subscribers in Africa expanded at around 35% a year.  Globally, the industry recognized that its next 1 billion customers could be won by companies that develop business models that work for poorer people. [5]
Use of cell phone technology saves time, creates a dynamic business forum, improves personal management, all of which tend to improve one’s income and stimulate the economy.[6]


[1] World Bank – World Development Report 2012: Gender Equity and Development, World Bank Publications, 2011
[2] ,[6] Heather Horst, Daniel Miller – The Cell Phone: An Anthropology of Communication, Berg, 2006
[3] Bob Johansen, Robert Johansen – Get There Early: Sensing the Future to Compete in the Present, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2007
[4] Pierre_Laurent Chatain – Integrity in Mobile Phone Financial Services, World Bank Publications, 2008
[5] Gamos, Enterplan and Oneworld - The Impact of Mobile Phones in Africa, Prepared for the Commision for Africa, Nov. 2004

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