We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN DEVELOPING NATIONS THROUGH MOBILE PHONE TRANSACTION SYSTEMS.
- Authors
HELTON, DAVID A.
- Abstract
At the apex of the dotcom bubble, philanthropists and government agencies set a goal of bridging the digital divide by bringing internet connectivity to millions in developing nations, principally through personal computers. Reaching their objective in this manner proved impractical where sizeable portions of the population suffer inadequacies in food, medicine, and education, and often lack electricity, telephone lines, potable water, and paved roads. While the original plan to bring the masses online did not succeed, the market place provided an alternative solution as telecommunications companies expanded mobile phone networks throughout the developing world. The sales of inexpensive handsets soared, creating an information technology infrastructure that connected millions of people who had never before had a telephone. In addition to conventional voice communication and text messages, other usages of the cell networks emerged. Mobile phone transaction systems were one of those experiencing the most growth. Mobile transaction systems now constitute one of the principle uses of cell phones in countries where most of the people do not have bank accounts and, consequently, no ATM access or debit cards. This article provides an analysis of features of emerging cell phone transaction systems in developing nations and provides suggestions for their improvement
- Publication
B>Quest, 2012, p1
- ISSN
1084-3981
- Publication type
Academic Journal