Bridging the Digital Divide
 The GSMA believe that the promotion of open, competitive market conditions is fundamental to extending the benefits of mobile communications to all, from the most developed Western European markets to remote areas in developing countries. Mobile has a critical role to play in improving health, wealth, education and social mobility.
To ensure that the benefits of mobile communications are understood and available to everyone who needs them, the GSM Association has developed an integrated programme aimed at better identifying the value of mobile communications.
As part of its wider 'Bridging the Digital Divide' initiative, the GSMA is working to tackle the cost barriers to ownership and address the economic and social benefits related to mobile. Its work in this area falls into two categories: The Total Cost of Ownership and Economic & Social Benefits.
The "Total Cost of Ownership" takes a 360 degree view of the mobile communications environment. This includes examining how regulation and tax affect the take-up of mobile phones. It also includes work on delivering a lower cost handset to consumers; which is part of the Emerging market handset programme.
The second area in which the GSMA seeks to address the digital divide is in the area of the "Economic and Social Benefits of Mobile Communications". This looks at the role of micro-payments, the function that a mobile phone plays in facilitating disaster relief, relevant studies and the GSMA's Development Fund.
Total Cost of Ownership
Economic & Social Benefits
 Africa Magazine
'At the Connect Africa Summit in Kigali in October 2007, the GSMA announced that
the mobile industry will be investing some US$50 billion over the next five years in
sub-Saharan Africa. The level of commitment is unprecedented and will herald an era
of affordable and universal voice and basic data services. It will also develop a mass
market for mobile broadband services.
I am delighted that we have assembled such a distinguished group of leaders for
this publication who will outline their respective initiatives and strategic vision
for the African continent. The GSMA looks forward to Africa’s modern
communication age.'
Tom Phillips,
Chief Government & Regulatory Affairs Officer, GSMA
Download the GSMA magazine Mobile Investment Africa (PDF)
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