Mobile communications for development: Enabling strategic and low-cost e-applications for rural and remote areas

Abstract

The evolution and growth of digital communications technologies has spurred various instances where wireless communications are being tremendously utilized to a multitude of ends and more importantly provoking new paradigm shifts. Digital inclusion and connectivity availability on a global scale remains one critical concern and definitely fuels the motivation and initiative for innovative solutions and appropriate models to bring the digital divide to a close. Mobile Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) are more than a suitable and powerful technology that will help provide connectivity and digital access in a much faster and cheaper way for underserved areas of the globe, and therefore are to be strategically investigated and assessed within their most vital, strategic and profitable functional or usage contexts.