Mobile innovation and ICT make the world a better place

It is easy to see that cell phones have dramatically changed our standard of living. On the “welfare problems” theme, I remember how my degree of freedom increased when I got my first cell. Suddenly, it was possible to go jogging and still be reachable – something that was formerly impossible as a single parent with young children. The telephone was now associated with a specific person instead of a specific place. Since then, cell phones have become smaller, simpler to use and are filled with more content. But parallel to our own development toward cell phones that are used as computers and are always online, an enormous change is also occurring for people in developing countries. A change that leads to a direct increase in well-being.

In recent years, access to cellular telephony has rapidly become a way for the impoverished to manage the few means they have.  Using a cell phone, it is possible to organize everyday finances without having an ordinary bank account or being dependent on traditional infrastructure and a functioning postal and banking system. The concept of mobile money is now common. Via small transactions in villages, cash can change hands and locations as fast as a text message. Users function somewhat like banks, and it is possible to make deposits and withdrawals by text message, making this a secure, quick way to handle money. People avoid travelling long distances with cash to reach a banking office to pay bills. Time can be used for other things like working. The Economist (September 26–October 2, 2009) writes that income among households in Kenya that are connected to a mobile monetary system has increased by 5-30%.

Other areas of application that are highly relevant in developing countries are healthcare and education. Patients can be registered, get the right diagnosis and then be sent to the right doctor. Illnesses can be followed up and the spread of disease can be registered. In the education area, many projects are being developed that will change conditions radically. There are examples of streaming lectures, instructor support, submission and participation via texting.

There are also other sweeping changes. Democracy can increase if participation in community decisions and government credibility can be established, so-called e-governance. In some places, it is now possible to anonymously report suspected corruption in local bureaucracies to digital platforms.

That is why one of the most important issues for those of us who work in the industry is to continue supporting innovation and the development of services and user-friendliness for cell phones while expanding broadband service. Almost everyone in the world has access to a cell phone in one way or another. Expansion of high-capacity broadband is moving forward. In Stockholm, we were first in the world with 4G. Imagine what enormous opportunities will open up to developing countries when everyone has access to the internet. We can really contribute here with new, smart solutions that change and improve people’s daily lives.

Perhaps our most important export product can be formulated in terms of democracy and freedom.

Anette Scheibe, CEO Electrum Foundation & Kista Science City AB