Impact Of Mobile Phone

The Socio-economic Impact of Mobile Phone Services on Rural People in Bangladesh

Md. Afzal Jamil

Economics Discipline Social Science School Khulna University Khulna, Bangladesh

April, 2008

The Socio-economic Impact of Mobile Phone Services on Rural People in Bangladesh

A Thesis by Md. Afzal Jamil Student No.: 031522 Session: 2005-2006

Supervised by ……………………………… (Md. Rezaul Karim, Ph.D) Sociology Discipline Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh & ……………………………… (Mr. Sk. Sharafat Hossen) Lecturer, Economics Discipline Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

The thesis submitted to the Economics Discipline of Social Science School, Khulna University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Social Science (Hons.) in Economics

April, 2008

The Socio-economic Impact of Mobile Phone Services on Rural People in Bangladesh

Approved as to Style and Content By

……………………………………………..

Khan Md. Azizur Rahman Head Economics Discipline Khulna University Khulna, Bangladesh

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY The Socio-economic Impact of Mobile Phone Services on Rural People in Bangladesh

The findings of this thesis are entirely of the candidate’s own research and any part of the results has neither been accepted for any degree nor it is being concurrently submitted for any degree.

………………………………

(Md. Afzal Jamil) Student No.: 031522 Session: 2005-2006

Acknowledgement Alhamdulillah! All praise be to Allah (SWT) for His infinite mercy in preparing this paper and in asking His forgiveness for any error of judgment. Without His compassion, this research work would not have been possible. I have received intellectually stimulating ideas from number of distinguished personalities and related organizations. Behind the successful establishment of any venture there always exists the invisible cooperation of some persons. Professor Md. Rezaul Karim Ph.D, Head Economics Discipline and Sk. Sharafat Hossen, Lecturer Economics Discipline of Khulna University are such persons without whose cordial guidance and systematic supervision it is beyond my ability to shape this dissertation paper into a good one. I would like to express my heartily thanks to all teachers of Economics Discipline for their extensive and compendious lectures on mobile phone related issues different times. I am grateful to my thesis mates as well as class mates who assists me during data collection and putting them into softwares. Finally, my special appreciation goes to all the respondents and people of nine upazilas for their cordial help and friendly participation by responding to the queries, and interviews during the time of survey, that enable me to analyze and synthesize all the ideas into a report form. If this small effort succeeds in generating both scholarly and practical interest in the seminal role of mobile phone in the walks of life, I will consider my labour amply rewarded. May Allah (SWT) accept my work for His sake alone.

April, 2008 Md. Afzal Jamil Economics Discipline   

 

i 

Abstract The study reveals the socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh. This study reached its various findings from the view point of rural areas under some upazilas of the country. 300 sample were chosen randomly of which 180 were subscriber and 120 were trader and they were asked about their various social and economic aspects relating to mobile phone usage. Primary, secondary and personal subtle observation has been used as a source of data collection. Most of the users derive better benefits from mobile phone although it incorporates some harmful aspects. This paper explores services of mobile phone companies in Bangladesh and shows its economic and social impacts on rural people. From economic perspective, mobile phone reduces communication cost with different regions and it increases social cohesion among people in the rural area as well. Before a year ago response to the business relating to mobile phone was higher which is substantially reducing now-a-days. In the rural areas the popularity of Banglalink is enough because this operator pays more assiduousness to the expectation of its valued subscriber. In rural area, most of the subscribers are not aware about the internet facility. However, amongst them a great portion use it for entertainment purpose. As a part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) all the operators are now involved in social welfare activities. Apart from major benefits, misuse from the juveniles and terrorists are also of great concern. Contributing to the domestic economy, the mobile phone operators bring the opportunity of employment for rural people having a substantial share to the GDP. Keywords: mobile phone service, socio-economic impacts, rural areas

 

ii 

Contents Title Acknowledgement Abstract Contents List of tables List of figures List of map Acronyms and abbreviations

Page No. i ii iii vi vii vii viii

Chapter one: Introduction 1.1 Background of the study 1.2 Rationale of the study 1.3 Objectives of the study 1.4 Scope of the study 1.5 Limitations of the study 1.6 Operational definitions 1.6.1 Mobile phone 1.6.2 Land phone 1.6.3 Digital divide 1.6.4 GSM 1.6.5 ERS 1.6.6 Upazila 1.7 Organization of the study

1-6 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6

Chapter two: Methodology 2.1 Research design 2.2 Sampling technique and sample size selection 2.3 Data collection 2.3.1 Primary data 2.3.2 Secondary data 2.4 Data processing, analysis and presentation 2.5 Steps of the study

7-10 7 7 8 8 9 9 10

Chapter 3: Mobile phone services in Bangladesh  3.1 General 3.2 Mobile phone operators: History of inception 3.3 Subscriber base of telecom operators in Bangladesh 3.4 Tariff plan of telecom operators: Past and present 3.5 Mobile phone operators in rural area 3.6 Mobile phone benefits national economy 3.6.1 Contribution to government revenue 3.6.2 Contribution towards economy 3.6.3 Contribution towards employment

11-20 11 11 13 14 16 17 18 18 19

Chapter 4: Profile of the study area 4.1 Study area: Demographic, economic and communication features 4.1.1 Batiaghata Upazila 4.1.2 Dumuria Upazila

21-29 21 21 22

 

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4.1.3 Terokhada Upazila 4.1.4 Rupsa Upazila 4.1.5 Rampal Upazila 4.1.6 Alamdanga upazila 4.1.7 Wazirpur Upazila 4.1.8 Kaligonj Upazila 4.1.9 Gazipur Sadar Upazila 4.2 Quick look of the study area

22 23 24 25 25 26 27 29

Chapter 5: Socio-economic status of general subscriber 5.1 Socio-demographic features of general subscriber 5.1.1 Age structure 5.1.2 Sex distribution 5.1.3 Distribution of sex according to age group 5.1.4 Family size 5.1.5 Educational status 5.1.6 Previous communication type 5.2 Economic features of general subscriber 5.2.1 Professional status 5.2.2 Household expenditure pattern 5.2.3 Savings pattern 5.2.4 Income pattern 5.3 Subscribers status related to mobile phone service 5.3.1 Preferred telecom operator of general subscriber 5.3.2 Reason for choosing particular operator 5.3.3 Reason for not changing operator 5.3.4 Subscribers awareness about internet service 5.3.5 Subscribers purpose of internet use 5.3.6 Subscribers handset usage status

30-39 30 30 30 31 31 32 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 37 37 38 39

Chapter 6: Socio-economic status of trader 6.1 Socio-demographic features of trader 6.1.1 Age structure 6.1.2 Sex distribution 6.1.3 Family size 6.1.4 Educational status 6.2 Economic features of trader 6.2.1 Business type 6.2.2 Household expenditure pattern 6.2.3 Savings pattern 6.2.4 Income pattern 6.2.5 Investment pattern 6.2.6 Profit pattern 6.3 Business outlay and revenue earnings 6.3.1 Heads of expenditure 6.3.1.1 Rent of the shop 6.3.1.2 Salary of the employee 6.3.1.3 Utility expenses

40-51 40 40 40 41 41 42 42 43 43 44 45 45 46 46 46 47 47

 

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6.3.2 Revenue earnings 6.3.2.1 Revenue from ERS 6.3.2.2 Revenue from M2M 6.3.2.3 Revenue from selling handset 6.3.2.4 Revenue from selling mobile phone accessories 6.3.2.5 Reinvestment pattern of trader

4 48 49 49 50 50

Chapter 7: Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people 7.1 Impact of mobile phone: General subscriber perspective 7.1.1 Positive economic impact 7.1.1.1 Mobile phone reduces communication cost 7.1.1.2 Mobile phone benefits businessman 7.1.1.3 Mobile phone improves product marketing 7.1.2 Positive social impact 7.1.2.1 Mobile phone increases social cohesion 7.1.2.2 Mobile phone helps user with low education and literacy to be connected 7.1.2.3 Mobile phone service in natural disaster 7.1.2.4 Mobile phone promotes social responsibility 7.1.3 Negative economic impact 7.1.3.1 Young generation wastes their valuable money 7.1.3.2 Young generation wastes their productive time 7.1.4 Negative social impact 7.1.4.1 Mobile phone creates problem among family members 7.2 Impact of mobile phone: Trader subscriber perspective 7.2.1 Negative economic impact 7.3 Physical problems using mobile phone

52-63 52 52 52 53 54 55 56 57 57 58 68 59 59 60 60 61 61 61

Chapter 8: Summary of findings

64-65

Chapter 9: Recommendations and Conclusion 9.1 Recommendations 9.2 Conclusion

66-68

References Appendices Appendix I Appendix II Appendix III

66 68 ix-x xi-xix

xi xiv xvi

 

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List of Tables Table ID

Title of Tables

Page No.

Table 3.1

Distribution of subscriber base of mobile phone operators in Bangladesh

13

Table 3.2

Distribution of world's Top 10 emerging mobile growth markets

14

Table 3.3

Validity of prepaid scratch card

15

Table 3.4

Present tariff plan of telecom operators

16

Table 3.5

Fixed and mobile teledensity in Bangladesh

17

Table 3.6

Source of revenue from mobile phone industry

18

Table 3.7

Inbound revenue to government exchequer

19

Table 3.8

Employment creation statistics by mobile phone industry as up to 2005

20

Table 5.1

Age distribution of general subscriber

30

Table 5.2

Sex distribution of general subscriber

30

Table 5.3

Sex distribution according to age group

31

Table 5.4

Family member distribution of general subscriber

31

Table 5.5

Distribution of educational status of general subscriber

32

Table 5.6

Distribution of previous communication type

32

Table 5.7

Professional distribution of general subscriber

33

Table 5.8

Household expenditure pattern of general subscriber

33

Table 5.9

Distribution of savings pattern of general subscriber

34

Table 6.1

Age distribution of trader

40

Table 6.2

Sex distribution of trader

41

Table 6.3

Family member distribution of trader

41

Table 6.4

Distribution of educational status of trader

42

Table 6.5

Household expenditure pattern of trader

43

Table 6.6

Distribution of savings of the trader

44

Table 6.7

Distribution of investment pattern of trader

45

Table 6.8

Distribution of monthly rent of the shop

47

Table 6.9

Distribution of monthly salary of employee

47

Table 6.10

Distribution of utility expenditure of the trader

48

Table 6.11

Distribution of earnings from ERS

48

Table 6.12

Distribution of earnings from M2M

49

Table 6.13

Distribution of revenue from selling handset

50

Table 6.14

Distribution of revenue from selling mobile phone accessories

50

Table 6.15

Distribution of reinvestment pattern of trader

51

 

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List of Figures Figure ID

Title of Figures

Page No.

Fig 5.1

General subscribers preferred telecom operator

36

Fig 5.2

Subscribers reason to choose preferred telecom operator

36

Fig 5.3

Subscribers reason behind not changing operator

37

Fig 5.4

Subscribers awareness about internet service

38

Fig 5.5

Subscribers purpose of internet use

38

Fig 5.6

Handset usage status in the study area

39

Fig 5.7

Subscribers reason to use specific handset

39

Fig 6.1

Business type of trader

43

Fig 6.2

Profit of traders

46

Fig 7.1

Transport cost of subscriber before mobile phone use with relatives

52

Fig 7.2

Transport cost of subscriber after mobile phone use with relatives

53

Fig 7.3

Transport cost of subscriber before mobile phone use with trade partner

53

Fig 7.4

Transport cost of subscriber after mobile phone use with trade partner

54

Fig 7.5

Transport cost for product marketing before mobile phone use

55

Fig 7.6

Transport cost for product marketing after mobile phone use

55

Fig 7.7

Mobile phone increases social cohesion

56

Fig 7.8

Mobile phone increases social status

56

Fig 7.9

Mobile phone causes wastage of money by young generation

59

Fig 7.10

Mobile phone causes wastage of time by young generation

60

Fig 7.11

Mobile phone creates family problem

60

Fig 7.12

Traders response to this business

61

Fig 7.13

Adverse effect of BTS radiation on human brain

63

List of Map Map ID

Title of Map

Map 4.1

Study area

Page No. 29

 

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Acronyms and Abbreviations ARPU BDT BTRC

Average Revenue Per User Bangladesh Taka Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

BTS CDMA

Base Transceiver Station Code Division Multiple Access Corporate Social Responsibility Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid

CSR DNA ERS FDI FnF GDP GOs GS GSM

GSMA ICT IGA KBPS LDC MNCs

NGN NGOs PBTL POTS

PSRAST SIM

SMS SPSS

TS UNDP

VAS VAT VoIP etc. e.g. i.e. et. al.  

