This paper looks at telecom use at the bottom of the pyramid, or BOP in emerging Asia, where much of the ‘next billion' subscribers are expected to come from. It explores the potential for new customers, and issues of affordability at the BOP. The findings reveal potential for more than 140...

This paper looks at telecom use at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) in emerging Asia, where many of the ‘next billions’ of subscribers will come from. It explores the potential for new customers, and issues of affordability at the BOP. The findings reveal potential for as many as 140 new...

When one talks of a ‘shoestring’ budget, it is understood that reference is being made to constrained finances, where individuals make attempts to cut costs through various methods without harming utility. This paper looks at the use of ‘strategies’ by such ‘shoestring’ users to...

Much has been said about women’s access to and use of the telephone. Many studies conclude that a significant gender divide in access exists particularly in developing countries. Women are also said to use telephones in a different manner from men –making and receiving more calls, spending...

El presente libro reúne opiniones de especialistas, profesionales, ex-miembros de organismos reglamentarios y encargados de la formulación de políticas sobre el problema de la expansión de la conectividad en la tecnología de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en el Asia emergente....

Public phones, such as traditional payphone booths have been in use since the 19th century. However, with the emergence of mobile telephony, the demand for public phones has experienced a decline in recent years both in developed and developing markets. Growing telephone ownership, particularly...

‘Missed calling' is an innovative way of communicating, growing in use among the 3 billion mobile users that exist today. Supported by caller identification facilities and built-in address books that most mobile phones come equipped with, the practice allows mobile users to pass on the cost of...