Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications has published the results of its study, ?Mobile Technologies ? The Digital Fabric of our Lives.? The study was aimed at examining the effects of mobile technologies on social and economic lives of people. The study was conducted by Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications in 10 countries including India.
The study suggests that in India and other countries, mobile phones have become an intrinsic part of most people?s lives, connecting them to the rest of the world. India?s per capita gross domestic product is expected to grow by $51 per year between 2010 and 2020 due to growth in mobile phone subscriptions. Going forward, the mobile subscriptions? contribution to India?s GDP per capita growth is expected to be 11.4 per cent (2010-2012), 4.9 per cent (2012-2015) and 2.1 per cent (2015-2020).
The study results indicate that higher penetration of mobile phones enable greater democratic participation, increased gender equality and improved education opportunities, while also making a significant contribution to economic growth. It is estimated that there will be 69 mobile phone subscriptions for every 100 Indians in 2020. In emerging countries such as India and South Africa, growing mobile phone subscriptions accounted for 11 per cent and 20 per cent of growth, respectively between 2010 and 2012.
The study further points out that mobile technology has an even stronger impact on economic systems in developing nations in comparison to developed nations. Mobile communication has made it possible for farmers in developing countries to receive information about the day?s market prices or weather forecasts. Such facilities help user make informed and better decisions. Further, mobile communication infrastructure has made it possible for the industry to launch mobile banking services.
Commenting on the results of the study, Dr Mark Speich, managing director, Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications, says, ?Worldwide, mobile phones are speeding up social development process. Mobile technology isn?t just driving economic growth, but also social progress. Mobile phones are more than just communication tools. They give people the opportunity to participate in economic and social processes.?
