Much has been claimed for the ability of mobile networks to extend communications and consequently help the poor of developing countries participate in economic activity. This is a complicated theory to test and some have questioned its validity. They point out that it is primarily the relatively affluent people in the developing world who can afford mobile and therefore that the technology may actually increase the gap between rich and poor in the developing world.
Our pdf summarises research conducted by independent organisations into three aspects of mobile and financial inclusion:
- Mobile banking for people with low income, (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor)
- The social impacts of airtime transfer services (Forum for the Future)
- The effectiveness of mobile in extending access to financial transactions to people at the base of the economic pyramid, (World Resources Institute).
This is the third of Vodafone's CR Dialogues and we aim to stimulate debate and new ideas to help improve our understanding of the socio-economic impact of mobile. Please send us your comments, opinions or ideas.
Initially we would like to propose three discussion themes:
- Can mobile phones bank the unbanked?
- What are the barriers for mobile banking? Technological, regulatory or social?
- How we can maximise the socio-economic impact of mobile-enabled financial transactions?
- Are there potential negative impacts? If so what? Please do send us your views. We will publish comments on this site.
