Dialing in Rural Prosperity Through Universal Cellular Connectivity

Kurukshetra, Vol. 54, No. 6, April 2006

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Abstract

The Indian telecommunications success story is the combined result of sound policy, excellent regulation and an innovative and enterprising private sector. The best part about this saga is that it has the potential to transform the lives of millions of poor Indians, especially those in rural areas who are otherwise deprived of the benefits of infrastructure available in urban areas. Mobile connectivity holds tremendous potential to transform rural India. Being connected means access to information, markets and government services apart from financial services and entertainment. This connectivity can thus improve rural productivity, reduce dependence on exploitative intermediaries and can ensure that rural schemes actually deliver their planned benefits. With cities nearing saturation levels, the next wave of the Indian mobile revolution is definitely going to soar in rural India. This development holds the promise of mainstreaming the rural areas and populations; a necessity to bring about inclusive and sustainable growth for India.