Electronic Retail Service Foreign Direct Investment Friends and Family Gross Domestic Product Government Organizations General Subscriber Global System for Mobile Generalized System of Multiple Access Information and Communication technology Income Generating Activities Kilo Byte Per Second Least Developed Country Multi National Companies Next Generation Network Non Government Organizations Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited Plain Old Telephone Service Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Subscriber Identification Module Short Message Service Statistical Package for Social Science Trader Subscriber United Nations Development Programme Value Added Service Value Added Tax Voice over Internet Protocol Etcetera for example that is and others  

   

viii 

Introduction

 

Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Background of the study: There is a great consequence of telecommunication on the economy and the society as there is increasing, changing and inventing technological know how according to the requirement. This thing effects both the rural and urban economy on distinct dimensions as well as they are the tools that help the researcher to reach their objectives. For providing communication services, mobile phone companies technology must not come to an end rather it will accompany by the changing technical systems and needs of general and corporate clients. Apart from some these greater benefits, both for the service provider and subscribers, there is a tendency of misusing this services overtime either in the form of VoIP or misuse by terrorists or immature young generations wasting their productive time and money. Greater inflow of FDI and internationalization of economy affects both the rural and urban development accompanied by latest telecommunication technology. People with low education and literacy are using upgraded technology by means of telecommunication service thereby changing communication behaviour and come up with new life style. Apart from the urban area, rural public administration, services, business workflows and both short and long distance communication between masses are affected by telecommunication. People residing in rural areas a decade ago never thought about such a convenient way of communication. The concept of global village has now been turned into practical in real sense because they become to know their required information about home and abroad by few clicks on their cellular phone. The dream of teaching rural children about IT becomes now successful. Today village farmers are not exploited by middle man. They can know the price of agricultural products within minutes. Daily buying and selling activities even today people can do through their cellular phone. Cell bazaar concept may be cited as an example. Present communication way leads us to thought about the ancient people how do they communicate without mobile phone. This is just the starting and it is not foreseeable by us as what the communication technology can do for humanity. Internet service by the telecom operators is another wing of their service- a type of VAS greatly contributing towards their revenue which was not successfully provided by the public sector before two or three years ago. Facility of fiber optics where it has not reached till becomes available for the subscriber of mobile phone. For The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

1

Introduction

 

telecommunication service provider, consideration rural areas are of great concern. Village people incurs cost for mobile phone purposes as it meets their day-to-day requirement. This study accentuates on some unions-the root level segment of public administration under defined upazilas. The purpose of this study is to deal with rural areas because expectation and achievement of telecommunication service in rural areas will reflect the overwhelming scenario of telecom operators in Bangladesh. 1.2 Rationale of the study: Bangladesh has emerged as one of Asia's top 10 mobile phone markets in terms of adding net subscribers. The country has added 8.945 million Generalized System of Multiple Access (GSMA) mobile users in a single year from July 2005 to June 2006. Bangladesh now ranked eighth among the top 10 Asian mobile markets in terms of adding net subscribers during January to March, 2006. The new 8.945 million GSMA mobile users that have put Bangladesh in the global map is the result of the operators' continuous effort. According to figures from The Mobile World, Bangladesh had some 11.7 million subscribers at the end of March 2006, just one month after the registration cut-off date. The country now has 27.7 million subscribers. Over the last two to three years, the number of mobile subscribers in Bangladesh has been more than doubling on an annual basis. In 2006, the subscriber base was continuing to grow by more than 100%. With the momentum that has been developed on the back of the government’s deregulation process, strong growth was likely to continue. The entry of new operators into the market has certainly helped to further boost the competitive environment. It is evident today that in many developing countries mobile technology is a substitute for traditional basic fixed services and extends access to formerly unserved population groups such as the urban poor and rural users. Thus mobile technology and mobile operators are making significant contributions to universal service and universal access, both in terms of serving individual users and through mobile payphones. Around 80% population of our country resides in the rural area. The economy of Bangladesh mainly depends on the contribution provided from the rural areas. Now-adays many rural men and women have tendency to involve in income generating activities (IGA) through the different usage of mobile phone. Village phone is the first The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

2

Introduction

 

initiative from GrameenPhone to turn this cerebration into reality. Other mobile phone operators in successive stage provide such packages for producing income of rural traders as well as establishing communication channel both with rural to rural and rural to urban areas. For generating income in terms of investment, employment and contribution towards GDP as well as promoting social cohesion and responsibility and use in case of natural disasters- the role of handy phone is significant. So it is necessary to carry out an intensive study on mobile phone subscribers to see what are the economic and social impacts of mobile phone usage especially on rural areas. 1.3 Objectives of the study: i.

To know the situation of mobile phone services in Bangladesh.

ii.

To know about the social and economic impacts of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh.

1.4 Scope of the study: Research on mobile phone can be done from different perspective. But for convenience and relevancy the researcher covered the study from social and economic point of view. Since the majority of population resides in the countryside, so their present status regarding mobile phone usage reveals the overwhelming picture of the country. This paper analyzes economic benefit that trader derives from mobile phone business and the communication behaviour of the subscriber before and after mobile phone usage. 1.5 Limitations of the study: i.

Lack of dexterity of researcher is the first limitation of this thesis paper. This paper does not turned into expected success due to lack of dexterity.

ii.

The study has been carried out at the root level of the administration and the literacy rate of those areas are low as compared to the urban areas. So collection of data from the field becomes to much time consuming and tough.

iii.

More detailed information regarding the study area has not been properly collected for limitations of the study time.

iv.

Secondary information about mobile phone usage is not available in the study area which might be convenient for this study. As a result, research becomes

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

3

Introduction

 

greatly dependent on primary data. To conduct primary survey for this study was really a tough one and some times it created unexpected problems. 1.6 Operational definitions: 1.6.1 Mobile phone: There are deviation of mobile communication networks into geographic areas called cells, each served by a base station. Mobile phones are the user’s link to the network. The system is planned to ensure that mobile phones maintain the link with the network as users move from one cell to another. To communicate with each other, mobile phones and base stations exchange radio signals. The level of these signals is carefully optimized for the network to perform satisfactorily. They are also closely regulated to prevent interference with other radio systems used, for example, by emergency services, ambulance as well as radio and television broadcasters. 1.6.2 Land phone: Land phone is an instrument that sends and receives voice messages and data generally connected by wire. Telephones convert speech and data to electrical energy, which is sent great distances. All telephones are linked by complex switching systems called central offices or exchanges, which establish the pathway for information to travel. To communicate with each other, land phones and phone exchanges exchange optical signals. The level of these signals is carefully optimized for the network to perform satisfactorily. They are also closely regulated to prevent interference with other radio systems or optical systems used, for example, by emergency services, taxis as well as radio and television broadcasters. 1.6.3 Digital divide: The term digital divide refers to the gap between those people with effective access to digital and information technology and those without access to it. It includes the imbalances in physical access to technology as well as the imbalances in resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen. In other words, it is the unequal access by some members of the society to information and communication technology, and the unequal acquisition of related skills. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

4

Introduction

 

1.6.4 GSM: Complete elaboration of GSM is Global System for Mobile. To facilitate voice, text or fax communication GSM generally requires a SIM card and compatible handset. As with all other communications, speech which is inherently analog is digitally encoded and transmitted through the GSM network as a digital stream. Since GSM is a digital network, a modem is not required between the user and GSM network, although an audio modem is required inside the GSM network to interwork with POTS. There is also an emergency service, where the nearest emergency-service provider is notified by dialing three digits (911).

1.6.5 ERS: Complete elaboration of ERS is Electronic Retail Service. This service is provided by the telecom operators with a view to smoothly recharging their prepaid account or to pay monthly postpaid bill. Although this name is provided by GrameenPhone but in the study this name has been used as the service for providing top-up i.e. balance transfer to the requested subscribers prepaid or postpaid account. 1.6.6 Upazila: The districts of Bangladesh are divided into sub districts, or upazilas. The upazilas are the lowest level of administrative government in Bangladesh. In 1983, the local government ordinance of 1982 was amended to redesignate and upgrade the existing thanas as upazilas.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

5

Introduction

 

1.7 Organization of the study: Chapter one mainly contains general description of this research work, background of the study, objectives, rationale and scope of the study, limitations of the study and some operational definitions. Chapter two carries detail modus operandi of the study. It delineates about the steps of research work including research design, sampling, data collection and processing, analyzing and dissertation presentation. Chapter three contains the services of mobile phone companies, their history of inception, subscriber base, tariff plan and their contribution in our economy. Chapter four contains the necessary information of the study area such as demographic, economic, literacy, communication facilities etc. Chapter five contains general subscribers social and economic information. Chapter six contains social and economic information of trader subscriber. Chapter seven carries the impacts of mobile phone service from social and economic point of view both for general and trader subscribers perspective. Chapter eight contains major findings in a summarized form. Chapter nine is about recommendations and conclusion. Recommendations here prescribed on the basis of outlined problems. Appendix contains the schedule that is used for the study. It also contains map of respective upazilas.  

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

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Methodology

Chapter 2: Methodology Methodology means the way or manner by which the study is accomplished, which refers to the full outcome of the process at a glance. It includes some chronological steps that are necessary to complete the study successfully. Mode of operation differs with the nature of the study. Methodology is always a compromise between options and choices and is frequently determined by the availability of relevant resource and time. It is very important in the sense that it gives one an idea about how the study has been conducted. In other words, methodology helps to organize, represent, and analyze data and information. And their

logical expression in a systematical

chronology is to achieve the ultimate goal of the thesis. The methodology is adopted for the current research work is presented in a sequential manner.

2.1 Research design 2.2 Sampling technique and sample size selection 2.3 Data collection 2.4 Data processing, analysis and presentation 2.1 Research design A research design is a plan, structure and strategy of investigation so conceived as to obtain answers to research questions or problems. It is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure. The researcher designed this study in a descriptive manner. On the basis of the schedule and with the help of tables and figures the data has been presented in a descriptive way. 2.2 Sampling technique and sample size selection Mobile phone shops, residence, ferry ghats where ever subscribers and traders found were surveyed. So, random sampling procedure was applied for choosing the sample. In this case the systematic random sampling was applied. Sampling units are taken at regular intervals from the sampling frame. This study considers 300 sample and divides it into two segment i.e. subscriber and trader. Again the sample were divided as 180 for general subscriber and 120 for trader subscriber. In this study there were

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

7

Methodology

two units, one is subscriber of mobile phone and other one is entrepreneur or trader related to mobile phone. 2.3 Data collection: Three hundred respondents in the study area have been considered for collecting data. Schedule has been used as an instrument of data collection. Necessary data has been collected through schedule survey and self-observation on those samples. Two types of data have been collected for this study which are briefly discussed below: 2.3.1 Primary data: Primary data for this study has been collected from two main survey instruments i.e. schedule (formal interview) and field observation. a. Formal interview: In common parlance schedule is an instrument or a list of questions that are directly or indirectly related with the study. According to the objectives and requirements of the study a schedule has been framed to collect the required information regarding all indicators used and other relevant information. a.1 Schedule for general subscriber: Generally speaking literacy rate in the rural areas are lower in comparison to other urban areas. So, special attention was given in designing the schedule considering the literacy rate. Most of the questions were very simple, easy, straightforward and close ended whereas some open-ended questions were also included for a balanced schedule. The survey has conducted on the basis of random sampling. 180 subscribers were chosen randomly to collect various information regarding their mobile phone usage status. a.2 Schedule for trader subscriber: Number of trader subscriber was restricted only for those who are involved in mobile phone related business. Schedule for 120 traders were designed with close and openended questions to collect various mobile phone business related information. b. Field observation: In some respects the respective schedule and interview guides did not cover some relevant information. Furthermore, in many cases the respondents gave some important information, which are not directed to the questionnaire. Therefore, in order

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

8

Methodology

to obtain more knowledge additional information was derived through personal observation. 2.3.2 Secondary data: In any study secondary data plays a crucial role from the inception to destination which on the one hand strengthens knowledge base and saves time and resources on the other. At the initial stage it gives first hand information about the topic of the study and later it is used to supplement the empirical data. Secondary data have been collected for this study from different published and unpublished documents such as research reports, different institutions, journals, articles and internet. 2.4 Data processing, analysis and presentation In order to analyze, processing of raw data is very much significant. In this stage, mainly data is being processed and analyzed for the study. Without processing raw data, it is hard to analyze the raw data. After processing, it is needed to present data for analysis in an appropriate way. An attempt has been taken to entry the data into different statistical computer software with a view to analyze data to reach in a decision. All the collected data (primary and secondary) have been processed and analyzed chronologically. The findings have been presented in this thesis appropriately with the help of figures and tables. Some latest computer programs such as MS Word, MS Excel and SPSS have been used to present and analyze the data. Before the submission of the final thesis paper an attempt has been taken in the best possible way to go through the draft thesis by the course supervisor side by side presentation and analysis of this thesis paper has been changed as per his view. After completing analysis of the data, the final output has been presented in text format by writing this thesis. After necessary correction and suggestion as suggested by supervisors, a final dissertation paper has been prepared for final submission.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

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Methodology

2.5 Steps of the study: a) Conceptualization: It was inevitable to maturate a clear as well as wide concept of the different issues that was very much pertinent with the present research topic. b) Selection of the study area: The study area covers nine upazilas under six different districts. c) Sampling technique and sample size selection: A systematic sample is spread evenly through the target population. Systematic random sampling technique was applied for survey over 300 sample. d) Schedule preparation: A schedule was prepared to conduct reconnaissance survey. e) Reconnaissance survey: Reconnaissance survey was conducted to get idea about the study area and other necessary corrigendum of the schedule. f) Finalization of schedule: After necessary rectification of the schedule final schedule was prepared. g) Field survey and data collection: After finalization of schedule data has been collected from the study area. h) Data processing and analysis: In this step raw data were processed. i) Draft dissertation presentation: After processing and analyzing data, a draft dissertation was submitted to the supervisor for necessary correction and suggestion. j) Final dissertation presentation: After necessary correction and suggestion as suggested by supervisor, a final dissertation paper has been prepared for final submission.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

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Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

Chapter 3: Mobile phone services in Bangladesh 3.1 General: The telecommunication market from the perspective of Bangladesh in the recent year becomes too much competitive than ever. Recent growth in the Bangladesh mobile market can be attributed to factors such as the deregulation of the telecommunication sector, low levels of tele-density, inadequate fixed phone infrastructure, high competition following the entry of two new operators (Banglalink and Teletalk) and, particularly, massive foreign direct investment (FDI) by telecom giants like Telenor, Telekom Malaysia (TM), Orascom, SingTel, and most recently by UAE-based Warid Telecom. Foreign operators, in collaboration with local partners, have been working with the infrastructure to remove entry barriers and make mobile telephony more affordable and widen the base of mobile subscribers. At present there are six mobile phone operators continuing their business operation in Bangladesh. Of them, only one is owned by the government and others are as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The contribution of those mobile phone companies in the domestic economy is worth to mention. They make the life easier both in rural and urban areas. The activities of mobile phone operators are regulated by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

3.2 Mobile phone operators: History of inception The first cellular operator was Bangladesh Telecom (Pvt.) Limited (BTL), which received permission to provide service in 1989. The permission transferred initially to Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited (PBTL) who started their operation in 1993. Sheba Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd. was granted license in 1989 to operate in the rural areas of 199 upazilas and later they were also allowed to extend to cellular mobile radiotelephone services. GrameenPhone was offered a cellular license in Bangladesh by Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in November 28, 1996. It quickly established market leadership, owing to its relationship with the not-for-profit Grameen Bank. After almost 10 years of successful business operation in Bangladesh GrameenPhone announces its 10 million subscribers base in November 5, 2006. Aktel was awarded license in 1997.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       11

