Mobile development

Yes, mobile phones have an enormous impact on economic development. Why is this still news though? There is a horrendous public misperception on the uses and economic benefits associated with mobile phone use, especially with regards to the poorest segments of (all) societies. It has been remarkably difficult for the telecommunications industry, as well as the media in general, to relay this truth to public opinion. Part of the problem is that, while organizations like the BBC report justly on the benefits accrued from deploying mobile networks in developing countries, the relevant policy makers (read: governments and the UN umbrella) fail to highlight this issue - they would rather use a conference like WSIS to fight over control of the internet.