May 25, 2010
Mobile phone helps reshape Indian politics and the poor
The number of mobile subscribers has surged from just 1.2 million in 1999 to almost 600 million. About 20 million new subscribers are being added every month, making India the world's fastest growing phone market. The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
In 1987 there were only 0.3 phones for every 100 Indians, now there are 51.
Analysts say mobile phones have affected every strata of Indian society like few tools ever have. Advertisers have portrayed the mobile phone as a household essential for the poor - alongside shelter, food and clothing.
Because mobiles do not require literacy they have become a powerful tool for poor, self-employed people such as small traders, farmers, fishermen and rickshaw drivers to get information that helps save time and boost earnings.
Studies have shown how mobiles have helped poor Indian farmers to avert losses and improve yields. With buyers just a phone call away, they can adjust their production to suit demand; easily accessible weather forecasts help with crop planning.
It's likely mobiles have also influenced electoral politics.
Read full article.
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