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

Later in 2004 most of the share of PBTL was purchased by SingTel. PBTL operates under the brand name Citycell. After a period of declining market share, Banglalink purchased Sheba’s license in 2004. Citycell entered the market in 2004, followed by Warid in December 2005. The incumbent fixed line operator, BTTB also entered the market via Teletalk. In July, 2004 it was reported that Orascom Telecom is set to purchase through a hush-hush deal the Malaysian stakes in Sheba Telecom, as it had failed to tap the business potentials in Bangladesh. High penetration rate of mobile phone had been haltered by imposing a controversial tax of US$18 on each new connection on national budget 2004-2005 in the year 2004. In response to strong criticism, the tax was reduced to US$13.50 in August 2005. Operators thought that the new tax will pose a serious entry hurdle for low-income earners and will significantly stifle growth expectations. However, industry specific taxation - taxes applying to the mobile industry and not others - remains high. An obvious example is the US$16 “royalty” charge, paid annually per connection, which applies only to mobile subscriptions and not fixed subscriptions. Warid Telecom International Ltd. is a GSM-based cellular operator in Bangladesh. Warid is the first GSM operator in Bangladesh providing NGN for optimum utilization of frequency and enhances speed and quality of both voice and data services. Warid is the 6th mobile phone carrier to enter the Bangladesh market. It is wholly owned subsidiary of Warid Telecom International LLC which is the part of an Abu Dhabi based consortium led by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, a Member of the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi, and the Honorable Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. Warid officially launched their commercial services in Bangladesh on the 10th of May, 2007, with a GSM Mobile Cellular network covering 61 districts of the country and encompassing 70% of the mobile phone using population- the single largest launch the country has ever seen. On 19th July, 2007 Warid Telecom announced in major dailies of having achieved one million subscribers in the first of 70 days of operation. As of January, 2008 Warid has secured 2.37 million subscribers and is ranked fourth among the six operators. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       12

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

Being fallen in competitive ambience all the operators are paying their keen concentration to VAS. In case of providing VAS it can be claimed that the SIM genie menu by Warid telecom is highly structured. People in the rural areas are not capable to memorize the service code for different VAS. The same VAS Warid provides by gently clicking on the keypad of their mobile phone. 3.3 Subscriber base of telecom operators in Bangladesh: Growth of subscriber base depends on the business policy of the operators. Different operator attracts subscriber from different economic strata. As for example, Orascom always makes a good market wherever they operate their business. Recently Orascom initiate their business in North Korea and the company expects sign up of 100,000 subscribers when they will launch their new GSM network. This is because the company is confident in achieving good subscriber base from their business policy. In Bangladesh, at present Banglalink and Warid tries to cover all sects of community under their network by paying more attention towards the subscribers expectation. Table 3.1: Distribution of subscriber base of mobile phone operators in Bangladesh December 2007 January 2008 Name of operator Subscriber Name of operator GrameenPhone Ltd. (GP) 16.48 GrameenPhone Ltd. (GP) TMIB (Aktel) 6.40 TMIB (Aktel) Sheba Telecom Ltd. (Banglalink) 7.08 Sheba Telecom Ltd. (Banglalink) PBTL (Citycell) 1.41 PBTL (Citycell) Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd. (Teletalk) 0.85 Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd. (Teletalk) Warid Telecom International L.L.C 2.15 Warid Telecom International L.L.C (Warid) (Warid) Total 34.37 Total [Source: BTRC]

• •

Subscriber 16.88 7.28 7.45 1.45 1.00 2.37 36.42

The subscribers' numbers are declared by the mobile operators. Subscribers in Millions

Developing countries now account for more than half of mobile subscriber growth worldwide, with the top 10 adding around 285 million new subscribers in 2006 alone. The world's top 10 mobile growth markets are all countries considered to be "emerging" in Europe, Asia/Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. The mobile phone operators in Bangladesh are trying to provide the best services for their valued subscribers within their existing infrastructure and technology at their disposal. The companies are coddled in the cut-throat competition which leads to the substantial increase in their customer base. Another crucial reason for mobile service growth in our country has accompanied economic expansion, deregulation, and the need for The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       13

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

communications infrastructure where there is a lack of fixed-line connectivity. Research on mobile phone usage in different countries has found that with every 10 percent increase in mobile phone penetration, a country's GDP increases by 0.6 percent. As the table below shows, India and China are way ahead of the pack in terms of sheer volume. India added the most, more than 73 million new mobile customers, while China, in second place, added close to 68 million new users. The next country on the list, Pakistan, added 29 million. The U.S. added 23 million subscribers last year, which would have put it in fifth place. Table 3.2: Distribution of world’s Top 10 emerging mobile growth markets Country Subscriber addition* in 2006 Total subscriber* Dec 2006 India 73.56 149.5 China 67.68 461.08 Pakistan 28.9 48.29 Russia 26.12 151.92 Indonesia 23 65 Ukraine 19.03 49.21 Brazil 13.7 99.92 Bangladesh 12 21.76 Nigeria 11.4 30 Vietnam 10 22.5 [Source: www.lightreading.com] * Figures indicating in million

% increase over Dec 2005 97 17.2 147 21 38.6 63.1 15.9 135 38 80

3.4 Tariff plan of telecom operators: Past and present It is obvious that when one mobile phone operator becomes market leader, then it will try to control and regulate the existing market for ensuring great amount of persisting rise of their revenue. GrameenPhone as market leader did the same task as it ought to be. Initially GrameenPhone provided only voice communication at the tariff rated BDT 6.00 (US$ 0.085) exclusion of 15 percent VAT. This monopoly continues until the addition with TMIB (Aktel). This tariff was too much excessive in comparison to the tariff rate of other developing countries. This exploitation was not ended here. Since most of the mobile phone subscriber whether in previous or at present are of prepaid type, they were bound to recharge their prepaid account in order to be connected after the expiry of the limited validity period. Because after the expiry of their prepaid card all sorts of outgoing and incoming calls were barred. Here it is needed to mention that most of the subscribers were not enabled to recharge their prepaid account in that time and they were forced to recharge their prepaid account because the operators till then did not initiated other lower amount prepaid scratch

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       14

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

card other than BDT 300 and BDT 600. This policy was extremely in disfavour especially for rural people. Table 3.3: Validity of prepaid scratch card Operator  Validity of prepaid  Validity of prepaid  scratch card BDT 300  scratch card BDT 600  21 days 45 days GrameenPhone  21 days 45 days Aktel  [Source: News letter of the respective operator]

Other facilities  All outgoing and incoming calls were barred

Later this duopoly trend has been broken by Banglalink-wholly owned subsidiary of Orascom telecom called “Mobile Price War”. The entry of Banglalink in February 2005 has sparked a price war. Banglalink's attractive launch offer included a new connection and handset at a low start-up cost of BDT 3400.00 (US$ 51). Following Banglalink, three other private operators - GrameenPhone, Aktel and Citycell have also come up with various value-added offers resulting in an intense price battle. The development of a competitive mobile phone market is expected to prompt an easing in cell phone tariffs going forward, after years of escalation in what was a captive market. Consumers will also benefit from cheaper connection, call rates and various value added services. Six months before BTRC further amends the tariff plan of mobile phone companies. Side by side it gives some legislative orders to the operators in response to the remonstrance’s posed by civil society. BTRC fixes that no mobile phone operator can charge not more than BDT 2.00 and not lower than BDT 0.25 for making voice call. In previous, different mobile phone companies offered free air time minutes to the same operators but this causes serious inconvenience to social and economic issues. Such offers make young generations to more use of this service. In a competitive market different operators provides lower tariff call rate for the subscribers. To do so they furcated time period on different basis. The operators provide very low call tariff during the off-peak hours and reduced tariff during ascertained hour and generalized call tariff for the rest of the time of the day. Apart from this, operators provide pulse facility during phone call. Some provide 1 second pulse, some provide 15 second pulse and some provide 30 second pulse. But most of the operators provide 30 second pulse. The tariff for sending SMS vary from BDT 0.10 to BDT 2.50 including international SMS. All the operators are providing international roaming for voice call and for sending and receiving SMS. No prepaid subscribers are entitled to avail this The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       15

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

service. Only post paid subscribers can avail this service who bears international credit card with validity of at least six months. Present tariff status of mobile phone operators can be understood by the following table: Table 3.4: Present tariff plan of telecom operators Operator 9am-5pm 5pm-12am 12am-8*/9am 8am-12am 12am-7am 24 Hours GrameenPhone 1.5 2.00 N/A N/A 0.30 & 1.00 N/A Aktel N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.30 1.00 Banglalink 1.15 1.75 0.29 & 0.99 N/A N/A N/A Warid 0.99 1.80 0.25 & 0.99 N/A N/A N/A Citycell BDT 0.25 for Citycell to Citycell all day and BDT 1.00 with other operator Teletalk* N/A N/A 0.60 & 1.00 1.40 & 1.90 N/A N/A [Source: Respective website of the telecom operator] *Lower call rates applicable within own operator and higher call rates for other operator *The call rate stated here is for prepaid package mostly used by subscriber.

Viewing the present competitive scenario among telecom operators it can be hoped that the tariff rates will further lessen and the operators will pay more and more attention towards VAS.

3.5 Mobile phone operators in rural area: How can modern communication technologies benefit people at the grassroots? A question whose answer is often more complicated than the simple solution is to introduce rural people about the different aspects of information and communication technology. The investment, contribution, achievement of mobile phone operator towards the people of rural areas are worth to mention. The same scenario will not prevail to the developed economy. A significant portion of population of our country resides in the rural area. Realizing this very fact, GrameenPhone for the first time launched village phone programme in March 1997 when the first village phone became operational in Patira. Grameen Telecom (GTC) was established in 1995 on the initiative of Grameen Bank. The main objective is to provide universal access to telephone to the people living in the rural areas of Bangladesh. GrameenPhone Ltd. (GP) is a joint venture company formed by Grameen Telecom and three other companies: Telenor Invest AS of Norway, Marubeni Corporation of Japan and Gonophone Development Corporation of USA. There was no optimistic plan or initiative to increase telephone penetration in rural Bangladesh, neither from the government nor from any other operators. Only Grameen has taken such an initiative and planned a “Village Phone” programme to provide easy access to telephones all over rural Bangladesh. A telephone in a village does not just ensures voice The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       16

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

communication from village to village, rather it can be treated as an important tool for development, i.e. a new weapon to fight against poverty. It can be treated as the first step to bringing the potential of the information revolution to the doorstep of villagers. Later Aktel and Banglalink takes the same initiative for providing mobile phone for business purpose with some lucrative offers. Aktel introduces Aktel Uddokta and from Banglalink PCO and other Call and Control package. As village remains as the heart of agricultural activities which contributes major part of our economy. People’s occupations are now being diversified and a significant portion of rural people live outside their villages. Labour mobility has increased enormously in the recent past. Practically speaking, millions now work outside their own villages-even abroad. As a result of which the usage of mobile phone increased tremendously. In recent times the volume of rural- urban trade has increased at a rate much higher than the growth of the economy. Two reasons are present here i.e. labour mobility and marketing of agricultural and small and cottage industries. 3.6 Mobile phone benefits national economy: In Bangladesh the impact mobile phone is far-reaching. A sophisticated and highquality telecommunication infrastructure permits capital to be deployed productively and efficiently. It is essential to have a mobile phone service that is cheap, widely available and ensuring high quality service for evenly disseminating the blessings of communication technology. Along with mobile phone, fixed phones are performing the same service. But the penetration rate of fixed phone is lower as compared with mobile phone. It will be comprehensible from the statistics of year 2003-2005. Table 3.5: Fixed and mobile teledensity in Bangladesh Type of operator 2003 2004 Mobile phone penetration 1.13% 2.28% Fixed phone penetration 0.6% 0.75% [Source: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission]

2005 6.00% 0.9%

From the table it is visible that the vast majority of the population does not have access to telecommunication services although there is greater efforts from the operators. Whenever foreign direct investment inflows to the domestic economy, then it can be presumed that there will occur multifarious changes in that corresponding economy. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       17

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

The impacts are intertwined with one another. When FDI enters in the domestic economy as a form of providing information and communication technology, it provides greater service to that community-making their life more comfortable, easier, informative and brings economic excellence in their business operation. As telecommunication business covers the involvement of human efforts, technical expertise of several fields, it creates great employment opportunity in our country. Besides traders engaged in mobile phone business are refurbishing their economic status by multifarious usage of mobile phone. Subscribers become beneficiary with the help of mobile phone as it encompasses less time consuming in their relevant professional field than previous. The most mentioning benefits from the mobile phone is the government as it collects revenues, royalties, duty, fee, tax from all the sectors associated with mobile phone business. 3.6.1 Contribution to government revenue: Government is one of the greatest beneficiary out of several beneficiaries of mobile phone business. In a number of ways the government becomes beneficiary. Most of the sectors are from VAT, tax, general duty and supplementary duty on importing capital machinery and handsets and fees. In the year 2005 total revenue worth of US$256 has been added to government treasury. Besides, the amount of tax taken from the mobile phone operators in 2005 amounted to US$174m, or 27% of their revenues. This can be understood by the following table: Table 3.6: Source of revenue from mobile phone industry Government revenue Royalty on handsets Import duty on handsets VAT on usage charges and handset sales Revenue share charges Connections & supplementary duty BTS royalty Import duty on capital machinery Income tax Total [Source: www.gsma.com]

US $ (in million) 46 11 112 8 36 1 5 37 256

3.6.2 Contribution towards economy: An economy will be benefitted from the usage of mobile phone when all the persons related to telecommunication i.e. whether ERS trader or high technical expertise becomes beneficiary. All the persons engaged in telecommunication business can The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       18

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

serve from their own position towards the economy. A gross of US$ 750m had been added by the mobile phone industry in our domestic economy of which US$ 256m was retained by the telecom operators and they usually use it to pay employee salary, tax to the government. The remnant portion was by dealers of mobile phone (US$ 57m), mobile terminal manufacturers (US$ 72m), fixed network operators (US$ 35m), and a total of US$ 330m to equipment supplier. Table 3.7: Inbound revenue to government exchequer Industry role Revenue US$ Dealers 283 Mobile Network Operators 599 Terminal manufacturers 227 Support service suppliers 33 Fixed Network Operators 54 Component suppliers to network equipment 114 suppliers Component suppliers to terminal suppliers 155 Other capex suppliers 28 Total [Source: www.gsma.com]

Cost US$ 226 343 155 – 19 –

Added US$ 57 256 72 33 35 114

– –

155 28 US$ 750

3.6.3 Contribution towards employment: In case of generating employment opportunity the role of telecommunication is very crucial. Till year 2005, telecommunication sector creates employment opportunity for 2,37,800 people. Almost a quarter of a million of Bangladeshi people depends on the mobile phone and related industry either directly or indirectly. Employment creation category can viewed from four different angle. They are as follows: i.

There is a direct employment opportunity in the mobile phone industry.

ii.

There is a provision of creating supporting employment opportunity by outsourced work and taxes that the government subsequently spends on employment generating activities.

iii.

There is a indirect category, which covers other costs as well as profit generated, which is subsequently spent on employment generating activities, and finally

iv.

