A study on usage of mobile phones recently reported that more than 4.1B subscription exist with the highest growth seen in less developed economies, compared to 1B subscriptions in 2002. This proves the point that people in general values mobility and freedom, at least in communications. Compared to fix network where there are around 1.2B subscription, mobile usage have increased dramatically in the last 6 years. On this increase wealth is created by both mobile network operators and vendors (maybe not Nortel who recently filed for bankruptcy).
Mobile operators and vendors are cashing in this current boom and there's no let down in the foreseeable future. The real winner of course are the rural and poorer areas of the world where for generations have never experienced the benefits of technology. Suddenly all this areas can access mobile telecommunications, just imagine how much their lives have change. The question is it a change for the better or is it a change to that loses their cultural identity.
Progress is a good thing and with the help of mobile telecommunications the advancement is accelerated to a very fast pace. However do mobile operators or system vendors contribute their share to improve the way of life in this poorer parts of the world? Or do they explore the money making opportunities and exploit it? Each mobile operator has their own corporate culture, the challenge is who would provide more help to poor communities compared to the financial benefits they reap.
I understand that business is business however business can also be socially responsible. Who is up to the challenge?
6 comments:
Some operators today donate to charities or have their own charities. Is this enough to be called responsible operators?
Most companies donate to charities since they can write off the amount on their taxes, so it is actually a financial incentive to them- The real responsibility is how can operators give back to the community like creating more jobs and opportunities... maybe even micro loans.
Turkcell is very good model for creating social responsibility projects.
1-Establishing call centers to the poor areas in the country and create job opportunity for the young people living over there
2- Life Bridge project: 100.000 children exchange for summer holiday between cities from all over the country.
3-Snowdrop project: a fund for the education of girls whose families can not efford.
4- Life Tree: This is a voluntary company employee organisation. Some amount of money from the salary is transferred to the fund for many aid organisation.
Turkcell seems to be good where it benefit the most from such contribution. Should the company not match the employee contribution to Life Tree? Furthermore would they rather explore helping the community where they do not directly benefit?
Life Tree Forest is organised by Turkcell Voluntary Group.The company doesn't involve but gives support. Turkcell does not benefit directly since the group activities are not published in newspapers and can not be used as an advertisement material.
Good but you said it is an employee initiative not a company initiative. Or not?
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