Grameen Phone : Grameen Phone A case study of sustainable ICT use in Bangladesh
Challenges of ICT use : Challenges of ICT use Electricity supply is unreliable and covers 60-70% of the region
Low data-transfer rate limits use of multimedia
Educational (40%) and Lingual barrier
Higher cost for people living under $2/day
Cell Phones as catalysts : Cell Phones as catalysts GP owners have higher literacy, child immunization rates, use of safe drinking water, and hygienic latrines. The rate of family planning is 74% compared to 57% among villagers (part of 16 point disciplines )
95% of GP owners are women and 37% villagers belong to other NGOs
Reasons to Call : Reasons to Call
Call Length and Frequency : Call Length and Frequency
Location of Call : Location of Call
GP reduces risks of informal means to transfer funds
Foreign exchange is used in productive investments
GP Telecenters play an important role as remittance brokers
Philippines have 300 electronic money transfer services at telecenters
Set up Cost of GP : Set up Cost of GP 35% shows interest to spend between $205-$410
13% shows willingness to pay between $410-$613
Building a house cost around $715
Average income is $102 per month
Those who have high income shows willingness to install 13% 35%
Gender role in Operations : Gender role in Operations Preference of same sex phone operators
Women find it easy to reach other women for incoming calls
When operator is male phone use is 6.25% and 82% when female
GP gives women an opportunity to operate business without going to public
The key: Sustainable ICT : The key: Sustainable ICT Digital divide requires innovative pedagogy not sophisticated technology
GP uses solar powered energy and bicycle powered battery for recharging
Technology use gives women greater access to knowledge and economic decision making
Grameen Bank has partnered with NGOs in developing dual purpose integrated Databanks with other NGOs and Government