There is induced employment category which refers to jobs created as employees and other beneficiaries spend their earnings, thereby creating extra employment.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       19

Mobile phone services in Bangladesh

The contribution of mobile phone companies towards creating employment opportunity in Bangladesh can be understood table 3.8 : Table 3.8: Employment creation statistics by mobile phone industry as up to 2005 Employment from mobile phone services Direct Support Indirect Induced Dealers  19.9 19.9 10.0 29.9 Mobile network operators (MNOs) 4.4 38.2 3.8 27.9 Support services suppliers  0.0 23.0 5.8 17.3 Fixed network operators (FNOs) 0.6 5.2 0.7 3.9 Other capex suppliers  6.8 6.8 3.4 10.3 Terminal suppliers  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Terminal component suppliers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Network equipment manufacturers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Network equipment component suppliers   0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total  31.7 93.1 23.7 89.3 [Source: www.gsma.com] * Figures indicating in thousand

Total

79.7 74.3 46.1 10.4 27.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 237.8

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                       20

Profile of the study area

Chapter 4: Profile of the study area One of the major tasks of this study is to subtly analyze the study area and the various issues relating to mobile phone use. This study covers nine upazilas of Khulna, Bagerhat, Chuadanga, Barisal, Lalmonirhat and Gazipur district. The upazilas were Batiaghata, Dumuria, Terokhada, Rupsa, Rampal, Alamdanga, Wazirpur, Kaligonj and Gazipur sadar upazila. Some villages from those upazilas were randomly selected for collection of data. This paper mainly concentrates on the general demographic information, communication facilities and economic characteristics of the study area. 4.1 Study area: Demographic, economic and communication features 4.1.1 Batiaghata Upazila: Area and location:

Batiaghata upazila is situated in Khulna district with an area of 248.33 sq km, is bounded by Kotwali (Khulna), Dumuria and Rupsa upazilas and Sonadanga thana on the north, Dumuria upazila and Paikgachha upazila on the west, Dacope, Paikgachha and Rampal upazilas on the south, Rampal, Fakirhat and Rupsa upazilas on the east. Population:

According to the population census 2001, total population in Batiaghata upazila were 128184 of which 51.07% were male and 48.93% were female. Muslim 50.91%, Hindu 49.03%, others 0.06%. The density of population is 1750 per sq km. Literacy and educational institutions:

The literacy rate in Batiaghata upazila is very much lower. Average literacy rate is 37.7% of which male covers 46% and female is 29%. Educational institutions include 1 university, 4 college, 26 secondary school, 67 government primary school, 44 nongovernment primary school and 4 madrasa. Main occupations:

Agriculture is the main occupation of this upazila. Agriculture covers 42.94%, fishing 1.64%, agricultural labourer 19.67%, wage labourer 6.35 %, commerce 10.53%, transport 2.22%, construction 1.06%, service 4.85% and others 10.74%.

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Profile of the study area

4.1.2 Dumuria Upazila: Area and location:

Dumuria is the largest upazila in Khulna district with an area of 454.23 sq km. is bounded by Manirampur, Abhaynagar and Phultala upazilas on the north, Batiaghata and Paikgachha upazilas on the south, Khan Jahan Ali, Khalishpur and Sonadanga thanas and Batiaghata upazila on the east, Tala and Keshabpur upazilas on the west. Population:

According to the population census 2001 total population in Dumuria upazila were 256503 of which 51.12% were male and 48.88% were female. Muslim 56.97%, Hindu 42.83%, Christian 0.01%, Buddhist 0.01%, and others 0.09%. The density of population is 2047 per sq km. Literacy and educational institutions:

The average literacy rate in Dumuria upazila is 36.1% of which male covers 45.4% and female is 26.5%. Educational institutions include 7 college, 33 high school, 8 junior school, 46 madrasa, 110 government primary school and 53 non-government primary school. Main occupations:

Agriculture is the main occupation of Dumuria upazila. Agriculture covers 46.29%, Agricultural labourer 16.77% , wage labourer 4.09%, commerce 12.85%, industry 2.01%, transport 3.24%, service 4.66% and others 10.08%. Communication facilities Roads:

Pucca road covers 61 km, semi pucca 76 km., mud 467 km and waterways 32 nautical mile. 4.1.3 Terokhada Upazila: Area and location:

Terokhada upazila is situated in Khulna district with an area of 189.48 sq km, is bounded by Kalia upazila on the north, Rupsa upazila on the south, Mollahat upazila on the east, Dighalia upazila on the west.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

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Profile of the study area

Population:

According to the population census 2001 total population in Terokhada upazila were 102972 of which 51.01% were male and 48.99% were female. Muslim 75.50%, Hindus 24.20%, others 0.3%. The density of population is 997 per sq km. Literacy and educational institutions:

Average literacy rate in Terokhada upazila is 31.6% of which male covers 37.1% and female is 25.8%. Educational institutions include 2 college, 10 high school, 51 primary school, 6 madrasa. Noted institution Ikhri Katenga Fazlul Haque High School. Main occupations:

Agriculture remains the main occupation in Terokhada upazila. Agriculture covers 51.94%, fishing 2.59%, agricultural labourer 19.9%, service 7.56%, wage labourer 1.58%, commerce 6.88%, transport 1.54% and others 8.01%. Communication facilities:

Roads are the main communication path of this upazila. Of the total roads pucca road covers 24 km, semi pucca 32.57 km and mud road 209 km. 4.1.4 Rupsa Upazila Area and location:

Rupsa Upazila is situated in Khulna district with an area of 120.15 sq km, is bounded by Terokhada upazila on the north, Fakirhat and Batiaghata upazilas on the south, Mollahat and Fakirhat upazilas on the east, Kotwali (Khulna) thana and Batiaghata upazila on the west. Population:

According to the population census 2001 total population in Rupsa upazila were 150185 of which 51.98% were male and female were 48.02%. Muslim 82.28%, Hindu 17.55%, others 0.17%. Density of population is 1347 per sq km. Literacy and educational institutions:

Average literacy rate in Rupsa upazila is 40.4% of which male covers 46.5% and female is 33.3%. Educational institutions include 46 government primary school, 14 non-government primary school, 5 lower secondary school and 23 madrasa. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

 23

Profile of the study area

Main occupations:

A very negligible portion of population is engaged in agricultural sector. Most of the people involves in trade and service. Agriculture covers 18.02%, agricultural labourer 6.6%, wage labourer 11.81%, commerce 20.91%, transport 6.35%, construction 2.09%, industry 2.87%, service 17.10%, others 14.25%. Communication facilities:

This upazilas communication system mainly based on mud roads. Roads include pucca 19 km, semi pucca 26 km and mud road 257 km. 4.1.5 Rampal Upazila Area and location:

Rampal upazila is situated in Bagerhat district with an area of 335.46 sq km, is bounded by Bagerhat Sadar and Fakirhat upazilas on the north, Mongla and Morrelhonj upazilas on the south, Morrelganj and Bagerhat Sadar upazilas on the east, Batiaghata and Dacope upazilas on the west. Population:

According to the population census 2001 total population in Rampal upazila were 167070 of which 50.83% were male and female were 49.17%. Muslim 75.31%, Hindu 24.42%, others 0.27%. Literacy and educational institutions:

Average literacy rate in Rampal upazila is 45.5% of which male covers 51.5% and female is 39.2%. Educational institutions include 3 college, 27 high school, 67 government primary school, 16 junior school, 46 non-government primary school and 88 madrasa. Noted old institution is Gilatala Multilateral High School (1929). Main occupations:

Agriculture covers 33.52% of total population of the upazila. Among others, fishing 3.63%, sericulture 1.79%, agricultural labourer 20.13%, wage labourer 6.92%, commerce 13.97%, transport 1.34%, service 4.87% and others 13.83%.

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Profile of the study area

4.1.6 Alamdanga Upazila Area and location:

Alamdanga upazila is situated in Chuadanga district with an area of 360.4 sq km is bounded by Gangni and Mirpur upazilas on the north, Chuadanga Sadar and Damurhuda upazila on the south, Kushtia and Jhenaidaha Sadar and Harinakunda upazilas on the east and Meherpur Sadar on the west. Population:

According to the population census 2001 total population in Alamdanga upazila were 245524 of which male were 51.66% and female were 48.34%; Muslim 96.26%; Hindu 3.53% and others 0.21%. Literacy and educational institutions:

Average literacy rate in Alamdanga upazila is 23.2% of which male covers 28.3% and female is 17.7%. Educational institutions include 4 college, 7 high school, 4 junior high school, 84 government primary school, 48 non-government primary school. Noted institution: Alamdanga High School (1914). Main occupations:

Agriculture is the occupation of majority population. Professional pattern covers agriculture 45.36%, agricultural labourer 26.45%, wage labourer 2.29%, weaving 1.61%, industry 1.37%, commerce 12.3%, service 3.57%, transport 1.25% and others 5.8%. Communication facilities:

Mud road covers major portion of this upazilas communication system. Roads include pucca road 56.5 km, semi pucca road 35.5 km and mud road 327.9 km and railway22 km.

4.1.7 Wazirpur Upazila: Area and location:

Wazirpur upazila is situated in Barisal district with an area of 248.35 sq km, is bounded by Agailjhara and Gournadi upazilas on the north,

Banaripara

and

Jhalokhati Sadar upazila on the south, Babuganj upazila on the east, Kotalipara and Nazirpur

upazilas on the west.

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 25

Profile of the study area

Population:

According to the population census 2001 total population in Wazirpur upazila were 227115 of which male covers 50.6% and female were 49.4%; Muslim 74.5%, Hindu 25% and others 0.5%. The density of population is 1463 per sq km. Literacy and educational institutions:

Average literacy rate in Wazirpur upazila is 47.6% of which male covers 52.9% and female is 42.3%. Educational institutions include 12 college, 23 high school, 104 government primary school, 85 non-government primary school, 75 madrasa. Old institutions: Revrouddradi Government Primary School (1887), Atipara Government Primary School (1914), Habibpur High School (1856). Main occupations:

Agriculture is the main source of occupation in Wazirpur upazila. It covers 39.71% of total occupation thereafter agricultural labourer 23.52%, wage labourer 2.7%, commerce 14.09%, construction 1.07%, service 8.56% and others 10.35%. Communication facilities:

Waterways are comparatively higher than roadways. Roads cover pucca 28 km, semi pucca 60 km and mud road 400 km. Waterways include 28 nautical mile. 4.1.8 Kaligonj Upazila: Area and location:

Kaligonj upazila is situated in Lalmonirhat district with an area of 236.96 sq km, is bounded by Hatibandha upazila and West Bengal of India on the north, Gangachara and Kishoreganj (Lalmonirhat) upazilas on the south, Aditmari upazila on the east and Jaldhaka

upazila on the west.

Population:

According to the population census 2001 total population in Kaliganj upazila were 198108 of which male were 51.48% and female were 48.52%. Muslim 78.43%, Hindu 21.17%; Christian 0.12%, Buddhist 0.04% and others 0.24%. The population density is 1385 per sq km.

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Profile of the study area

Literacy and educational institutions:

Average literacy rate in Kaligonj upazila is 31% of which male covers 39.8% and female is 23%. Educational institutions include 6 college, 2 government high school, 17 non-government high school, 58 government primary school, 72 non-government primary school, 7 madrasa, 1 vocational high school, 1 computer training centre. Noted institutions are Madanpur Bairati Primary School (1865), Kakina Mahima Ranjan Memorial Bilateral High School (1901). Main occupations:

Agriculture is the main source of occupation in this upazila. It encompasses 52.35% of total occupation thereafter agricultural labourer 26.24%, wage labourer 3.15%, commerce 7.39%, services 2.85% and others 8.02%. Communication facilities:

Communication in this upazila includes mainly road and railways. Roads cover pucca 32 km, semi pucca 0.9 km, mud road 350 km and railways 40 km. 4.1.9 Gazipur Sadar Upazila: Area and location:

Gazipur sadar upazila is situated in Gazipur district with an area of 446.38 sq km, is bounded by Sreepur upazila on the north, Savar upazila and Uttara thana and Rupganj upazila on the south, Kaliganj (Gazipur) and Rupganj upazilas on the east, Kaliakair and Savar upazilas on the west. Population:

According to the population census 2001 total population in Gazipur sadar upazila were 588492 of which 53.83% were male and female were 46.17%. Muslim 92.46%, Hindu 7.04%, Christian 0.35%, Buddhist and others 0.15%. The density of population is 2505 per sq km. Literacy and educational institutions:

Average literacy rate in Gazipur sadar upazila is 43% of which male covers 51.3% and female is 34.7%. Educational institutions include 3 universities, 2 technical institution, 4 agricultural institution, 3 government college, 1 non-government college, 2 government secondary school, 62 non-government secondary school, 6 The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

 27

Profile of the study area

junior school, 126 government primary school, 41 non-government primary school, 1 primary teacher's training institute, 1 telecommunication staff college, 1 agricultural training institute and 1 postal academy. Main occupations:

Agriculture covers 26.63% of total occupation thereafter agricultural labourer 7.68%, wage labourer 2.94%, industry 1.41%, commerce 14.71%, transport 4.73%, construction 1.79%, service 28.31% and others 11.8%. Communication facilities:

Roadway is the main path to communicate which covers pucca 245 km, semi pucca 290 km, mud road 377 km. Apart from roads railways cover 45.1 km and waterways 42 nautical miles.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

 28

Profile of the study area

4.2 Quick look of the study area: Map 4.1: Study area

Legend Rupsa

Rampal

Wazirpur

Alamdanga

Gazipur Sadar

Kaligonj

Terokhada Dumuria Batiaghata

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 29

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

Chapter 5: Socio-economic status of general subscriber 5.1 Socio-demographic features of general subscriber: One important part of research work is to delineate the socio-demographic description of the sample. This is necessary because it is intertwined with research topic, research area and sample of the study. Socio-demographic information helps researcher to analyze various variables to find out predetermined objectives. Mostly required variables are distribution of age and sex, family size, educational status etc. The socio-demographic features of general subscriber are as follows: 5.1.1 Age structure: Analysis of age of general subscriber is very much relevant with the study. Because usage of mobile phone once treated as the communication medium of businessman whose age pattern were 30-60 years. But now-a-days this mobile phone becomes an essential tool of communication irrespective of age of the subscriber. Table 5.1: Age distribution of general subscriber Subscribers age Frequency 16-30 115

% 63.9

31-45

52

28.9

46-60

11

6.0

61-75

2

1.2

Total

180

100.0

Average age

30.64 ~ 31

[Source: Field survey 2008]

