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Typhoon Rai Response: The Role of the Mobile Industry

Zoe Hamilton, Clara Aranda

GSMA (2022), 8 pp.

"Typhoon Rai has proven to be one of the most damaging disasters to have hit the Philippines. However, around 400 lives were lost due to Typhoon Rai compared to disasters like Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, when 6,300 people died. The significantly lower number of deaths highlights the country’s experien ... more

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Digital Access and Barriers in Displacement-Affected Communities in White Nile, Sudan: Results of a Connectivity Needs and Usage Assessment (CoNUA) by the Norwegian Refugee Council, the GSMA and REACH Initiative

Penelope Caswell, Matthew Drowner

London: GSMA (2022), 38 pp.

"This report shares findings on the access and use of mobile technology among South Sudanese refugees and the communities that host them in three areas of White Nile, Sudan. White Nile is a state in southern Sudan sharing a border and refugee crossing points with South Sudan. It is home to nearly 70 ... more

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Digital Switchover in Sub-Saharan Africa: Bringing Low-Band Connectivity Within Reach

GSMA (2022), 42 pp.

"Digital switchover (DSO) allows countries to use less broadcast spectrum due to the greater efficiency of digital terrestrial television (DTT). By improving spectral efficiency in this way, countries can reallocate spectrum for mobile broadband. At the same time, consumers can enjoy a broader array ... more

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Making Internet-Enabled Phones More Affordable in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Anne Delaporte

London: GSMA (2022), 43 pp.

"This report provides an overview of approaches and business models that are improving the affordability of handsets for various underserved populations in LMICs. It explores some of the nuances among these groups, considerations for meeting their different needs and variations between markets in Su ... more

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The AI Ethics Playbook: Implementing Ethical Principles Into Everyday Business

GSMA (2022), 37 pp.

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The Digital Worlds of Displacement-Affected Communities: A Cross-Context Study of How People Affected by Displacement Use Mobile Phones
Deep Insights

GSMA; UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) (2022), 76 pp.

"Through in-depth qualitative research and a survey to confirm and quantify findings, this study aims to provide a more holistic understanding of how displacement-affected communities in three humanitarian settings are using their mobile phones. These settings were chosen to provide a variety of per ... more

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The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2021
Deep Insights

Anne Delaporte, Kalvin Bahia et al.

GSMA (2021), 66 pp.

"Six years ago, about a third of the world’s population were using mobile internet. Today, it is more than half. Despite this progress, the pandemic has highlighted how big gaps in connectivity persist, even in high-income markets. 3.8 billion people still do not have access to the internet – du ... more

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Évaluation des besoins et de l’usage de la connectivité dans les contextes humanitaires: Guide d’utilisation de la Boîte à Outils

London: GSMA (2021), 39 pp.

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Developing Mobile Digital Skills in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Lani Jacobs

London: GSMA (2021), 16 pp.

External Link (194)

2021 Mobile Industry Impact Report: Sustainable Development Goals

London: GSMA (2021), 61 pp.

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Developing guidelines for cash transfers in Somalia

Jaki Mebur, Belinda Baah, Ken Okong'o

London: GSMA (2021), 28 pp.

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Humanitarian Connectivity Needs and Usage Assessment: A Toolkit to Support in Assessing the Current and Potential Use of Mobile Technology and Connectivity in Humanitarian Crises

London: GSMA (2021), 14 pp.

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Digital solutions for a circular electronics value chain: A thought paper for International E-Waste Day 2021

Yondeen Sherpa, Deepali Sinha

Geneva; Brussels: ITU; WEEE Forum; GSMA; Sofies Group (2021), 38 pp.