In the study area it was found that mobile phone is mostly used by young generation. The maximum number of subscriber is within the age group 16-30 year (63.9%). The average age of the general subscriber was found 31 years. 5.1.2 Sex distribution: The usage of mobile phone is not confined to male only rather a great number of female uses mobile phone now-a-days for various reason. Using mobile phone by female social cohesion has been tremendously increased. Table 5.2: Sex distribution of general subscriber Sex Frequency Male 154 Female 26 Total 180 [Source: Field survey 2008]

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

% 85.6 14.4 100.0

30

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

Keeping in view the requirements of female, Banglalink is the first telecom operator in Bangladesh which pays proper tribute to female community by introducing “Ladies First!” package. This package makes their communication behaviour very easier. 5.1.3 Distribution of sex according to age group: One of the important task of the research is to classify the sample according to its age group. By such classification it will be easier to find the user of mobile phone of specific age group. Table 5.3: Sex distribution according to age group Age group  Frequency  % of male from total  (years)  (Male)  male subscriber  95 61.04 16‐30  48 31.17 31‐45  9 5.85 46‐60  2 1.94 61‐75  154 100.0 Total  [Source: Field survey 2008]

Frequency  (Female)  18 6 2 0 26

% of female from total  female subscriber  69.24 23.08 7.68 0.00 100.0

Table 5.3 shows that most of the subscriber of both the sex falls under the age group 16-30 years. 61.04 male subscriber out of 154 comprises between 16-30 years and 69.24% female subscriber out of 26 comprises between 16-30 years. 28.9% subscriber are from 31-45 years age group. 5.1.4 Family size: To work with family size of general subscriber is an important issue while analyzing their various socio-economic aspects. The usage of mobile phone also depends on the family size. Because if the family size is relatively larger and if the family members resides in different upazila or city or even abroad then they communicate with them with the help of mobile phone. Table 5.4: Family member distribution of general subscriber Family member Frequency 2-5 114 6-9 58 10-12 8 Total 180 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 63.3 32.3 4.4 100.0

Around 114 (63.3%) general subscribers family size were found between 2-5. 32.3% general subscribers family size were found between 6-9 and the share of family size between 10-12 is very insignificant. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

31

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

5.1.5 Educational status: Generally the literacy rate in the rural areas are lower as compared to the other urban areas. Although this study found that in the rural areas the number of higher educated people are lower i.e. 4.4% M.A. pass and 27.4% are graduate. Table 5.5: Distribution of educational status of general subscriber Literacy rate (Subscriber) Frequency Illiterate 2 5 pass 12 8 pass 21 S.S.C. 33 H.S.C. 51 Degree/hons. 50 M.A. 8 Others 3 Total 180 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 1.1 6.7 11.7 18.3 28.3 27.8 4.4 1.7 100.0

The number of general subscriber with educational status of H.S.C. pass lies higher (28.3%) in the study area and 33 general subscriber found with educational background of S.S.C. pass. 5.1.6 Previous communication type: Before the availability of mobile phone people both in rural an urban areas were habituated to communicate with their relatives via postal way, land telephone, using vehicle or by physically movement. But after the availability of mobile phone peoples usage behaviour of other tools of communication has been substantially reduced. Table 5.6: Distribution of previous communication type Mode of communication Frequency No communication required 2 Postal way 110 Vehicle movement 22 Physical movement 14 Land phone 31 No comments 1 Total 180 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 1.1 61.1 12.2 7.8 17.2 0.6 100.0

5.2 Economic features of general subscriber: The analysis and interpretation of economoic features of general subscriber is essential to see their mobile phone usage status. Now-a-days the usage of mobile phone by its subscriber does not greatly depends on their economic status. This study found that the people who do not have source of income uses mobile phone. Because

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

32

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

mobile phone becomes indispensable communication tool for all types of people. This section covers subscribers professional distribution, income pattern, household expenditure, savings of the subscriber etc. 5.2.1 Professional status: It is necessary to classify the respondents according to their professional pattern. For the convenience of study general subscriber of mobile phone were classified into several segments. The study considers businessman, service holder, student, housewife and unemployed person as general subscriber of mobile phone. Because they hold the majority share of the society. Table 5.7: Professional distribution of general subscriber Occupation of subscriber Frequency Businessman 93 Service holder 33 Student 46 Housewife 6 Unemployed 2 Total 180 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 51.67 18.33 25.56 3.33 1.11 100.0

Out of 180 general subscriber, 51.67% were businessman and 25.56% were student. Even unemployed person (1.11%) uses mobile phone who do not have any source of income. From this it can be said that usage of mobile phone does not strongly depends on the economic status of user. 5.2.2 Household expenditure pattern: The average household expenditure of general subscriber has been increased tremendously than those of two years ago. The reason is persistent rise in the price level. Apart from the basic requirement people are incurring a portion of money for mobile phone communication. Table 5.8: Household expenditure pattern of general subscriber Expenditure particulars of subscriber Average cost (BDT) Food 4625.06 Shelter 191.72 Clothing 734.61 Health 354.75 Education 864.72 Mobile phone 501.50 Others 420.32 Total 7692.68 ~ 7693.00 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% of total expenditure 60.12 2.49 9.55 4.61 11.24 6.52 5.47 100.0

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33

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

The table expounds that majority share (60.12%) of household expenditure goes towards food purpose. For shelter purpose they do not need to incur cost. Because most of the subscriber possesses their own house. For mobile phone purpose incur on an average BDT 501.50 and this share is 5.47% of their total household expenditure. 5.2.3 Savings pattern: The remnant portion of money that rests after deducting all household expenditure from income is called savings. In case of household, the objective of savings is to use it for predetermined purpose or for unprecedented situation in future. The margin of savings in rural area is comparatively lower than urban area. Table 5.9: Distribution of savings pattern of general subscriber Monthly savings of subscriber Frequency No savings 61 100-200 26 200-300 14 300-400 13 400-500 40 500-600 2 600-700 0 700-800 0 800-900 0 900-1000 24 Total 180 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 34 15 8 7 22 1 0 0 0 13 100.0

Average (BDT)

650.00

From the study area it was found that most of the general subscribers (34%) are unable to save any amount of money. The number of general subscriber who are capable to save BDT 400-500 is 40. The number of subscriber who are also capable to save BDT 900-1000 is higher (24%). 5.2.4 Income pattern: Income of the respondent is a very indispensable part of the study to get the real economic scenario of the study area. But no respondents were found to provide their actual income. For this reason, income of the subscriber has been calculated using the formula Y = C+S. Where, Y = income of the general subscriber C = Consumption of the general subscriber and S = Savings of the general subscriber Therefore, the average income of general subscriber stands as The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

34

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

Average income (Y) = Average consumption (C) + Average savings (S) From table 5.8

Y = 7693 + 650 = 8343 From table 5.9

From the analysis it was found that average monthly income of the general subscriber in the study area were BDT 8343. The general subscriber incurs BDT 501.50 from their monthly income which is 5.47% of their total total household expenditure. 5.3 Subscribers status related to mobile phone service: It is necessary to subtly analyze the mobile phone usage status of general subscriber. This includes which operator subscribers prefer most, what are the reason behind such preference, why they are not changing their existing connection, which hanset they prefer, why they prefer such handset, subscribers are aware about internet service or not, for which purpose they use internet service etc. 5.3.1 Preferred telecom operator of the general subscriber: All the operators are trying their best to generate new subscriber, especially their present attention towards the rural area. For this reason they are taking different business strategy. Some operators are in the strategy to strengthen their network, some are paying concentration what are the expectation of their valued subscriber to them, some are paying attention towards providing VAS to increase their ARPU (Average Revenue Per User). The operator can gather more subscriber if they can fulfill the aspiration of subscriber.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

35

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

[Fig 5.1: General subscribers preferred telecom operator]

In the study area it was found that out of 180 subscriber, 84 subscribers (46.7%) use the connection of Banglalink and therefore it ranks the top position of the preferred telecom operator by subscriber in the rural area. The nearest rival GrameenPhone holds second position with the subscriber of 66 (36.7%). Citycell and Teletalk holds third and fourth position respectively. 5.3.2 Reason for choosing particular operator: There are various reasons on behalf of general subscriber for preferring their service provider. This study considers three main reason for choosing their service provider i.e. good network facility; low call rate and better customer service. Because these three choices generally a subscriber considers before connected with any operator. Apart from these three category a subscriber can choose a particular operator.

[Fig 5.2: Subscribers reason to choose preferred telecom operator]

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36

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

5.3.3 Reason for not changing operator: In most cases it was found that a general subscriber possesses more than one connection having a single handset. There are several reason behind this. Some subscriber use double connection because different

operator provides different

facilities on different times, some use dual connection upon the availability of network, some use more than one connection for FnF facility and some use for special facility of the package. But in most cases the subscribers do not want to change their operator for low call rate. In the study area it was found that 44.44% subscriber do not want to change their operator due to low call rate. 18.89% subscriber do not want to change their operator for special facility of the package.

[Fig 5.3: Subscribers reason behind not changing operator]

Some subscriber wants to change their operator but they can not do so because of availability of his/her mobile phone number to others. 34.44% subscribers were found of such category who do not want to change his/her operator for problem of changing mobile phone number. 5.3.4 Subscribers awareness about internet services: Internet brings the whole world into the grip of man. One can get access to different information by means of internet communication. The notion of disseminating the blessings of ICT to the door step of every citizen can be made possible with the help of internet. The usage of internet also depends on the handset.

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37

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

[Fig 5.4: Subscribers awareness about internet service]

All the operators at present providing easy access to internet with compatible handset of the subscriber. As mojority of the population resides in the rural areas, so awareness from rural area should arise first. but the matter of grief is that about 112 subscribers are not aware about the internet facility provided by operator. This quantity is 62.2% of the total subscriber. 5.3.5 Subscribers purpose of internet use: The purpose of using internet is multifarious. Some people are using it to make their business more profitable by getting the latest and prompt information, some use it as a media of communication and some use it for other purposes.

[Fig 5.5: Subscribers purpose of internet use]

In the study area the use of internet for business purpose is very poor. Only 4.5% people use internet for business purpose, 14.4% for communicating and 81.1% for other purposes. Other purpose here means that people use it for entertainment purpose. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

38

Socio-economic status of general subscriber

5.3.6 Subscribers handset usage status: Usage of different handset depends on some variables i.e. subscribers income, their choice, operating manner, availability of spare parts, requirement for internet access, latest features with the handset et. al. Nokia manufactures handset of that quality which meets most of the requirement of general subscriber. People wants their handset will be cheaper, durable, user friendly, and availability of attractive features.

[Fig 5.6: Handset usage status in the study area]

For all these reasons most subscriber use Nokia as their handset. From figure 5.6 it is clear that 127 subscriber (70.6%) use Nokia handset thereby Nokia becomes market leader for selling handset. Motorola ranked second position with a far distance from Nokia. The penetration of other handset company in the study area is more lower as compared to Nokia. There are various reason for choosing particular handset. As literacy rate in the rural areas are lower, most of the subscriber (43%) votes for easy using feature of handset. 26% subscriber use their handset of particular choice because it is available within their means. 16% subscriber use their particular handset for special features.

[Fig 5.7: Subscribers reason to use specific handset] The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

39

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

Chapter 6: Socio-economic status of trader subscriber 6.1 Socio-demographic features of trader: To analyze the impacts of mobile phone service on rural people it is inevitable to go through some relevant issues i.e. the socio-demographic and economic features of the sample. Socio-demographic information of trader shows their usage of mobile phone from social perspective. Mostly required variables to analyze sample from social point of view are distribution of age and sex, family size, educational status etc. The sociodemographic features of trader related to mobile phone business are as follows: 6.1.1 Age structure: To start a business generally a minimum age of businessman is required. But to start mobile phone related business who understands how to operate business does not require specific age. This study finds age of traders from 16 to 60 years. The average age of the trader is 30.65 ~ 31. Age pattern of traders can be understood by the following table: Table 6.1: Age distribution of trader Traders age 16-25 26-35 36-46 46-60 Total [Source: Field survey 2008]

Frequency 32 63 19 6 120

% 26.7 52.5 15.8 5.0

Average age

30.65 ~ 31

Most of the traders (62.5%) are within the age group of 16-30 years. The number of traders within the age group 31-45 years is 39 and the age group more than 31-45 years is only 6. 6.1.2 Sex distribution: To start or to continue the business related to mobile phone does not depend on the gender. The female communities were first entitled to operate mobile phone business (M2M) by GrameenPhone. GrameenPhone provided village phone to those women who have transaction in Grameen bank. Later on, many female subscribers let their village phone as rent basis to other and considering this business as a good source of income many male person start this business.

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40

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

Table 6.2: Sex distribution of trader Sex Male Female Total [Source: Field survey 2008]

Frequency 118 02 120

% 98.3 1.7 100.0

In the study area it was found that the majority share (98.3%) of mobile phone business are performed by male businessman and rest (1.7%) are performed by female. 6.1.3 Family size: Family size is an important variable that influence the expenditure pattern and business operation of the trader. Traders with a big family size incur higher cost for household expenditure and have to secure good source of income. So, there is a relationship between family size of the trader and their business and household pattern. Table 6.3: Family member distribution of trader Family member Frequency 2-5 71 6-9 41 10-12 8 Total 120 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 59.2 34.1 6.7 100.0

In the study area it was found that 59.2% traders family size are between 2-5. 34.1% traders’ family size are between 6-9 and the number of trader with large family size (10-12) is only 8. 6.1.4 Educational status: Good educational background increases the efficiency level of the businessman which acts as supporting power to run his/her business effectively. Since our economy does not allows good job to the candidates having academic qualification of S.S.C. or H.S.C. pass, a significant number of people tends to start this business which incorporates small investment as compared to other prestigious business. This business involves handling of handsets of various types and the various services provided by the telecom operators, so educational background considers as extra benefit. Subscribers in the study area are also educated as they operate various options in the handset including web browsing. Educational pattern of trader in the study area are as follows: The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

41

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

Table 6.4: Distribution of educational status of trader Literacy rate (Trader) Frequency Illiterate 3 5 pass 0 8 pass 25 S.S.C. 36 H.S.C. 41 Degree/hons. 13 M.A. 2 Others 0 Total 120 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 2.5 0 20.8 30 34.2 10.8 1.7 0 100

From the study area it was found that 34.2% trader have their educational background of H.S.C. pass. 30% traders have the academic qualification of S.S.C. pass. 10.8% trader’s academic qualification is graduation. Although M.A. pass traders also found in the study area but their number (2) is very insignificant. 6.2 Economic features of trader: Analysis of economic features of trader is significant to show their various business achievements. Recently trader’s achievement from this business does not cope with their various household and business requirements. This section mainly covers trader’s household expenditure, business type, initial capital, income pattern, savings, profit of the subscriber etc. 6.2.1 Business type: There are different types of mobile phone related business. Initially this business was confined to selling prepaid card and M2M service but later on there is some changes in its dimension. Some businessmen are providing only M2M service. The number of trader who is providing ERS and M2M service along with their grocery shop even with pharmacy is 19 (15.83%). In the study area most of the businessmen were found providing M2M and ERS service (25.83%). The number of mobile phone accessories seller along with M2M and ERS seller is 22 (18.3%). The business type of traders in the study area can be comprehensible by the figure 6.1:

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42

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

[Fig 6.1: Business type of trader] 6.2.2 Household expenditure pattern: At present the inflation rate of Bangladesh has exceeded all the previous record. Most of the traders are of opinion that their average household expenditure has increased at least two times than those before two years. Table 6.5: Household expenditure pattern of trader Expenditure particulars of trader Average cost (BDT) Food 4651.67 Shelter 65.83 Clothing 771.67 Health 536.46 Education 948.33 Mobile phone 442.42 Others 418.5 Total 7834.88 ~ 7835 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% of total expenditure 59.37 0.84 9.85 6.85 12.11 5.65 5.33 100.0

From the table it is found that around 59.37% expenditure incurred for food purpose. Most of the household is owned by the trader themselves. For education purpose of their children they incur 12.11% and 5.65% cost for mobile phone purpose from their total household expenditure. 6.2.3 Savings pattern: Savings is great source to reinvest in the same business or other enterprise. Basically the businessman wants to save some portion of his/her profit for further investment. But at present mobile phone businessman are not able to secure a handsome profit from the business that they did in previous.

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Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

Table 6.6: Distribution of savings of the trader Monthly savings of trader Frequency 100-200 24 200-300 9 300-400 15 400-500 20 500-600 0 600-700 1 700-800 1 800-900 0 900-1000 7 Dissavings 43 Total 120 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 20.0 7.5 12.5 16.7 0 0.8 0.8 0 5.8 35.8 100

Average savings BDT

600.00

Economic status of traders show that 35.8% traders are in dissavings and for others savings margin is poor. However, 16.7% traders are saving BDT 400-500 per month and in case of subscriber the savings margin is comperatively higher than trader i.e. BDT 400-500 is saved by 22% subscriber, BDT 900-1000 is saved by 13% subscriber. The reason is lowering the commission rate of ERS and availability of M2M and ERS service. Furthermore inflation has been added in recent time. 6.2.4 Income pattern: Traders income pattern is very much essential to analyze traders economic status. Traders in the study area did not provide their monthly income statement. For this reason, income of the trader has been calculated using the formula Y = C+S. Where, Y = income of the trader C = Consumption of the trader and S = Savings of the trader Therefore, the average income of the trader stands as Average income (Y) = Average consumption (C) + Average savings (S) From table 6.5

Y = 7835 + 600 = 8435 From table 6.6

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44

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

6.2.5 Investment pattern: Return from the business greatly depends on capital employment. Usually large investment does not require in this business. However, it varies with the size of business i.e. some businessman runs two or three types of business at a time. As for example, the initial investment of the that trader will be higher who is simultaneously running M2M, ERS, handset and accessories and selling of SIM business. Table 6.7: Distribution of investment pattern of trader Initial capital (BDT) Frequency 3000-10000 50 10001-30000 39 30001-100000 26 100001-150000 5 Total 120 [Source: Field survey 2008]

% 40.8 31.7 23.3 4.2 100.0

From the study area it was found that the amount of capital required to start this business on an average is BDT 15000. This figure is required when somebody wants to start only M2M and ERS business. However, additional capital will be required for initiating selling of SIM card, handset and mobile phone accessories and the return will be added accordingly. 6.2.6 Profit pattern: Profit is the difference between an initial outlay and the subsequent amount earned. Ensuring handsome profit largely depends on the capital utilized as well as on business efficiency. Earlier M2M and selling mobile phone prepaid card was limited but at present this business has been greatly scattered here and there around the country. In addition, introduction of ERS service benefits the subscriber but the profit margin has been substantially reduced in comparison to the profit margin from selling mobile phone prepaid card. Before the introduction of ERS service, a trader earned BDT 15 from selling prepaid card of BDT 300 but after providing ERS service the same trader earns BDT 8.10 from selling BDT 300 which refers that their profit reduces to 46%.

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45

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

[Fig 6.2: Profit of traders]

Among 120 traders the monthly profit of 26.7% traders are BDT 3001-4000 and BDT 2001-3000 earned by 25% trader. In previous this profit margin was satisfactory but at this present inflationary period the traders are not in a position to fulfill their basic requirements. Many of the businessman now taking this business as a supporting to their other business i.e. grocery or other departmental store.

6.3 Business outlay and revenue earnings: 6.3.1 Heads of expenditure: It is necessary to calculate the various expenditures associated with the business. Otherwise the calculation of profit will not give the actual result. For ensuring greater profit from the business, each and every businessman tries to lower its different fixed and operating cost to the minimum possible level. In this study three heads of expenditure have been taken into consideration that roughly incorporates in a business. They are a) Rent of the shop b) Salary of the employee, and c) Utility payment 6.3.1.1 Rent of the shop: It depends on the ownership pattern of shop by the trader. In the study area, it was found that the rent of shop varies from BDT 100-1500 depending on the location and space of the shop. The rent of shop is comparatively higher in the populous market place than other places. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

46

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

Table 6.8: Distribution of monthly rent of the shop Monthly rent of the shop 0 100-500 501-1000 1001-1500 Total [Source: Field survey 2008]

Frequency

%

Average rent payment (BDT)

44 36 36 4 120

36.7 29.9 29.9 3.5 100

370.58 ~ 371.00

From the study area it is found that most of the shop is owned by the trader themselves. Out of 120 traders, 36.7% traders do not incur any cost for rental purpose for their shop. 29.9% traders incur rent for the shop worth of BDT 100-500 to 5011000 respectively. On an average the traders pay rent worth of BDT 371 for their shop. 6.3.1.2 Salary of the employee: The less is the operating cost of the business the more will be the profit from business. Basically to run such business no employee ius generally required. Employee is required when businessman runs mobile phone business as a suppoting business along with grocery and other departmental store. Table 6.9: Distribution of monthly salary of employee Employee Salary Frequency 0 500-1000 1001-1500 1501-2000 2001-2500 2501-3000 3001-3500 3501-4000 4001-5000 Total [Source: Field survey 2008]

91 7 7 4 2 4 2 1 2 120

%

Average salary payment (BDT)

75.8 5.9 5.9 3.4 1.7 3.4 1.7 0.85 1.7 100.0

500.00

This study found that 75.8% traders are running their business without having any employee. Nevertheless, if any trader employs employee in the rural area the salary of that employee varies from BDT 500-1500. 6.3.1.3 Utility expenses: Utility expenses is higher in the urban area than rural because continuing business under the city corporation incorporates some extra cost i.e. maintaining trade licence, paying VAT and tax to the government exchequer, higher electricity cost for commercial area of the city. But in rural areas the businessman does not need to The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

47

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

consider these issues. They have to pay lower electricity bill and tax (if he/she falls under tax paying criteria) to the pourosahva. Table 6.10: Distribution of utility expenditure of the trader Utility payment Frequency % 100-300 90 74.7 301-600 26 22.5 601-1500 4 2.8 Total 120 100.0 [Source: Field survey 2008]

Average utility payment (BDT)

260.46 ~ 260.00

In rural areas monthly electricity bill is lower than urban areas. 74.7% traders pay utility bill within the range BDT 100-300. BDT 301-600 has been paid by those traders who operates larger business or more than one business concurrently. 6.3.2 Revenue earnings: While dealing with mobile phone related trade, it is necessary to find out the various sources of revenue that a businessman can easily generate. Revenue from the business is dependent on the type and volume of business. Different types of business assures different profit margin to the trader i.e. profit margin for M2M will not be equivalent to that of earnings from ERS or earnings from ERS and M2M will not become equivalent to that from selling handsets and mobile phone accessories. This study concentrates revenue earnings of businessman from selling of SIM card, M2M, ERS, handset and mobile phone accessories. 6.3.2.1 Revenue from ERS: Before two to three years ago the only way to recharge prepaid mobile phone with the help of scratch card. The scratch card was then worth of BDT 150 to BDT 2400. But then many subscriber were not in a position to purchase prepaid card of at least BDT 150 at a time. Table 6.11: Distribution of earnings from ERS Monthly earnings from ERS Frequency (BDT) 0 9 50-500 10 501-1500 44 1501-2500 27 2501-5000 28 5001-6000 2 Total 120 [Source: Field survey 2008]

%

Average earning (BDT)

7.5 8.3 35.6 22.5 23.2 2.9 100.0

1855.04 ~ 1855.00

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Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

Realizing the inconvenience of the subscriber GrameenPhone first introduced ERS service from where subscriber can recharge their prepaid connection from BDT 10 to BDT 10000 and can pay post paid bill through ERS upto BDT 50000. But inception of ERS greatly benefits the subscriber. Because, this reduces the pressure of recharging their prepaid account of at least BDT 300. But, by selling prepaid card of BDT 300, they traders earned BDT 15 as profit but the ERS service provide them 2.70% profit which is 46% lower than profit from prepaid card. Although greater profit is currently earned by trader by selling more ERS as the subscriber base is gradually increasing of all operator. 6.3.2.2 Revenue from M2M: The name of village phone is and will be intertwined with the M2M service when it was like a day dream to make a wireless phone call from a rural area. Many women became completely self-dependent through the business of mobile phone. Gradually this service comes to the urban area and also becomes a source of revenue for many people. Banglalink, Aktel, Citycell and other operator provided similar package with distinct product features followed by GrameenPhone. Table 6.12: Distribution of earnings from M2M Monthly earnings from M2M Frequency (BDT) 0 18 100-500 46 501-1000 34 1001-1500 11 2001-3000 11 Total 120 [Source: Field survey 2008]

%

Average earning (BDT)

15 38.1 28.5 9.2 9.2 100.0

747.98 ~ 748.00

But earnings from M2M is also not profitable because the operators have substantially reduced their tariff so that a subscriber who were not subscriber before some months ago becomes subscriber of any opertor and does not require to go to phone shop to make phone call. In addition, most operators currently providing promotional reduced tariff during 8/9 am to 5 pm. Only 9.2% trader earns profit of BDT 1001-1500. But in previous the earnings from M2M business were used for the sustenance of many family. 6.3.2.3 Revenue from selling handset: Revenue from selling handset is another major revenue earning source. But this business requires generally higher amount of capital deployment. Although the The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

49

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

earnings from selling handset is lucrative but the due to insufficiency of capital many businessman can not start this business in the rural areas. Table 6.13: Distribution of revenue from selling handset Monthly earnings from selling handset Frequency (BDT) 0 104 600-3000 9 7000-10000 7 Total 120 [Source: Field survey 2008]

%

Average earning (BDT)

86.7 5.8 7.5 100

967.50 ~ 968.00

The above table shows that out of 120 trader under consideration 104 trader are not involve in selling handset and those who are currently engaged in this business ensures a very handsome profit. 6.3.2.4 Revenue from selling mobile phone accessories: Most of the handset manufacturer company provides warranty/guarantee to their products for certain period. After the expiry of that period there may be disturbance in that electronic goods. In most cases the subscriber requires to change their handset battery or mobile charger or casing or keypads. This business also requires considerably higher investment (less than handset business). Table 6.14: Distribution of revenue from selling mobile phone accessories Monthly Earnings from selling mobile Frequency % Average earning phone accessories (BDT) 0 71 59.2 100-1000 30 24.8 1001-2000 14 11.6 513.50 ~ 514.00 2500-3000 2 1.6 5000-6000 3 2.8 Total 120 100.0 [Source: Field survey 2008]

Table 6.14 shows that a great portion (59.2%) of trader is not engaged in this business. But the trader who is engaged in this business earns handsome profit. BDT 1001-2000 earned by 11.6% trader. 6.3.2.5 Reinvestment pattern of trader: Reinvestment in the business is a source of maximizing business revenue. Reinvestment in the business can be made from businessman’s previous savings or from taking debt from any financial institution. Since, the traders at present can not

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

50

Socio-economic status of trader subscriber

ensure good profit as they did earlier so most of the traders can not reinvest in their business. In addtion, 35.8% traders are in dissavings position. Table 6.15: Distribution of reinvestment pattern of trader Amount of reinvestment (BDT)  Frequency  94 0  11 200‐1000  8 1001‐2000  3 2001‐3000  4 3001‐5000  120 Total  [Source: Field survey: 2008]

%  78.3 9.2 6.7 2.5 3.3 100.0

From the table 6.15 it was found that out of 120 traders, 94 traders do not have the ability to reinvest in the business. Only 4 trader having the ability to reinvest in the business worth of BDT 3001-5000 which is only 3.3% from total trader.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

51

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

Chapter 7: Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people One of the major objectives of this study is to derive the impacts of mobile phone services on rural people. There is some impact of mobile phone who becomes in touch with it whether it is positive or negative. The impact of mobile phone service can be analyzed from social and economic standpoint both for general subscriber and trader. 7.1 Impact of mobile phone: General subscriber perspective Since bulk share of subscriber base holds from general subscriber class, so their issue of merits and demerits is a matter of great concern. From social and economic point of view, the positive and negative impacts of mobile phone services are expounded below: 7.1.1 Positive economic impact: Positive economic impact of mobile phone service is very much crucial. By analyzing positive impact it will be easier to show the benefits of mobile phone. 7.1.1.1 Mobile phone reduces communication cost: The ultimate consequence of providing mobile phone service is to derive optimum level of satisfaction and convenience. Cellular phone has entirely changed the mode of present communication behaviour. Within a shortest possible of time and with low communication cost people are passing along with their relatives and trade partners.

[Fig 7.1: Transport cost of subscriber before mobile phone use with relatives]

Figure 7.1 shows that before taking mobile phone as a tool of communication, BDT 400-500 were incurred as cost for 51 subscribers to communicate with relatives. BDT The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        52

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

200-300 were incurred for 44 subscribers per month. But the figure 7.2 shows how mobile phone economically benefits subscriber to communicate with their relatives.