"This paper has shown the diverse application of digital technologies across the electronics value chain, from raw material production and EEE manufacturing to post-consumer e-waste collection, logistics and recycling. Around the world, there is growing interest in digital technologies - particularl ... y AI, robotics, cloud computing, the IoT and blockchain - as tools to strengthen and support a circular electronics value chain from operational and logistical tasks to communication. Digital solutions were found in all stages of the EEE value chain, with some in widespread use. However, globally, technologies are being applied at various scales and in a heterogenous nature. Digital solutions were also found to be largely aimed at the optimization of existing business processes for improved efficiency. Digital solutions were found to address the challenges observed in the electronics value chain. They bridge the information gap between stakeholders by building connectivity and communication channels, as well as between devices, facilitating vital information exchange, including tracking, and monitoring of materials and e-waste flows. Digital technologies such as collection applications and online marketplaces provide consumers with the convenience and incentives to turn in their e-waste. Given the logistical requirements of the value chain and the large amount of EEE and e-waste in circulation, digitalisation leverages data analysis to maximize resources, and optimize processes by increasing efficiency and reducing costs. With the emergence of highly automated or autonomous systems, digital technologies can contribute to the improvement of worker health and safety through improved handling of hazardous materials, as well as increase the efficiency and speed of sorting large quantities of EEE and e-waste, increasing the purity of the waste stream and the amount recycled. As functionality and sophistication of digital technologies increase, solutions are more likely to be employed to access data in real time, design new products and services, and with it, transform business models towards circularity. With the extent of digitalisation varying considerably between and within countries, as well as between private and public entities, it should be noted that digital solutions require resources and an enabling ecosystem to be effectively rolled out across the electronics value chain. Elements such as equal access to digital infrastructure and digital skills, financial viability of the digital applications, the opportunity for public-private partnerships, as well as data security and privacy provisions are important factors in the effectiveness of digital solutions. Furthermore, countries with fledgling e-waste management systems and linear electronics value chains, particularly in LMICs, need to prioritize strengthening linkages between stakeholders and creating robust and circular electronics value chains as a first step. This paper has shown that the electronics value chain and the necessary shift towards a circular economy, can benefit from and be enabled by the use of digital solutions, especially for waste prevention, more transparent producer responsibility and supporting consumer participation. In assessing the potential of digital solutions to strengthen and support the transition towards a circular electronics value chain, it is important to note that such an evolution needs to be complemented with continuing research and efforts to understand its impact on the electronics value chain and its stakeholders, considering the most vulnerable such as those working in the informal sector. Digitalisation comes with numerous benefits, but an unregulated space can alienate some of those involved and potentially underscore inequalities, infringe on privacy and even create more e-waste. Attention should also be paid to the environmental impact of digital technology solutions, from the resources needed for device production, energy consumption during use, and e-waste generation from the solutions themselves. It is important that stakeholders adopting digital solutions consider that they are designed for longevity, taking into consideration the need of future software upgrades, and designed for efficient repair, reuse or refurbishment." (Conclusion) more

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Building and Strengthening Digital Ecosystems in Humanitarian Contexts

Belinda Baah, Zoe Hamilton

London: GSMA (2021), 24 pp.

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The Climate Crisis: Mobile-Enabled Solutions in Humanitarian Emergencies

Jenny Casswell, Zoe Hamilton

London: GSMA (2021), 27 pp.

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COVID-19 and Digital Humanitarian Action: Trends, Risks and the Path Forward

Zoe Hamilton

London: GSMA (2021), 36 pp.

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Informal Youth Employment in the Mobile Industry in Sub-Saharan Africa

Nigham Shahid, Oliver Reynolds

London: GSMA (2021), 48 pp.

External Link (196)

Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund: Portfolio (2017-2022)

London: GSMA (2021), 28 pp.

External Link (269)

National Emergency Telecommunications Plans: Enablers and Safeguards. A Brief Evaluation Guide for Policy Practitioners

Ken Okong'o

London: GSMA (2021), 16 pp.

"Section 1 focuses on creating an enabling environment. Mobile network operators (MNOs) operate in a regulated environment.5 However, if this environment is not sufficiently enabling to support disaster preparedness, response and recovery, MNOs will encounter challenges when disaster strikes. This s ... more

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Connected Society: Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit. A guide for training people in basic mobile internet skills

London: GSMA (2021), 29 pp.

The Digital Worlds of Displacement-Affected Communities: A Cross-Context Study of How People Affected by Displacement Use Mobile Phones Deep Insights

The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2021 Deep Insights

The Digital Worlds of Displacement-Affected Communities: A Cross-Context Study of How People Affected by Displacement Use Mobile Phones
Deep Insights

The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2021
Deep Insights