[Fig 7.2: Transport cost of subscriber after mobile phone use with relatives]

After taking mobile phone the cost of communication with relatives has been substantially reduced. In previous, when BDT 400-500 were required for 51 subscribers, this number has been reduced to 6. In the figure 7.2, BDT 100-200 shows a great mark because a great portion of previous high cost were reduced to BDT 100-200. 7.1.1.2 Mobile phone benefits businessman: The era of much time consuming has been abolished through the use of mobile phone. For rapid and smooth communication, the popularity and usage of mobile phone in business ambience is gradually increasing.

[Fig 7.3: Transport cost of subscriber before mobile phone use with trade partner]

In support of making business easier and more fruitful many giant or group of companies or even multi national companies (MNCs) become corporate client of different mobile phone companies. By becoming corporate client, those companies The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        53

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

enjoy some distinct VAS from their preferred operator. In the figure 7.3, transport cost 0.00 indicates that 117 subscriber do not have any business connection. The number of subscriber who incurs cost worth of BDT 400-500 is 21. But the figure 7.4 indicates that the number of subscriber has been reduced to 5 which was previously 21, who bears cost BDT 400-500 when they did not have any mobile phone. The number of subscriber (7) previously using BDT 900-1000 per month has also been reduced to 2. The number indicating 0 refers to those subscribers who do not have any mobile phone related business connection. BDT 100-200 shows higher than previous state because higher transport cost BDT 400-500 has been reduced to BDT 100-200.

[Fig 7.4: Transport cost of subscriber after mobile phone use with trade partner]

7.1.1.3 Mobile phone improves product marketing: Marketing becomes an integral part of modern business. Due to the problem of effective marketing system in most cases the farmer can not get apt price of their agricultural products. With the help of mobile phone, businessman became informed about what, when and how the product will be reached to the end user. The probability of exploitation of farmer by the middleman also reduced by the services of mobile phone.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        54

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

[Fig 7.5: Transport cost for product marketing before mobile phone use]

The figure 7.5 shows that, before using mobile phone 10 subscriber costs BDT 400500 for marketing their product. BDT 300-400 costs for 7 subscribers for the same purpose. But the figure 7.6 shows that the number of subscriber has been reduced to 1 which was previously 7 subscribers for marketing the product when associated cost for the same purpose was BDT 300-400. The number of subscriber whose cost for marketing was BDT 400-500 has been reduced to cost BDT 100-200.

[Fig 7.6: Transport cost for product marketing after mobile phone use]

7.1.2 Positive social impact: Now-a-days the role and impact of telecommunication service in increasing social welfare has been highly realiazed. Greater service of mobile phone increases peoples mobility in their respective area and ensures social unity. As still fixed phone is like a

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        55

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

day dream, people are rapidly switching to their better alternatives i.e. mobile phone. Most of the social impacts of mobile phone are as follows: 1. Mobile phone increases social cohesion. 2. It helps users with low education and literacy to be connected. 3. Helps in natural disaster. 4. Mobile phone promotes social responsibility. 7.1.2.1 Mobile phone increases social cohesion: Mobile phone promotes social cohesion between family members and in the society. It allows rural people to remain united togather even with family members who are far away from their place of residence within short time. This fact becomes more suitable when family members stays in abroad whether temporarily or permanently helps to remain intact. As it was shown

in prevoius chapter that at present people can

communicate with their relatives incurring small cost with the time when they didn’t have any phone communication. It simply reduces the cost of transport to communicate with relatives a greater extent. Figure 7.7 and 7.8 shows subscribers comment on the role of mobile phone in increasing social cohesion and social status respectively.

[Fig No. 7.7: Mobile phone increases social cohesion]

[Fig No. 7.8: Mobile phone increases social status]

In the study area it was found that 88 (48.9%) respondents are in strong opinion and 60 (33.3%) repondents simply agrees that mobile phone increases social cohesion between family members as well as in the society.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        56

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

In case of increasing social status, 62 (34.4%) respondent disagrees with the statement that mobile phone increases social status while 50 (27.8%) respondent agrees that it increases social status. 7.1.2.2 Mobile phone helps user with low education and literacy to be connected: Usage of mobile phone has no limitation to use irrespective of subscriber whether he/she is poor or rich even educated or illeterate. Easy using features i.e. handset with user friendly allows rural user to use even sophicticated handset. Nokia is the first handset manufacturer which provides Bengoli option in the mobile phone to use it more conveniently by people with low education and literacy. Apart from the handset manufacturer, the telecom operators in Bangladesh recognise the importance of broadening the accessibility of their services. For example, Aktel has recently pioneered and launched a Bengali language SMS service. In addition, Warid telecom is the first mobile phone operator in Bangladesh which is providing all sorts of VAS in Bengoli if the handset is of that compatibility. 7.1.2.3 Mobile phone service in natural disaster: At the time of any emergency issue, mobile phone becomes essential component to communicate with others. It helps family members to remain in close touch with others at the time of natural disaster. It allows to communicate with relief workers, relief provider and others. In disaster prone area mobile serves by the following ways: a) Early warnings: Mobile phone companies though their SMS notification service can provide early warnings about the imminent disaster to the people of disaster prone area. It can also state the probale impact of that disaster so that people can realize how devastating the disaster is. As for example, Warid teelcom through their SMS notification service warns about SIDR on 15th November, 2007 which says to take nearer safe shelter and all sorts of precautionary action. Such timely spread of information in response to a disaster can save thousand of lives. b) Recovery and rebuilding: Mobile phone is an effective component to diffuse information rapidly to where it is most urgently needed. It greatly helps to the recovery team and they can boost their workforce as per the situation calls for. Mobile phone companies are socially liable to repair or reinstall a new base transceiver station (BTS) as soon as possible so that the recovery, rebuliding The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        57

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

and rehabilitation work will not hamper even for a single moment. It is much easier to repair a wireless base station than hundreds of fixed-lines.

7.1.2.4 Mobile phone promotes social responsibility: At present mobile phone company has been contributing a great deal in our economy. Besides continuing their business, they have some responsibilities towards the society. More or less all the companies are paying concentration towards the society. i) “You first!” and “making a difference” is the slogan of Banglalink. Banglalink always considers what are the requirements of their valued subscriber and tries to serve them best. This company is considered as that mobile phone operator in our country which makes mobile phone affordable within the reach of all people and the companies presence will be there wherever is the effort of making change in the lives of general people. ii) GrameenPhone is commited to deal with customers, employees, suppliers and government in a socially, ethically and environmentally responsible manner. GrameenPhone also participates in socially responsible activities like education in ICT, economic empowerment of women, health, safety, the environment and the preservation of heritage. iii) Aktel’s corporate social responsibility is based on four core values. These are enlightened through education, assure better health, protect environment and fight with poverty. As a part of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Aktel extended their hand with Chittagong Skills Development Centre (CSDC) and Underprivileged Children’s Educational Programme (UCEP-Bangladesh). Aktel’s responsibility also goes to build orphanages and renovate mosques all across the country. City beautification activity is also another responsibility towards the city. Other telecom companies are also involved in CSR activities who have joined their hands with different GOs and NGOs to provide various services to the haves not sect in the society. 7.1.3 Negative economic impact: Every technological innovation involves some demerits along with its greater benefits if it not utilized in the prescribed way. In case of our country where consciousness is The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        58

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

not accompanied by the relentless usage of telecommunication service, there may even appear acute problem. Many poor people use it as an obligatory communication medium though there economic status does not allow them to use in the real sense of the term because a significant portion of their income has been spend to meet other basic requirement. 7.1.3.1 Young generation wastes their valuable money: Survey covered on 180 subscribers found that out of 180 consumers around 43.89% subscribers agreed very strongly, 31.11% subscribers simply agreed that young generations are wasting their valuable money by excessive using mobile phone. The number of subscribers who disagree with this statement is lower (16.11%) than those who agreed. They have also the comments that in this inflation period it is not feasible for young generations to use excessively mobile phone other than only important purpose.

[Fig No: 7.9: Mobile phone causes wastage of money by young generation] [AS=Agreed Strongly, AFS=Agreed Fairly Strongly, A=Agreed, D=Disagreed, DFS=Disagreed Fairly Strongly, DS=Disagreed Strongly, DK=Don’t Know]

7.1.3.2 Young generation wastes their productive time: The time of student life seems to be most valuable for all juveniles. According to the opinion of guardians at the present time young generations are merely wasting their productive time for trifling issues i.e. for making unnecessary phone calls. More specifically most of the operators offers special reduced tariff during off-peak and super off-peak hour (usually from12am-7/9am tariffs are BDT 0.25/0.29/0.30/0.60). The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        59

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

Around 33.89% subscribers are in strong opinion and 35.00% subscriber simply corroborates this claim and only 15.6% subscriber disagrees with this claim.

[Fig No. 7.10: Mobile phone causes wastage of time by young generation] [AS=Agreed Strongly, AFS=Agreed Fairly Strongly, A=Agreed, D=Disagreed, DFS=Disagreed Fairly Strongly, DS=Disagreed Strongly, DK=Don’t Know]

7.1.4 Negative social impact: Apart from most of the positive social and economic impacts the usage of mobile phone incorporates negative social aspects also. 7.1.4.1 Mobile phone creates problem among family members: There is another problem with using mobile phone that it creates problem within the family members. In fact there are some reasons for this. Lack of mutual trust, doubting for unexpected use etc. are mentionable. There creates quarrel between guardians and off-springs, between husband and wife. But as it increases social cohesion, so the majority of the respondent disagree with the statement that mobile phone increases family problem between family members.

[Fig No. 7.11: Mobile phone creates family problem] The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        60

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

Figure 7.11 also states that 45% subscriber disagreed with the statement. However, 21% subscriber thought that usage of mobile phone increases or creates problem among family members.

7.2 Impact of mobile phone: Trader subscriber perspective 7.2.1 Negative economic impact: Before the introduction of ERS service most of the traders secured a very good profit from their business. But at present for two reasons there is a declining tendency of traders about this business i.e. too much availability of this business and lower commission from ERS service.

[Fig No. 7.12: Traders response to this business]

Figure 7.12 shows that 40.83% traders response to this business is medium i.e. they neither strongly supports this business nor they can abandon this business having no other better business option. 37.5% traders’ response to this business is very low. 7.3 Physical problems using mobile phone: As a rational and social element of society mobile phone subscribers will have to think about its physical impacts on human body. Out of 180 subscribers under consideration around 43.89% and 31.11% agrees that young generations are wasting money by excessive using mobile phone. They are also in opinion that about 33.89% and 35.00% firmly agrees that young generations are wasting their productive time by excessive using mobile phone. As the villagers know that their off-springs are wasting time and money but they are not quite familiar with what are the detrimental effects of microwave radiation exerts from base transceiver station (BTS) on mobile phone user. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        61

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

Research on the physical impact of mobile phone reveals by developed countries shows very alarming signals for human health. Let us see what the recent researches tell in this regard. i) The microwave radiation from mobile phones has harmful effects at intensity levels far below the official safety threshold values. This is confirmed by a considerable body of evidence. The radiation of the mobile phones is adapted to these far too high threshold values. This means that your mobile phone radiation is strong enough to exert harmful influences on your brain and other tissues even at normal usage. ii) A German study found a threefold higher frequency of cancer among people living in the vicinity (400 m) of a GSM base station compared to people living further away from the antenna. The risk for mammary cancer was 3/4 times greater and the average age of contracting this disease was considerably lower, 50.8 years than in the control group (69.9 years). The frequency increased also the longer people had been exposed to the radiation. The study covered a ten year long period (1994-2004), starting the year after the installation of the base station. Before the installation of the base station, there was no difference in cancer incidence between people living in the vicinity of the (future) base station and the control area. iii) Recent research also exerts ample and unequivocal evidence that microwave radiation damages DNA. It has also been established beyond doubt in experimental studies that DNA damage increases cancer risk. This study adds to several others indicating that the DNA damage from microwaves brings about a considerable increase of cancer risk among people exposed to the radiation. iv) Researchers from the “Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority” in Finland compared the mobile phone use of 1,521 people with brain cancer (glioma) with that of 3,301 healthy people. When they looked only at people who had used a mobile for 10 years or more, they found that they were 39 per cent more likely than average to get a glioma on the side of their head where they held their handset. v) Hungarian scientists have found 30% sperm decrease in intensive mobile phone users. In addition the sperms were damaged. The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        62

Impact analysis of mobile phone service on rural people

vi) Three European research groups in separate studies have found an increased risk of brain tumors in people who have used the phones for 10 years or more. Two of the studies found a correlation between the tumor's location and the side of the head where people reported they held the phone. One also suggests the greatest risk is in people who began using the phones before age 20. And it is known to all that this brain tumour eventually turns toward brain cancer. vii) Nerve cell damage in mammalian brain after exposure to microwaves from GSM mobile phones. One will be horrified about the impact of excessive use of mobile phone if he/she will see the status of his/her brain between two periods (before and after mobile phone use). Figure 7.13 shows the consequence of mobile phone use between two periods on human brain:

[Fig 7.13: Adverse effect of BTS radiation on human brain]

Exposed animals, were much more likely to have albumin leaking from blood vessels in inappropriate locations. This shows as dark dots in the exposed brain above on the right. So young generations should be very restrictive in case of using mobile phone as prescribed by the European research that there is great possibility of brain cancer who starts mobile phone use before 20 years age. Apart from social and economic problems associated with mobile phone use the users should also concentrate on its physical demerits because the user will be the ultimate victim of this catastrophe.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh                                        63

Summary of findings 

   

Chapter 8: Summary of findings It is necessary for any research work to show its various findings in a nutshell. Summary of findings helps reader to realize the most outstanding achievement from the study and the actual scenario of the study area. Key findings from the study area are as follows: 1. 25% subscribers communication cost with their relatives has been substantially reduced from BDT 400-500 to BDT 100-200 after mobile phone use. 2. 9.5% subscribers communication cost with trade partners has been reduced from BDT 400-500 to BDT 100-200 after mobile phone use. 3. 3.4% traders product marketing cost has been reduced from BDT 400-500 to BDT 100-200 after mobile phone use. 4. 48.9% subscriber strongly believes that usage of mobile phone enhances social cohesion in their society. 5. 45.6% subscriber disagreed that usage of mobile phone creates problem among family members. While 21.1% subscriber agreed that usage of mobile phone creates problem among family members but this number is less than those who disagreed with this statement. 6. Since a great portion of subscriber can not operate their handset properly, they (42.2%) use their handset for being user friendly. 7. 62.2% subscriber in the study area do not know about the internet service provided by their operator. 8. Those (112 out of 180 subscriber) who knows about internet service use it for entertainment purpose (81.1%). 9. 33.9% subscriber strongly confess that young generations are wasting their time especially at night by using mobile phone. 10. 43.9% subscriber agreed strongly that young generations are wasting their money using mobile phone. 11. In the study area 46.7% respondent is the subscriber of Banglalink, 36.7% of Grameen Phone, 11.7% of Citycell, 2.2% of Teletalk, 1.7% of Aktel and 1.1% of Warid.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

  64 

Summary of findings 

   

12. In rural areas, the 47.8% subscribers use their preferred connection for network facility, 40.6% for lower call rate and 7.2% for better customer care service. 13. 78.3% trader does not deserve the capability to reinvest in their business. 14. 37.5% trader choose mobile phone related business as a better job from rural perspective. 15. 40.8% traders put their view in medium manner about response to this business by themselves. 37.5% traders have low response to this business.  

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

  65 

Recommendations and conclusion 

 

Chapter 9: Recommendations and conclusion 9.1 Recommendations: Science and technology makes general peoples life easier than ever. Yet it has some obstacles due to which the poor and grass root sect can not become the expected beneficiary from this service. Here recommendations have been outlined regarding improvement of telecommunication service in rural perspective which will both serve the rural people as well as service provider. As every problems have specific solutions, the problem found related to mobile phone also have some solution. In order to lessen the misuse of mobile phone, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication as per the recommendation of BTRC makes mandatory to re-register their connection if it was purchased before February 28, 2006. Some of the recommendations are as follows: 1. Though the present tariff is lower as compared with tariff before two or three years ago, the mobile phone tariff rate should be redesign with a view to accelerating greater access of rural people into mobile telephony system. 2. There should be very well defined rules and regulations in case of purchasing new mobile phone connection for young generations so as to reduce the misuse of mobile phone related social problems. 3. The commission profit for the ERS service provider should be more. Before the inception of ERS, the traders got BDT 15 for selling prepaid card of BDT 300, but by providing ERS service of BDT 300 gives them commission of BDT 8.10. There are lacs of trader in the villages serving the people but can not assure their expected return. 4. There is a diminishing tendency in ERS or M2M business as the profit margin is lower in comparison with investment and now this business has established here and there. So, the operators should pay more attention towards the interest of traders. 5. The mobile phone companies should withdraw their reduced off-peak tariff at late night. This causes loss of their time and harmful for health to the young generations and If the operators wish to provide lower tariff then they can provide it in day time when general people requires it most.

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone service on rural people in Bangladesh

66

Recommendations and conclusion 

 

6. Most of the villagers are not acquainted with internet service on mobile phone. Study shows that 62.22% out of 180 subscriber in rural areas are not aware about the internet service. The service provider should take proper initiative to provide their all services at the door step of subscriber. 7. In the competitive telecom market VAS is the another good source of revenue for telecom operators. But people in rural areas do not know what are VASs provided by mobile phone operators. There are health service from GrameenPhone, Namaz alert service from Banglalink and the great collection of VAS from Warid. Operators should take steps so that people frequently avails those VASs. 8. Around 20% subscribers were found that they use more than one connection having single handset. They do so for reduced tariff in different times. Technical experts are in the opinion that it causes problem to handset by frequently switching off and switching on of mobile phone. So, tariff should be fixed within the ability of all sects of valued subscriber. 9. Telecommunication service in Bangladesh involves no fixed-to-mobile fees from BTTB to the mobile operators and involves above-cost mobile-to-fixed interconnection fees. This interconnection rate is higher in Bangladesh amongst Asian countries. These interconnection rate should be reduced so as to making more phone calls to fixed phone. 10. There is artificial restriction on making international call. Every international calls are gone through BTTB. By selling connections, the mobile operators create opportunities for the expatriate community to call home, thereby generating revenues for Bangladesh. By denying the operators due reward, this reduces their incentives to increase penetration. So, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication Affairs should redesign the international call tariff for frequent access by every people. 11. The harmful websites should be controlled using powerful software so that those can not be viewed to the young and other people through internet use by handset. 12. Further study in this issue will be needed to derive maximum benefits from mobile phone service both for the economy and rural people.

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67

Recommendations and conclusion 

 

9.2 Conclusion: In this study an attempt is made to understand and interpret the socio-economic impacts of mobile phone. The empirical findings obtained from the field survey are used to analyze the socio-economic status of general subscriber and trader subscriber. National survey in this issue has not been conducted yet. But this study has revealed that their communication pattern has been changed from the period when they did not owned any mobile phone. Study from rural perspective about mobile phone service exerts the overall mobile phone usage scenario of the country. Mobile phone service is a great windfall for the people of our country. It has completely changed the communication behaviour for all class of people who requires it. One the one hand it reduces time requirement to communicate and communication cost on the other. Though mobile phone service in our country has been improved than two to three years ago but the participation from rural areas has not increased remarkably. People from different economic strata used it irrespective of higher call rate in comparison their income and other household expenditure. However, being poor economic base, the general subscriber incurred 6.52% and trader subscriber 5.65% cost for mobile phone purpose from their household expenditure. In 2005 mobile penetration rate in Bangladesh was at 6% and now it has been growing rapidly. Higher mobile penetration increases and will increase employment opportunity, social cohesion, productivity in different sector which in turn increase GDP. Due to various attractive offers provided by the operators there becomes a great possibility of misusing this communication tool. Since the number of subscriber from student community is gradually increasing so both the government and the guardians should be very careful regarding the unexpected misuse of mobile phone. In a rural based economy to ensure more revenue from subscriber, the operators should have to give attention to the expectation of rural people by providing VASs that will meet their day-to-day information requirement. As lacs of mobile phone related businessman has been continuing their business which helps the operators to provide the service to the grassroots so the operators should have to preserve traders’ interest for the sake of traders and for their own interest. The working procedure of operators should be very much transparent and be properly regulated by BTRC.    The socio-economic impact of mobile phone service on rural people in Bangladesh

68

References 

 

References Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 2006, Bangladesh Population Census, 2001, Zila: Khulna Zila Series. Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka: Statistics Division, Planning Commission. Bangladesh

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www.bbs.gov.bd/zdetail.php.htm. (accessed March 15, 2008) Bangladesh ICTD4 Network (2006): Internet address: http://bangladeshictpolicy.bytesforall.net/?q=blog Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (2008). Internet address:

http://www.btrc.gov.bd/newsandevents/mobile_phone_subscribers.php

(accessed March 8, 2008) Banglalink GSM (Sheba Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd.) (2008). Internet address: http://www.banglalinkgsm.com/html1/our_shared.php (accessed March 4, 2008) Banglapedia (2006). Internet address: http://www.banglapedia.org/english/index/index.htm and http://www.banglapedia.org/HT/K_0247.HTM (accessed March 24, 2008) Budde (2008). Internet address: http://www.budde.com.au/reports/browseByRegion.aspx Cellular

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news.com/story/15902.php#nogo Cohen, Navin. 2001, What Works: Grameen Telecom’s Village Phones, The World Resources Institute. Dasgupta, Susmita; Lall, Somik; Wheeler, David, Policy Reform, Economic Growth, and the Digital Divide: An Econometric Analysis, Development Research Group, World Bank. Encyclopedia

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www.wikipedia.org (accessed March4, 2008) Flor, Alexander G., Information and Communication Opportunities for Technology Transfer and Linkages. Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA) (2008). Internet address: www.gsmworld.com/digitaldivide/index/shtml (accessed March 8, 2008) Grameenphone (2007). Internet address: http://www.grameenphone.com/index.php?id=62 (accessed March 4, 2008) The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

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Inderscience (2008). Internet address: http://inderscience.metapress.com/ app/home/linking.asp (accessed March 1, 2008) Intel Econ Research (2007). Internet address: http://www.inteleconresearch.com/pages/reports.html ITFacts

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facts.biz/index.php?id=P5863 (accessed August 22, 2007) Kumar, Ranjit. 1996. Research Methodology: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners. Addison Wesley Longman Australia Pty Limited (pp 73). Lane, Barney; Sweet, Susan; Lewin, David; Sephton, Josie; Petini, Ioanna; The economic and social benefits of mobile services in Bangladesh, 2006 Ovum. Light Reading (2008). Internet address: http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=119439&table_number=1&p age_number=&site= (accessed March 8, 2008) Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Ltd. (2008). Internet address: http://www.citycell.com/script/../index.php (accessed March 8, 2008) Physicians of

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x

Appendices 

 

Appendix I

Economics Discipline Khulna University, Khulna

Schedule for the subscriber on The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh The information will be used solely for study purpose

ID No:

Date: ......................

Social perspective: 1. Name of the subscriber: 2. Demographic information: 

Address

Age Sex

Family member

Occupation

Educational status

 

 

 

 

 

 

Educational status (0= illiterate, 1= 5 pass, 2= 8 pass, 3= SSC pass, 4= HSC pass, 5= Degree pass, 6= MA pass, 7= others)

3. Before using mobile phone how can you communicate with your relatives? ………………………………………………………………………………..

Social Psychological perspective:               1

2 3 4 5 6 7

→ Agreed strongly (AS)  → Agreed fairly strongly (AFS) → Agreed (A) → Disagreed (D) → Disagreed fairly strongly (DFS) → Disagreed strongly (DS) → Do not know (DK)

 

1. Do you think by using mobile phone your social cohesion increase? AS 1

AFS 2

A 3

D 4

DFS 5

DS 6

DK 7

2. Do you think by excessive use of mobile phone young generations are wasting their productive time? AS 1

AFS 2

A 3

D 4

DFS 5

DS 6

DK 7

3. Do you think mobile phone service creates family problem among family members? AS 1

AFS 2

A 3

D 4

DFS 5

DS 6

DK 7

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

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Appendices 

 

4. Do you think young generations are wasting their money by using mobile phone service? AS 1

AFS 2

A 3

D 4

DFS 5

DS 6

DK 7

5. Do you feel your social status has increased by using mobile phone service? AS 1

AFS 2

A 3

D 4

DFS 5

DS 6

DK 7

Economic perspective: 1. Expenditure for different purposes: a) Household expenditure (per month in BDT): Food Clothing Shelter Education Health

Mobile

Others

b) Expenditure for transportation with relatives (per month in BDT): Mobile phone usage

Cost incurred for communication (BDT)

100-200

200-300

300-400

400-500

500-600

600-700

700-800

800-900

100-200

200-300

300-400

400-500

500-600

600-700

700-800

800-900

After using mobile phone

900-1000

0

phone

0

Before using mobile

900-1000

status

c) Expenditure for transportation with trade partners (per month in BDT): Mobile phone usage

Cost incurred for communication (BDT)

100-200

200-300

300-400

400-500

500-600

600-700

700-800

800-900

100-200

200-300

300-400

400-500

500-600

600-700

700-800

800-900

After using mobile phone

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

900-1000

0

phone

0

Before using mobile

900-1000

status

xii 

Appendices 

 

d) Expenditure for product marketing (per month in BDT): Mobile phone usage

Cost incurred for communication (BDT)

100-200

200-300

300-400

400-500

500-600

600-700

700-800

800-900

100-200

200-300

300-400

400-500

500-600

600-700

700-800

800-900

After using mobile phone

900-1000

0

phone

0

Before using mobile

900-1000

status

2. Savings (per month in BDT) □ 100-200 □ 200-300 □ 300-400 □ 400-500 3. The name of your mobile service provider □ Aktel □ Banglalink □ Citycell □Grameen phone □ Warid □ Teletalk 4. Why are you using this connection? □ Network facility □ Call rate □ Better customer service 5. Why do not you change this operator service? □ Low tariff □ Problem of changing number □ Special facility of the package 6. Time spent for your business before using the mobile phone: ……………………………………………………………….. 7. Time spent for your business after use of mobile phone: ………………………………………………………………. 8. Do you know about the mobile phone internet service? □ Yes □ No 9. If yes, then what is the purpose of using this service? □ For knowing the business information □ For communicating □ Others……… 10. What is the name of your handset? ……………………… 11. Why are you using this handset? □ Low price □ Easy using □ Handset plus SIM facility □ Availability □ special features □ Others

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

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Appendices 

 

Economics Discipline

Appendix II

Khulna University, Khulna Schedule for the traders engaged in mobile phone service on The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh The information will be used solely for study purpose

ID No:

Date:.....................

Social perspective: 1. Name of the subscriber: 2. Demographic information: Address 

Age 

 

 

Sex   

Family member   

Educational status   

Educational status (0= illiterate, 1= 5 pass, 2= 8 pass, 3= SSC pass, 4= HSC pass, 5= Degree pass, 6= MA pass, 7= others)

Economic perspective: 1. Household expenditure: Food Clothing

Shelter

Education

Health

Mobile

Others

Total

2. Savings (per month BDT) □ 100-200 □ 200-300 □ 300-400 □ 400-500 3. Type of business□ SIM seller □ Handset seller □ Grocery/departmental store or other business with M2M service  M2M / i’top-up / flexiload / telecharge / easyload  Mobile phone accessories seller  SIM+handset+M2M / i’top-up / flexiload / telecharge / easyload 4. Initial capital……………….BDT 5. Business expenditure (per month in BDT): Rent/govt. tax of the shop

Employee salary

Utility payment

Total

6. Business earnings (per month in BDT): The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

xiv 

Appendices 

 

Selling handset

Share of % from ERS

Selling mobile accessories

Total

(ERS= Electronic Retail Service) 7. Profit from business □ 1000-2000 □ 2000-3000 □ 3000-4000 □ 4000-5000 8. Investment for other purpose from this profit. □ Yes

□ No

9. Amount of investment from the profit? ………………..............…… 10. What is the return of the investment? …………………………….. 11. Why are you interested to involve in this business? □ Reasonable income □ Job security □ Better job in rural area □ others…......... 12. What do you think about peoples’ response to this business? □ High □ Medium □ Low

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

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Appendices 

  Appendix III

Study area: Rupsa Upazila (Khulna District) 

   

 

Study area: Terokhada Upazila (Khulna District)

        The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

xvi 

Appendices 

 

Study area: Dumuria Upazila (Khulna District)

   

 

Study area: Batiaghata Upazila (Khulna District)

         

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

xvii 

Appendices 

 

Study area: Rampal Upazila (Bagerhat District)

 

 

Study area: Wazirpur Upazila (Barisal District)

 

 

Study area: Alamdanga Upazila (Chuadanga District)

  The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

xviii 

Appendices 

 

Study area: Gazipur Sadar Upazila (Gazipur District)

   

Study area: Kaligonj Upazila (Lalmonirhat District)

  

The socio-economic impact of mobile phone services on rural people in Bangladesh

 

xix